Portable Power Supply Venting for Cooling and Moisture Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The internal temperature of power supplies can increase due to extended use and exposure to solar irradiation, leading to potential overheating issues.
Innovation Solution
A portable power supply design featuring a housing with air inlets and outlets, airflow redirection, and optional fan systems to manage temperature through controlled airflow paths and moisture drainage, enhancing cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air outlets are left open for cooling, then heat dissipation is improved, but moisture accumulation and rain ingress occur
Solution Approach 1:
A drainage trough is introduced as an intermediary component between the air outlets and the internal cavity. This trough captures moisture and rain that enters through the air outlets and directs it to drainage openings, allowing the air outlets to remain open for cooling while preventing moisture accumulation inside the power supply housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The air outlet system is segmented into multiple functional elements: air outlets for cooling airflow, drainage openings for moisture egress, and a drainage trough for collecting and channeling water. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, resolving the conflict between heat dissipation and moisture prevention.
2Temperature
If air outlets face upward for passive cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but rain and debris ingress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The upward-facing orientation of air outlets, which initially seems to invite rain and debris ingress, is converted into a benefit by the addition of a drainage trough. The trough utilizes gravity to channel water and debris away from the internal cavity, transforming the harmful effect of upward airflow into an effective drainage system that enhances both cooling and protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If housing is sealed to prevent moisture ingress, then protection is improved, but heat dissipation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing design transitions from a static sealed structure to a dynamic system with controlled openings. Air outlets provide pathways for cooling airflow while drainage troughs and openings dynamically manage moisture egress. This dynamic approach allows the housing to simultaneously achieve moisture protection and heat dissipation by adapting to different operational conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively regulates temperature and moisture within the power supply, preventing overheating and extending its operational lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment is configured to at least partially cover each of the air outlets such that airflow exiting the air outlets travels a circuitous path
Implementation Method 2
The upper portion further includes a drainage trough, the ridge disposed between the drainage trough and the air outlet
Implementation Method 3
The fan is coupled to the housing. The fan is configured to force airflow through the airflow passage
Implementation Method 4
The housing includes an upper portion, a lower portion, a plurality of air inlets defined in the lower portion, and a plurality of air outlets defined in the upper portion
Data Source
AI summary
A portable power supply including a housing, at least one battery cell, a charger, and an attachment. The housing defines a cavity. The housing includes an upper portion, a lower portion, a plurality of air inlets defined in the lower portion, and a plurality of air outlets defined in the upper portion. The plurality of air inlets is in fluid communication with the cavity. The plurality of air outlets is in fluid communication with the cavity. The at least one battery cell is disposed in the cavity. The charger is electrically coupled with the battery cell. The attachment is coupled to the upper portion. The attachment is configured to at least partially cover each of the air outlets such that airflow exiting the air outlets travels a circuitous path.