Case for securing and cooling a mobile device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device cooling solutions are expensive, mechanically complex, large, unwieldy, and impractical for use while carrying and operating the device, failing to effectively address overheating issues.
Innovation Solution
A user-removable protective case with a thermally-conductive body containing refrigerant volumes and a thermally-resistant exterior, designed to securely hold and cool the device by direct contact with a refrigerant-filled cavity, featuring buttons and openings for device functionality, and a thermally-resistant material to prevent heat transfer to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If existing cooling devices are used to cool mobile devices, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity, size, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is merged with the protective case structure. The case body itself becomes the cooling device by incorporating refrigerant-filled chambers within the case walls, eliminating the need for separate cooling apparatus. This integration reduces overall system complexity while maintaining effective cooling of the mobile device.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective case serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection against impacts, acts as a cooling device through integrated refrigerant chambers, and offers thermal insulation to protect the user. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cooling devices, reducing complexity and size.
2Temperature
If existing cooling devices are used to cool mobile devices, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but portability and ease of use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is combined with the protective case, creating a single portable unit. The refrigerant chambers are integrated into the case structure, allowing the entire cooling system to be carried and used conveniently with the mobile device without separate cooling equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant chambers are pre-filled with refrigerant material that provides passive cooling. The case structure itself serves as the cooling mechanism, requiring no external power source, controls, or complex operation. Users simply attach the mobile device to the case and the cooling function activates automatically through thermal contact.
3Temperature
If refrigerant is used to cool the device, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but heat transfer to the user worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the case have different thermal properties. The inner surface contacting the mobile device is thermally conductive to efficiently remove heat, while the outer surface is covered with thermally-resistant material to prevent heat transfer to the user's hand. This localized differentiation of thermal characteristics solves the contradiction between effective cooling and user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermally-resistant material layer acts as an intermediary between the refrigerant-filled chambers and the user's hand. This intermediate layer blocks harmful heat transfer to the user while allowing the refrigerant to effectively cool the mobile device through the inner case surface.
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
The case efficiently cools the device by maintaining a low temperature for prolonged use, is portable and easy to use, protects against impacts, and maintains user comfort by insulating against refrigerant heat.
Implementation Method 1
The body encloses a first volume in the back wall and a second volume in the sidewall. The first volume and the second volume are each filled with a refrigerant.
Implementation Method 2
A thermally-resistant material is over the outer surface. The material on the case's outer surface prevents the temperature from being conducted to a user's hand grasping the material when hand-holding the case.
Data Source
AI summary
A case for a mobile device, including a perimetral sidewall extending between a back face and a screen, includes a body adapted to secure the mobile device and be hand-held by a user. The body has a sidewall extending outward from a back wall to a rim. The back wall and the sidewall define the body's an inner surface and outer surface. The inner surface forms a cavity configured to receive a mobile device through an opening encircled by the rim, the inner surface configured to contact the back face and surround and contact the perimetral sidewall, securing the mobile device when the cavity receives the mobile device through the opening. The body encloses a volume in the back wall, the volume filled with a refrigerant. The body additionally encloses a volume in the sidewall, the volume of the sidewall filled with a refrigerant.