Rotating Function Module Heat Dissipation via Uneven Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting devices face challenges with heat dissipation, leading to thermal degradation of light source units and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

A function module with a heat dissipator having an uneven shape on its second surface, thermally coupled to the illuminator, which increases the surface area for improved heat dissipation and includes a gap between the heat dissipator and the operation housing to facilitate heat release, along with elastic bodies to absorb impact and enhance portability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a conventional flat heat dissipator is used, then the structure is simple, but the heat dissipation efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidheat dissipator structure
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat dissipator surface is transformed from a flat two-dimensional plane to a three-dimensional uneven surface with protrusions and recesses. This dimensional change increases the effective surface area available for heat dissipation without significantly increasing the overall device volume, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency while maintaining structural compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat dissipator surface is segmented into multiple protrusions and recesses rather than remaining as a single flat plane. This segmentation creates numerous localized heat dissipation zones that can operate independently, increasing the total heat dissipation area and improving thermal management efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the function housing is made rotatable for improved portability, then the module becomes more versatile, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidhousing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The function housing is designed with rotational capability around a first rotation axis, transforming from a static structure to a dynamic one. This allows the housing to be rotated between a closed position (for compact storage and portability) and an open position (for operation), providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple hinge-based mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution effectively reduces thermal degradation of the light source unit, improves heat dissipation, and enhances the module's portability and operability by allowing easy attachment and detachment of the battery pack and handle.

Implementation Method 1

a heat dissipator (34) which is to be thermally coupled to the illuminator (331)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The heat dissipator (34) has an uneven shape including a recess (341) and a projection (342) formed on a second surface (32)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

which is configured to dissipate heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3690304B1Function module
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3690304B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3690304B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3690304B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A function module (1) having improved heat dissipation is provided. A function module (1) of the present disclosure includes: a function housing (3) and an operation housing (2). The function housing (3) has a first surface (31) and a second surface (32) on both sides in a thickness direction of the function housing (3). The function housing (3) includes an illuminator (331) whose light outgoing surface is the first surface (31). The operation housing (2) includes an operation section (23) configured to receive an operation for operating the illuminator (331). The operation housing (2) includes a first support (61) provided at one end in a prescribed direction (S) of the operation housing (2). The function housing (3) is supported at the first support (61) by the operation housing (2) to be rotatable about a first rotation axis (X) along a direction transverse to the prescribed direction (S). The function housing (3) is configured to rotate about the first rotation axis (X) to move between a closed position and an open position. The second surface (32) of the function housing (3) has a heat dissipator (34) which is to be thermally coupled to the illuminator (331).