Rotating Thermoelectric Module for Battery Endurance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, face power consumption issues due to increasing functionality, limiting battery endurance and requiring power-saving modes that inconvenience users, with external charging being cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device incorporating a thermoelectric conversion module with a rotating thermoelectric conversion element that can face either the internal heat generating elements or the external environment to generate electricity, enhancing battery charging and endurance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to improve power consumption, then endurance is improved, but housing space is limited by thin design trend
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the waste heat generated by the electronic device into useful electrical energy through thermoelectric conversion. The thermoelectric conversion element utilizes the temperature difference between the heat generating element and the external environment to generate electricity, thereby extending battery endurance without requiring additional housing space for larger batteries.
2Duration of action of moving object
If power saving mode is set to reduce power consumption, then endurance is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to lower screen brightness and closed functions
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides power through self-service by automatically converting waste heat into electrical energy during device operation. The thermoelectric conversion element continuously generates electricity from the temperature difference between internal heat generating elements and the external environment, eliminating the need for users to manually activate power-saving modes and maintain full device functionality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If external portable power source is used to charge the device, then power consumption problem is solved, but user convenience deteriorates due to carrying extra power source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for external portable power sources by converting the waste heat naturally generated during device operation into useful electrical energy. The thermoelectric conversion element is integrated into the device structure, allowing continuous self-charging during use without requiring users to carry or connect external power sources.
4Use of energy by moving object
If thermoelectric conversion element is fixed to face heat generating element, then heat reception efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different usage scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rotatable thermoelectric conversion element that can dynamically adjust its orientation between a first state (facing the heat generating element for efficient heat reception) and a second state (facing away to reduce heat interference). This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different usage scenarios while maintaining optimal heat reception efficiency when needed.
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 thermoelectric conversion module effectively extends the device's battery life by harnessing internal heat during use and external heat when idle, providing a convenient and efficient power supply without the need for external charging.
Implementation Method 1
the operation surface faces the main body and receives heat from the heat generating element, for the thermoelectric conversion element to generate electricity
Implementation Method 2
the back surface faces the main body and the operation surface receives heat from the external environment, for the thermoelectric conversion element to generate electricity
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a main body and a thermoelectric conversion module. The main body has a heat generating element therein. The thermoelectric conversion module includes a shell and a thermoelectric conversion element. The shell is assembled to the main body. The thermoelectric conversion element is pivoted on the shell and has an operation surface and a back surface opposite to each other. The thermoelectric conversion element is adapted to rotate between a first state and a second state relatively to the shell. When the thermoelectric conversion element is in the first state, the operation surface faces the main body and receives heat from the heat generating element, for the thermoelectric conversion element to generate electricity. When the thermoelectric conversion element is in the second state, the back surface faces the main body and the operation surface receives heat from external environment, for the thermoelectric conversion element to generate electricity.