Secure Thermal Case for Automotive Sensing Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sensing devices in automotive environments face challenges with temperature control, security, and power management, particularly when affixed to windshields, as they are prone to overheating due to solar radiation, tampering, and limited battery life, while also needing to maintain communication functionality.

Innovation Solution

A secure, temperature-controlled case with a thermal spreader and heat sink, integrated blower fan, and power management system that allows for efficient heat dissipation and secure attachment to vehicle surfaces, minimizing the use of metallic components to maintain RF communication functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the sensing device is affixed to the windshield for optimal sensing position, then the sensing capability is improved, but the device is exposed to solar radiation causing overheating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing capabilityVSAvoiddevice temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

A case is introduced as an intermediary structure between the sensing device and the windshield environment. The case includes thermal management components (heat sink, thermal spreader, blower fan) that mediate the thermal interaction, allowing the device to maintain its optimal windshield position while protecting it from solar radiation overheating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The case converts the harmful solar radiation exposure into a controlled thermal management system. The solar radiation that would otherwise directly overheat the device is now managed through the case's thermal components, which dissipate heat through convection (blower fan) and conduction (thermal spreader to heat sink), turning the harmful exposure into a manageable thermal challenge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If a secure case is used to prevent tampering and theft, then security is improved, but heat dissipation is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidheat dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The case serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides security (preventing tampering and theft), thermal management (heat dissipation through blower fan and heat sink), and structural protection. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the security case also the thermal management system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The security case and thermal management system are merged into a single integrated structure. The case body, heat sink, blower fan, and power management components are combined into one unified device housing, eliminating the need for separate security and thermal control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If metallic components are used for structural strength, then mechanical strength is improved, but RF communication functionality is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidRF communication functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The case utilizes composite material construction, combining non-conductive materials (such as plastics or polymers) with strategic metallic reinforcement only where structural strength is critical. This allows the case to maintain structural integrity while minimizing RF signal interference, as non-conductive materials do not block radio frequency communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Productivity

If the device operates continuously for data collection, then data acquisition is improved, but battery life is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata acquisitionVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power management system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor battery status, device temperature, and data collection progress. This allows the system to dynamically adjust operational parameters (such as processing intensity, transmission frequency, or cooling activation) to maximize data acquisition within available battery capacity, extending effective operational duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 manages temperature, prevents tampering, and extends battery life, ensuring reliable operation and data collection while maintaining communication integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal spreader in contact with at least a portion of the sensing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

integrated blower fan

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11041742B2Secure thermally-managed case for a sensing device

Publication Date: 2021.06.22 LYFT INC

AI summary

In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a temperature-controlled enclosure for a sensing device comprising insulating air gaps, a fan, and a heatsink. The enclosure maintains the sensing device within a desired operating temperature range while operating in automotive environments with high ambient temperatures and solar radiation. The enclosure is configured to be securely affixed to an automobile interior and has a configuration of temperature-control systems which allows for unimpeded functioning of the sensing device's communications hardware.