Smart Globe Venting and Composite Support for Heat Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional globes and flat maps have limitations in effectively representing geographical data and providing interactive, immersive learning experiences, particularly in terms of user engagement and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A smart touchscreen globe with a secondary display device, featuring a spherically shaped primary touchscreen and a flat secondary touchscreen, integrated with various components like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and a support structure for enhanced airflow, allowing for interactive and immersive educational and research applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touchscreen globe is used to represent geographical data, then user engagement and immersion are improved, but heat generation and cooling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a forced air cooling system using a fan to circulate air through channels within the globe's structure. Air intake ports are positioned at the base and sides, with internal channels directing airflow across the touchscreen display and electronic components, then exhausting cooled air through upper vents. This pneumatic cooling system effectively manages heat generation while maintaining the immersive touchscreen globe experience.
2Shape
If the globe is made predominantly of glass for aesthetic and tactile experience, then visual appeal is improved, but structural strength and accident resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite construction combining glass outer shell with internal support structures made of metal or rigid plastic. The glass spheres provide aesthetic appeal and tactile experience, while internal metal frameworks, mounting brackets, and connection elements provide structural strength and impact resistance. This composite approach maintains the desired visual appearance while significantly improving accident resistance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the stand base is made larger than the globe to accommodate weight, then stability is improved, but device footprint and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a curved, spherical base design that follows the contour of the globe itself. This curved base structure provides stable support by distributing the globe's weight along its curved surface, achieving stability without requiring a large flat footprint. The ergonomic curved shape also allows the base to nestle into surfaces efficiently, minimizing space requirements while maintaining structural stability.
4Strength
If multiple support rods extend radially to engage the touchscreen glass, then structural support is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support structure into multiple radial segments or support rods that extend from the base through the interior of the globe to engage the touchscreen at different positions. This segmentation allows each rod to be independently manufactured and positioned, providing comprehensive structural support while enabling modular assembly. The segmented approach simplifies manufacturing compared to a single complex support structure, as each radial segment can be produced using standard machining processes and then assembled into the final configuration.
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
Enables more accurate and engaging representation of geographical data, supporting various applications such as education, research, and entertainment by providing a three-dimensional interface that enhances user interaction and understanding through real-time data visualization and customization.
Implementation Method 1
The upper part of the stand has a vent to enable airflow throughout the device and globe and reduce heat within the device
Implementation Method 2
Inlets and outlets are positioned at opposite sides of the smart globe's base and allow air to travel through the smart globe's display for cooling purposes
Data Source
AI summary
Implemented is a smart touch screen globe that sits on top of a stand. The stand has its own secondary display device that enables a user to control some of the features of the touch screen globe. The upper part of the stand has a vent to enable airflow throughout the device and globe and reduce heat within the device. The stand's base is slightly larger than the globe itself to accommodate the globe's weight and size better and thereby maintain the device's sturdiness. The stand is configured with various components and electronics, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports, microphone, speaker, power ports, internal compass, battery, among other components.


