Tablet Cooling Airflow Direction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tablet information handling systems face limitations in processing capabilities, display size, and user interaction due to their compact design, which hinders effective information creation and entertainment experiences, and they lack the portability and productivity of desktop and laptop systems.
Innovation Solution
A tablet information handling system with adjustable support members that allow for multiple orientations, including inclined and upright positions, which also directs cooling airflow to prevent user discomfort and enables the inclusion of more powerful processing components, while maintaining portability through a moderate-sized Full High Definition touchscreen display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If tablet chassis size is increased to accommodate larger displays and more powerful processors, then processing capabilities and display size are improved, but portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable support members that enable the tablet to transition between multiple operational configurations ( handheld mode, tilted mode, and desktop mode). This dynamic adaptability allows the device to optimize its form factor for different use cases, effectively providing desktop-like processing capabilities when needed while maintaining portability when carried in handheld mode.
2Temperature
If cooling airflow is directed to maximize thermal management efficiency, then processing component cooling is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to airflow directed at the user
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system dynamically adjusts airflow direction based on the tablet's operational configuration. When support members are extended to create a tilted or desktop configuration, the cooling airflow is directed toward the rear or sides of the device away from the user. When support members are retracted for handheld mode, the airflow pattern is modified to prevent direct exposure to the user while still maintaining effective cooling of processing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements configuration-specific cooling patterns where different regions of the device receive different airflow treatments. In extended configurations, maximum cooling airflow is directed to processing components located in specific zones while minimizing airflow in user-facing zones. This localized approach optimizes thermal management efficiency without compromising user comfort.
3Ease of operation
If support members are extended to provide multiple orientations, then user interaction comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed to be extendable and adjustable, enabling the tablet to transition between handheld mode, tilted mode, and desktop mode. This dynamic structural capability allows the device to adapt to different user interaction scenarios, improving ease of operation for various tasks while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture.
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 system provides a balance of touch interaction, portability, and desktop productivity, enabling efficient information creation and multimedia tasks with improved thermal management and user comfort, while maintaining a slim and lightweight form factor.
Implementation Method 1
A cooling fan provides a cooling airflow with a direction determined by an orientation of the information handling system
Implementation Method 2
Support members extend outward at the bottom surface of the tablet information handling system planar housing to hold the planar housing at plural angles relative to a resting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A tablet information handling system processes information with processing components disposed in a planar housing for presentation as images at a display disposed at the upper surface of the planar housing. Support members extend at the lower surface of the planar housing to support the planar housing in an upright configuration having the housing in a first orientation or an inclined configuration having the housing in a second orientation. A cooling fan controller manages cooling airflow direction through the planar housing based upon the orientation of the planar housing to blow hot air exiting the housing in a direction away from the likely location of an end user relative to the planar housing.