Temperature Regulating Mount for Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices, such as tablets and smartphones, often overheat or shut down due to extreme temperatures, leading to operational interruptions and safety concerns, especially in outdoor or vehicular use, with no effective solution to maintain continuous operation across varying temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
A temperature regulating mount that uses fans powered by internal or external power sources to circulate air across the device, optionally including a temperature-sensitive probe for automatic cooling initiation and a protective perimeter casing for universal compatibility, allowing the device to be used in extreme temperatures without shutdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the electronic device is used continuously for long periods or exposed to direct sunlight, then the device provides continuous navigation and operational functionality, but the device overheats and shuts down automatically
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling mount activates cooling fans before the device reaches critical temperature thresholds. The temperature sensor continuously monitors device temperature and triggers cooling action in advance, preventing overheating shutdowns before they occur. This preliminary cooling action maintains continuous operation without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling mount serves as an intermediary system between the overheating device and the environment. It introduces forced air circulation as a mediator to transfer heat away from the device, allowing the device to maintain operational temperature during continuous use without direct exposure to ambient heat conditions.
2Reliability
If cooling fans are added to prevent overheating, then device temperature is controlled and continuous operation is enabled, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling mount is designed to be powered by the device itself through the power adapter connection. The device's own power supply serves the dual purpose of charging and powering the cooling fans, eliminating the need for separate power sources. This self-service approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable cooling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling mount incorporates universal compatibility features including adjustable clamps and multiple mounting options (car vent, dashboard, tabletop). This multi-functionality allows a single device design to serve various vehicles and usage scenarios, reducing the need for multiple specialized cooling solutions and thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Temperature
If the device is removed from direct sunlight or usage ceased to cool down, then device temperature decreases and shutdown is avoided, but operational continuity and user productivity are interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling mount enables continuous cooling action during device operation rather than requiring operation cessation. The fans run continuously or intermittently based on temperature feedback, maintaining optimal temperature throughout extended use. This continuous useful action prevents the need to stop operation for cooling, eliminating operational interruptions and time loss.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a universal mounting solution is provided for different device sizes, then compatibility across multiple devices is achieved, but mount structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clamps incorporate dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow users to modify clamp position and tension based on device size. This dynamic adaptability enables a single mount structure to securely hold various device dimensions without requiring multiple specialized clamps, achieving universality through flexible adjustment rather than structural complexity.
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 prevents critical temperature shutdowns, extends device lifespan, and ensures continuous operation in extreme temperatures by maintaining optimal device temperature, enhancing user safety and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling mount provides forced air across the rear of the portable electronic device using fans
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature regulating mount for portable electronic devices is provided that includes a temperature control unit for preventing portable electronic devices from reaching critical temperatures during operation to avoid undesired shut down of the electronic device. The mount is further accompanied by a protective perimeter casing for protecting the electronic device and allowing the device to mate with a universal mount. The perimeter casing leaves the back of the device open or exposed (e.g., through webbing) for temperature control. The protective perimeter casing includes grooves and indents for mating with guide rails and a movable clamping mechanism for securing the electronic device to the mount in a particular orientation to maximize the mount's ability to regulate the temperature of the electronic device.