Terminal Thermal Throttling With Sensor-Based Frequency Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable terminals face heat management challenges due to increased internal component density, leading to potential malfunctions and damage from high temperatures, especially in high ambient conditions, as the reduced space for heat dissipation makes it difficult to efficiently emit heat during high loads or high-speed operations.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a controller that adjusts its driving frequency based on temperature readings from a temperature sensor, implementing multi-stage throttle settings to reduce the terminal's temperature while maintaining performance, and restricting non-essential application programs to manage heat dissipation effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the density of internal components is increased to minimize terminal thickness and maximize screen area, then the terminal achieves better portability and display performance, but the space available for heat dissipation is reduced making heat emission difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal thicknessVSAvoidheat dissipation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment of the processor based on real-time temperature monitoring. When temperature exceeds thresholds, the processor frequency is reduced or operations are suspended, creating a dynamic response system that adapts to thermal conditions rather than using static thermal management approaches

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs continuous temperature sensing with feedback control mechanisms. Temperature sensors monitor internal component temperatures and feed this information back to the controller, which then adjusts processor operations accordingly, forming a closed-loop thermal management system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the terminal operates at high loads or high speed, then processing performance is improved, but heat accumulation in internal components increases beyond emission capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidheat accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The processor operating frequency is dynamically adjusted based on temperature conditions. During high-load operations, when temperature rises, the system automatically reduces frequency or suspends operations to prevent excessive heat accumulation, creating a dynamic balance between performance and thermal management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (processor frequency, operation suspension) in response to temperature changes. By modifying these parameters based on thermal conditions, the system prevents heat accumulation while maintaining optimal performance within safe temperature ranges

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If the temperature of the terminal increases significantly, then heat emission is insufficient, but the terminal may malfunction or components may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat emissionVSAvoidterminal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary temperature monitoring and takes preventive actions before damage occurs. By continuously monitoring temperature and implementing frequency reduction or operation suspension at predefined thresholds, the system prevents malfunctions and component damage before they can occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Temperature feedback control mechanisms continuously monitor thermal conditions and adjust processor operations to maintain temperature within safe ranges, preventing the terminal from reaching temperatures that could cause malfunction or damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Temperature

If applications are terminated when temperature exceeds threshold, then temperature control is achieved, but system functionality is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidapplication functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of completely terminating all applications when temperature exceeds thresholds, the system applies partial action by selectively reducing processor frequency or suspending only specific non-essential operations. This approach achieves temperature control while preserving essential application functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2551741B1Method for controlling temperature of terminal and terminal supporting the same
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2551741B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2551741B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2551741B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for controlling a temperature of a terminal and a terminal supporting the same are provided. A terminal supporting temperature control includes a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the terminal, and a controller for performing at least one of a first throttle procedure including driving the controller with a first preset driving frequency when the temperature of the terminal detected by the temperature sensor is a first preset temperature, and driving the controller with a second driving frequency higher than the first driving frequency when the temperature of the terminal is reduced to a second preset temperature lower than the first preset temperature, and a second throttle procedure including driving the controller with the first preset driving frequency for a first time, and driving the controller with the second driving frequency higher than the first driving frequency for a second time after the first time elapses.