Thermal control device and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
The thermal comfort of users is compromised due to heat generated by operating terminals, such as smartphones and tablets, which is transferred to the user through direct contact with the device housing, and existing solutions do not effectively address this issue by considering user-specific thermal perception.
Innovation Solution
A thermal control apparatus and method that utilizes temperature sensors, biosensors, and environmental sensors to collect terminal, user, and environmental data, determining and executing thermal control policies to adjust terminal and environmental temperatures, thereby reducing the impact of heat on user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If terminal performance is improved by increasing computing power and processing capability, then the terminal can support more functions and higher performance, but heat generation increases which deteriorates user thermal comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts terminal operating parameters (CPU frequency, power state) based on detected user thermal perception states. When thermal discomfort is detected through biosensors or user feedback, the system changes operational parameters to reduce heat generation, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high performance and ensuring user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where user thermal perception is continuously monitored through biosensors (heart rate, skin temperature) and environmental sensors. This feedback information is used to automatically adjust terminal performance parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that balances productivity with thermal comfort.
2Length of moving object
If terminal structure is made increasingly slim to improve portability, then the terminal becomes more portable, but heat dissipation capability deteriorates causing higher heat transfer to user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for reduced passive heat dissipation in slim devices by dynamically changing operational parameters. The system monitors thermal conditions and adjusts processing power, power state, and performance parameters in real-time to maintain acceptable heat levels despite the limited physical heat dissipation capacity of the slim form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static thermal management (fixed performance levels) to dynamic thermal management where performance parameters are continuously adjusted based on real-time thermal feedback. This allows the terminal to adapt its heat generation profile to match the limited heat dissipation capacity of the slim structure.
3Ease of operation
If existing thermal control solutions adjust operating temperature based on environmental temperature, then thermal control is implemented, but user-specific thermal perception is not considered making the control ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that uses biosensors (heart rate, skin temperature, galvanic skin response) to directly measure user physiological states related to thermal perception. This physiological feedback provides precise measurement of user-specific thermal perception, enabling accurate and personalized thermal control that adapts to individual user characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments thermal control into multiple independent control dimensions: environmental temperature control, terminal performance control, and user-specific physiological parameter monitoring. This segmentation allows the system to address different aspects of thermal management separately and combine them for comprehensive thermal comfort optimization.
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermal control apparatus and method are disclosed. The method includes: obtaining terminal status information of a terminal (120), where the terminal status information includes at least a terminal temperature parameter; obtaining environment status information and/or user status information, where the environment status information includes at least an environment temperature parameter and/or an environment humidity parameter, and the user status information includes at least one of a user body temperature parameter, a user electrocardiogram parameter, a user electroencephalogram parameter, or a user skin resistance parameter; and determining and executing a thermal control policy according to the terminal status information and either of or both of the environment status information and the user status information. A problem that heat generated by an operating terminal (120) affects a thermal comfort level of a user is resolved. An effective thermal control policy is executed with reference to various pieces of obtained information related to a thermal perception of the user, thereby reducing impact of the heat generated by the operating terminal (120) on the user, and improving the thermal comfort level of the user.