Electronic Apparatus Thermal Control With Mode-Based Temperature Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic apparatuses face operational restrictions due to temperature increases, which can lead to reduced operational time and inability to execute tasks that do not affect ambient or outer casing temperature, especially when internal temperature thresholds are exceeded.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple thermometers to detect ambient and outer casing temperatures, allowing a control unit to estimate ambient temperature and set operation mode thresholds, enabling operations in a mode that minimizes temperature increase, such as switching from high-frame-rate moving image shooting to still image shooting when outer casing temperature thresholds are reached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If operational restriction is implemented based on internal temperature threshold, then device temperature increase is controlled, but operations that do not affect ambient or outer casing temperature cannot be executed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different temperature thresholds for different operational modes. The control unit sets a first threshold for a first operation mode and a second threshold for a second operation mode, where the second threshold is higher than the first threshold. This allows the device to operate in a high-power mode with a lower temperature threshold while still permitting operations in a low-power mode with a higher temperature threshold, thereby maintaining operational flexibility while controlling temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the temperature threshold adjustable based on the operational mode. Rather than using a fixed temperature threshold, the control unit dynamically switches between different thresholds corresponding to different operational modes. This dynamic adjustment allows the device to adapt its temperature management strategy to the current operational context, enabling continued operation in modes that generate less heat even when temperature restrictions are triggered.
2Temperature
If lower temperature is set as outer casing temperature threshold, then operations are restricted to control temperature, but operational time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing multiple temperature thresholds corresponding to different operational modes. Instead of using a single lower temperature threshold that limits operational time, the system uses a first threshold for a first operation mode and a second threshold for a second operation mode, where the second threshold is higher. This allows the device to extend operational time by switching to operation modes with higher temperature thresholds when temperature restrictions are triggered.
3Temperature
If operation mode switching is implemented based on temperature threshold, then temperature increase is controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the control unit to handle multiple operational modes and temperature thresholds using a single integrated component. The control unit is capable of determining both the first threshold and the second threshold, and of switching between different operation modes based on temperature conditions. This multi-functional approach avoids the need for separate control systems for each operational mode, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining effective temperature control.
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
This approach allows continued operation in modes with minimal temperature impact, extending operational time and maintaining device performance by setting higher outer casing temperature thresholds for less power-consuming modes when temperature restrictions are triggered.
Implementation Method 1
a first thermometer that detects a first ambient temperature in an environment in which the electronic apparatus is used
Implementation Method 2
a second thermometer that detects a second ambient temperature in the environment in which the electronic apparatus is used
Implementation Method 3
a third thermometer that detects an outer casing temperature of the electronic apparatus
Implementation Method 4
a control unit that estimates an ambient temperature based on the first ambient temperature and the second ambient temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes first, second and third thermometers each of which detects any one of first, second and third ambient temperatures in an environment in which the electronic apparatus is used, and a control unit that estimates an ambient temperature based on the first ambient temperature and the second ambient temperature, and restricts an operation of the electronic apparatus in a case where the outer casing temperature has reached a threshold that has been set based on the estimated ambient temperature. The control unit sets a temperature of the threshold in a second operation mode at a temperature higher than a temperature of the threshold in a first operation mode, the second operation mode causing a small temperature increase in the electronic apparatus compared to the first operation mode.