Thermal Mitigation Circuit for Foldable Device Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices with multiple rechargeable energy storage devices face challenges in thermal dissipation due to their mechanical configurations, particularly in foldable designs which complicate thermal management, leading to reduced comfort and performance.
Innovation Solution
A thermal mitigation circuit within the device selects subsets of energy storage devices to power processors based on the support condition and geometric configuration, ensuring that heat is dissipated away from the user's holding area by strategically using energy storage devices located elsewhere in the deformable housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If multiple energy storage devices are used to provide sufficient power, then the energy capacity increases, but the thermal dissipation performance deteriorates due to reduced surface area in foldable designs
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is divided into multiple discrete energy storage devices (first energy storage device and second energy storage device) positioned at different locations within the housing. This segmentation allows selective operation of individual devices based on thermal conditions, enabling the system to manage heat distribution while maintaining total energy capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the device are assigned different functions: one energy storage device is positioned in a first region that contacts the user during phone calls, while another is positioned in a second region away from the contact area. The system selectively activates devices based on which region requires thermal management, creating local quality differences in thermal behavior.
2Power
If energy storage devices are positioned to maximize power delivery, then the performance improves, but the thermal comfort deteriorates when heat is generated in the user's holding area
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which energy storage device to operate based on real-time thermal conditions and usage scenarios. During phone calls, the system preferentially uses the energy storage device positioned away from the user's ear to minimize heat exposure, while maintaining full power delivery capability by switching to the other device when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the energy storage devices and the processor, intelligently routing power requests to appropriate devices based on thermal considerations. This intermediary layer enables the system to balance power delivery requirements with thermal comfort without compromising either aspect.
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 effectively keeps the device's holding area cooler by redirecting heat dissipation, enhancing user comfort and maintaining performance across various support conditions and geometric configurations.
Implementation Method 1
A thermal mitigation circuit is operable with the plurality of energy storage devices. The thermal mitigation circuit selects a subset of the plurality of energy storage devices to power the one or more processors
Data Source
AI summary
A deformable electronic device includes a flexible display supported by a deformable housing comprising a plurality of energy storage devices, one or more processors operable with the flexible display, and one or more sensors operable with the one or more processors. A thermal mitigation circuit operable with each energy storage device selects a subset of the plurality of energy storage devices to power the one or more processors as a function of a support condition of the deformable electronic device.