Thermal Mitigation Circuit for Multi-Battery Portable Devices
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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 clamshell designs which have reduced thermal dissipation surface area.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a thermal mitigation circuit that dynamically manages current draw from multiple energy storage devices based on sensors detecting the device's operating conditions and geometric configuration, ensuring that the device housing held by the user remains cooler.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If multiple rechargeable energy storage devices are used in portable electronic devices, then the device can operate for longer duration and provide higher power, but thermal dissipation performance deteriorates due to reduced thermal dissipation surface area in clamshell configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic current management by switching between first and second energy storage devices based on real-time detection of device configuration (folded vs. unfolded state). The system dynamically adjusts which energy storage device powers the electronic component, optimizing thermal distribution across different operational states rather than using a static configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by detecting geometric configuration and adjusting current draw distribution. When the device transitions between folded and unfolded states, the control circuit modifies which energy storage device is actively discharging, thereby changing the thermal profile parameters to match the current geometric state and improve overall thermal management.
2Device complexity
If current is drawn from energy storage devices in a fixed configuration, then the system is simpler to design, but thermal comfort deteriorates as the device housing held by the user becomes hotter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously detect the geometric configuration of the device (folded or unfolded state). Based on this feedback, the control circuit automatically adjusts which energy storage device is discharging current, creating a closed-loop system that responds to real-time device state changes to optimize thermal distribution and user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static current management approach to a dynamic one by continuously monitoring device configuration and adjusting power distribution accordingly. The control circuit dynamically switches between energy storage devices based on detected geometric states, enabling the system to adapt thermal characteristics to match current operational conditions.
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 mitigates thermal issues by ensuring the device housing not being held experiences higher temperatures, while keeping the user-held housing cooler, thus enhancing user comfort and device performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first energy storage device situated in a first device housing and a second energy storage device situated in a second device housing, wherein the one or more processors and the one or more sensors are powered by the first energy storage device and/or the second energy storage device
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device included a first energy storage device coupled to a second energy storage device by a conductor. A thermal mitigation circuit, or alternatively, one or more processors, determine whether to draw more current from the first energy storage device or the second energy storage device as a function of a geometric configuration of the electronic device and a support condition of the electronic device. Current can be drawn from the second energy storage device situated in the second device housing, for example, when the electronic device is hand supported by the first device housing unless secondary factors exist.