USB Cable Thermal Mitigation via Variable Conductivity Jacket
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Portable computing devices (PCDs) face thermal energy mitigation challenges due to high current requirements for high power delivery through USB connectors, which can lead to excessive thermal energy generation, potentially damaging the devices and connector systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a connector system with a cable jacket having varying thermal conductivity sections, where the end portions have higher thermal conductivity than the mid-portion, and the integration of thermoelectric heat pumps to dissipate thermal energy effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high current is used for high power delivery through USB connectors, then power delivery capability is improved, but thermal energy generation increases causing potential damage to devices and connector systems
Solution Approach 1:
The cable jacket is designed with non-uniform thermal conductivity, where the first end portion has higher thermal conductivity than the mid-portion. This local quality variation creates preferential thermal pathways that guide heat away from critical connector regions while maintaining insulation in other areas, thus managing thermal energy generation without compromising power delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cable jacket with varying thermal conductivity acts as an intermediary thermal management component between the high-current electrical contacts and the external environment. It mediates heat transfer by conducting thermal energy away from vulnerable connector areas through the high-conductivity end portions while the lower-conductivity mid-portion prevents excessive heat loss from the cable body
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 solution efficiently dissipates thermal energy, reducing the risk of damage to PCDs and connector systems by maintaining higher temperatures on the high-conductivity end portions and effectively using thermoelectric heat pumps to manage thermal energy, thereby ensuring safe and efficient power delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The first end portion may have a thermal conductivity greater than a thermal conductivity of the mid-portion
Implementation Method 2
a thermoelectric heat pump device coupled to the connector
Data Source
AI summary
Thermal mitigation features may be included in a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable assembly or in the USB receptacle portion of a device. In one aspect, one or both ends of a USB cable jacket may have greater thermal conductivity than the portion between them. The portion having the greater thermal conductivity may dissipate excess heat from the cable into the environment. In another aspect, a USB cable connector or the USB receptacle portion of a device may include a thermoelectric heat pump. The thermoelectric heat pump may move excess heat from the cable assembly or receptacle into a portion of the cable assembly or device that dissipates the heat into the environment.