Vacuum Drying Electronic Devices Without Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for drying electronic devices after moisture intrusion are inefficient, often requiring disassembly and can damage the device if excessive heat is applied, leading to data loss and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum-pressure drying system using a heated platen within a vacuum chamber to reduce vapor pressure and boiling points of liquids, allowing for effective drying without disassembly and minimizing the risk of damage to the electronic device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional heating methods are used to dry electronic devices, then moisture can be removed, but the device may be damaged due to excessive heat and data can be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from atmospheric to vacuum conditions, which fundamentally alters the drying mechanism. By reducing pressure, the boiling point of water decreases, allowing moisture removal at lower temperatures that do not damage electronic components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water from liquid to vapor under vacuum conditions. The reduced pressure environment enables water to evaporate and boil at temperatures below the damage threshold of electronic components, achieving effective drying without thermal damage
2Reliability
If complete disassembly is performed to dry the device, then moisture can be removed from all areas, but the device becomes inoperable and data can be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by introducing multiple air injection ports at different locations (top, bottom, sides) of the device. This allows air to penetrate and reach moisture trapped in various internal cavities and tortuous paths without requiring physical disassembly of the device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses injected air as an intermediary substance to reach and remove moisture from internal device cavities. The air acts as a carrier that can access tortuous paths and hidden areas within the sealed device, enabling complete drying while maintaining device integrity
3Productivity
If general heating is applied to dry the device quickly, then drying time is reduced, but the heat may exceed maximum recommendations and cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic injection of air through multiple ports to accelerate moisture removal. This pneumatic method achieves rapid drying by forcing air through the device to extract moisture, providing a fast alternative to thermal heating that does not risk thermal damage to components
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
The system enables the safe and efficient drying of electronic devices, preserving digitized data and preventing corrosion, while allowing for quick drying cycles without the need for disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum-pressure drying system using a heated platen within a vacuum chamber to reduce vapor pressure and boiling points of liquids
Implementation Method 2
A vacuum-pressure drying system using a heated platen within a vacuum chamber to reduce vapor pressure and boiling points of liquids
Implementation Method 3
A vacuum-pressure drying system using a heated platen within a vacuum chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for drying electronic devices are disclosed. An exemplary method comprises: placing a portable electronic device into a drying chamber; providing a first air channel, wherein the first air channel connects the drying chamber and a moisture-reducing device; generating a first air flow through the first air channel; removing a first moisture from an interior of the portable electronic device to an exterior of the portable electronic device; detecting moisture removed from the portable electronic device; pausing the generating the first air flow through the first air channel based on the amount of moisture; providing a second air channel, wherein the second air channel connects the moisture-reducing device and an evacuation channel; generating a second air flow through the second air channel; and removing a second moisture from the moisture-reducing device.