Vehicle Receptacle Cooling for Overheating Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for electronic devices are unable to continuously monitor the temperature of the devices and notify users when the devices are overheating, particularly in vehicles where electronic devices may overheat during use or charging.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device cooling system integrated into a vehicle, which includes a receptacle with sensors to monitor the device's temperature, an electronic control unit to communicate with the device and sensors, and a dedicated climate zone to direct cooling air to the receptacle when the device exceeds a threshold temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cooling fans are integrated into electronic devices, then overheating damage is prevented, but device complexity increases and personal electronic devices remain vulnerable to overheating during charging or use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a receptacle as an intermediary cooling station between the user and the electronic device. This receptacle receives the overheating device and provides localized cooling without requiring the electronic device itself to contain a cooling fan, thus preventing overheating damage while avoiding the complexity of integrating cooling systems into personal electronic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling function is segmented from the electronic device and placed in a separate receptacle. The receptacle includes its own cooling fan and temperature sensor, creating an independent cooling system that serves multiple devices without modifying the devices themselves.
2Loss of information
If temperature monitoring and notification systems are added to cooling systems, then user awareness of overheating is improved, but device complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle includes a temperature sensor that continuously monitors the electronic device's temperature and provides feedback to both the control system and the user. When the temperature exceeds a threshold, the system sends a notification to the user's mobile device, enabling timely intervention without requiring complex monitoring infrastructure.
3Temperature
If a dedicated climate zone with cooling air flow is implemented, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fan in the receptacle operates periodically rather than continuously. It activates when the temperature sensor detects overheating conditions and deactivates when the device temperature returns to normal, providing effective cooling while minimizing energy consumption.
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 effectively monitors and responds to overheating electronic devices by notifying users and directing cooling air to the receptacle, preventing damage from excessive heat.
Implementation Method 1
the receptacle including at least one sensor... Upon receiving a signal from the at least one sensor that a temperature of the electronic device exceeds a threshold temperature
Implementation Method 2
directs cooling air, via the dedicated climate zone, to the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device cooling system of a vehicle includes a receptacle fluidly coupled to a dedicated climate zone, the receptacle having at least one sensor. The electronic device cooling system also includes an electronic control unit communicatively coupled to an electronic device and the at least one sensor. Upon receiving a signal from the at least one sensor that a temperature of the electronic device exceeds a first threshold temperature, the electronic control unit transmits a notification to the electronic device relating to the temperature and directs cooling air, via the dedicated control zone, to the receptacle.