Vehicle Vent-Coupled Dock for Electronic Device Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices are sensitive to extreme temperatures, often operating outside their recommended range when used in vehicles, leading to potential shutdowns or performance issues due to ambient temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A dock for electronic devices equipped with an air flow arrangement that includes a hose and vent adapter, allowing for coupling to a vehicle's ventilation system to direct cooling or heating air, using magnetic coupling elements for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic devices are used in vehicle environments, then the devices can be conveniently accessed and used, but the devices are exposed to extreme temperatures that are outside their recommended operating range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dock as an intermediary device between the electronic device and the vehicle environment. The dock includes a base that receives the electronic device and an air flow arrangement with a hose and vent adapter that couples to the vehicle's ventilation system, serving as a mediator to regulate temperature between the harsh vehicle environment and the sensitive electronic device
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device operates in extreme temperatures, then the device can be used in various environmental conditions, but the device may shut down, operate slowly, or fail to perform
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service temperature regulation by coupling the dock's air flow arrangement to the vehicle's existing ventilation system. The vehicle's climate control system automatically provides cooled or heated air through the hose to the dock, which then directs this conditioned air to the electronic device, allowing the device to self-regulate its temperature without additional active cooling components
3Stability of the object's composition
If a dock is designed to securely hold the electronic device, then the device is stable in the dock, but the dock structure may block air flow to the device
Solution Approach 1:
The dock is segmented into distinct functional components: a base for receiving and stabilizing the electronic device, a tray for additional support, and a separate air flow arrangement with opening, hose, and vent adapter. This segmentation allows the stabilization function to be provided by the base/tray structure while the air flow function is provided by the separate air flow arrangement, avoiding interference between these functions
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 air flow arrangement effectively regulates the temperature of electronic devices within the recommended range, ensuring stable operation by utilizing the vehicle's ventilation system to provide controlled heating or cooling.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of magnets disposed in the hose fitting or vent adapter or both for magnetically coupling the hose fitting to the vent adapter
Implementation Method 2
operating the air flow source to direct cool air or warm air through the hose to the dock to, respectively, cool or heat the electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
A dock for an electronic device includes a base configured to fit over at least a portion of a back surface of the electronic device; a tray extending from the base for receiving one side of the electronic device, wherein at least one of the base or tray includes an opening through the base or tray; and an air flow arrangement including a hose coupled, or coupleable, to the base or tray for air flow from the hose to pass through the opening in the base or tray and a vent adapter coupled, or coupleable, to the hose and configured for coupling to a vent of an air flow source.