Ventilated Electronic Device Case with Water Retaining Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Outdoor electronic devices face challenges in heat dissipation due to their waterproof designs, which restrict air cooling, leading to potential damage from high temperatures and reduced service life.

Innovation Solution

A case design with ventilated sides, including a water retaining mechanism and fan systems to enhance both heat dissipation and waterproofing, allowing for effective air circulation and rainwater management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a closed complete machine structure is used to achieve waterproofing, then waterproofness is improved, but heat dissipation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewaterproofnessVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The front frame is segmented into multiple regions with different functions: upper border contains first vents for water collection, lower border contains second vents for heat dissipation, and middle region provides structural support. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of waterproofing and heat dissipation by directing different air flows through different segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A water retaining mechanism acts as an intermediary component between the first vents and the internal cavity. It captures rainwater at the upper border vents and directs it to collection channels, preventing water ingress while allowing air circulation for heat dissipation through the lower border vents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If surface-only heat dissipation is used in a closed machine, then waterproofness is maintained, but heat dissipation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewaterproofnessVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from two-dimensional surface heat dissipation to three-dimensional air convection by creating vertical air flow paths. Cold air enters through lower border vents, rises through the internal cavity past the display module, and exits through upper border vents, establishing a convection current that efficiently removes heat in the vertical dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The water retaining mechanism continuously captures and redirects rainwater flow, while the vent system maintains continuous air circulation. The gravity-driven water collection and the natural convection current ensure uninterrupted heat dissipation and waterproof protection during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Temperature

If air inlets and outlets are provided for heat dissipation, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but water ingress risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidwater ingress
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The front frame employs asymmetric vent placement and sizing: first vents are positioned at the upper border with larger area for water collection, while second vents are at the lower border with optimized area for air intake. This asymmetric arrangement exploits gravity to separate water and air flow paths, allowing heat dissipation while preventing water ingress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The water retaining mechanism performs preliminary action by capturing and redirecting rainwater before it can enter the internal cavity through the vents. This preemptive water management allows the vent system to operate freely for heat dissipation without compromising waterproofness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution effectively improves heat dissipation efficiency while maintaining waterproofing, preventing rainwater ingress and reducing the risk of electronic device damage from high temperatures in outdoor environments.

Implementation Method 1

the part being recessed on the inside of the boss can converge the water entered by fresh air inlet in lamp house casing and be drawn off by apopore

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

at least one intake fan mounted in the at least one air inlet; at least one exhaust fan mounted in the at least one air outlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 3

heat in the casing produced by the display unit to be effecti rely removed from the casing through air convection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNatural Convection: Free Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4020437B1Machine box and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.03.19 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP4020437B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4020437B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4020437B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure relates to the technical field of an electronic device, and provides a case and an electronic device. The case includes: a case body, which has a plurality of case sides, a cavity enclosed by the case sides and configured to accommodate the electronic device; a plurality of vents, which are disposed on at least part of the case sides and configured to ventilate between the case cavity and an external space; and a water retaining mechanism, which is on the inner wall of the case body and positioned at the vents. According to the case, the vents are disposed on the case body, so that heat dissipation can be carried out on modules inside the case by air cooling, and heat dissipation efficiency is relatively high. Meanwhile, the water retaining mechanism is arranged on the inner wall of the case body and at the vents, so that rainwater through the vents can be blocked and reserved, it is avoided that the rainwater enters an electronic device accommodation space inside the case body, and thus, a waterproof effect of the case body can be effectively improved. From the above, the case gives consideration to both heat dissipation and the waterproof design, and simultaneously has good heat dissipating and waterproof effects.