Wearable Cooling Bag for High-Performance Computing Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

High-performance computing devices required for processing-intensive tasks like VR and gaming are often bulky, restricting user mobility, while smaller wearable devices lack sufficient processing capabilities and effective cooling solutions.

Innovation Solution

A portable bag system with an active cooling solution that includes an airflow generator and a liquid-resistant, breathable exhaust layer to manage heat generated by a computing device, allowing users to carry and wear the device without mobility restrictions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If high-performance computing devices are used for processing-intensive tasks, then computing capability is improved, but device size and weight increase, restricting user mobility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputing capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the computing device from the wearable bag, allowing the high-performance computing components to be housed in a portable container that can be carried separately from the body, while the wearable portion only contains essential components like the airflow generator and battery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A portable bag serves as an intermediary carrier between the user and the high-performance computing device, providing a buffer that allows the heavy computing components to be transported without directly impacting user mobility and comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Weight of moving object

If smaller wearable devices are used to enhance mobility, then user mobility is improved, but processing capability and cooling effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice weightVSAvoidprocessing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable system is segmented into two parts: a lightweight wearable bag that can be worn on the body for mobility, and a separate portable container housing the high-performance computing device, allowing each component to be optimized independently for its specific function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a single integrated wearable device to a distributed system where the computing device resides in a portable container that can be carried alongside the wearable bag, adding a spatial dimension to the wearable architecture

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

3Power

If high-performance computing devices are used, then processing capability is improved, but heat generation increases, causing user discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system captures the waste heat generated by the high-performance computing device and redirects it through the breathable exhaust layer to warm the user's body, converting the harmful heat into a beneficial warming effect that eliminates the need for separate heating elements in cold environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The breathable exhaust layer serves as an intermediary between the computing device and the user, managing heat transfer by allowing controlled passage of heated air from the computing device to the user's body, thereby regulating temperature exposure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Temperature

If active cooling solutions are implemented, then heat management is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat managementVSAvoidcooling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The breathable exhaust layer provides passive thermal management by allowing natural heat dissipation through its porous structure, reducing the need for complex active cooling mechanisms and lowering overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The breathable exhaust layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it allows heat dissipation, provides structural support, and enables controlled airflow, eliminating the need for separate dedicated cooling components and simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables users to engage in processing-intensive tasks with enhanced mobility by housing a high-performance computing device in a wearable bag with effective cooling, preventing user discomfort from heat and maintaining device performance.

Implementation Method 1

an airflow generator arranged inside the inner chamber to produce an airflow to cool the computing device and to direct a resulting heated airflow to flow through pores of the liquid resistant and breathable layer to an environment outside the outer case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

a thermally reflective layer arranged along a side of the outer case adjacent the user when the outer case is worn by the user, the thermally reflective layer being configured to reflect heat from the computing device away from the user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal Radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

a liquid resistant and breathable layer including pores through which a heated airflow can pass from inside the inner chamber to an environment outside the outer case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP3430490B1Outer cases for computing devices
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP3430490B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3430490B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3430490B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In some examples, a wearable system includes an outer case defining an inner chamber and comprising a portion including a liquid resistant and breathable layer. The wearable system further includes a computing device in the inner chamber, and an airflow generator to produce an airflow to cool the computing device and to direct a resulting heated airflow to flow through pores of the liquid resistant and breathable layer to an environment outside the outer case.