Wearable Surface Temperature Control Using Dynamic Heat Exposure Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices, such as wearable computing devices and laptops, generate excess heat during operation, leading to discomfort for users due to static temperature limits that shut down devices prematurely, even if the user can tolerate higher temperatures for longer periods.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic temperature limit function that adjusts based on an energy accumulator value, incrementing or decrementing it according to surface temperature and user contact, allowing the device to operate safely and comfortably for extended periods by initiating thermal mitigation actions only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a static temperature limit is used to prevent user discomfort, then user safety is improved, but device operational time is reduced due to premature shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic temperature limit function that adjusts the temperature threshold based on cumulative energy exposure rather than using a fixed static limit. This allows the device to operate at higher temperatures for extended periods when cumulative energy remains within safe bounds, thereby extending operational time while maintaining user safety through adaptive temperature management
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter dynamically by introducing an energy accumulator that tracks cumulative thermal exposure. The temperature limit is transformed from a constant value to a variable parameter that depends on the accumulated energy, enabling flexible operation within safety constraints
2Object-affected harmful factors
If thermal mitigation actions are initiated frequently to maintain low surface temperature, then user comfort is improved, but device productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback through the energy accumulator function that continuously monitors cumulative thermal exposure and adjusts the temperature limit accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the device to maintain user comfort by initiating thermal mitigation actions only when cumulative energy approaches unsafe levels, rather than frequently interrupting operation to maintain a fixed low temperature
Solution Approach 2:
By using cumulative energy tracking, the system enables continuous device operation without frequent interruptions. The useful action continues uninterrupted as long as the accumulated energy remains within safe bounds, allowing the device to maintain high productivity while still protecting user comfort through deferred thermal mitigation
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
This approach extends the usable time of electronic devices by dynamically adjusting the temperature limit according to the cumulative energy received by the user, preventing unnecessary shutdowns and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling system comprising a heat exchanger configured to cool the device surface
Data Source
AI summary
Examples are disclosed that relate to methods, computing devices, and head-mounted display (HMD) devices for regulating a surface temperature of a device. In one example, a method comprises determining the surface temperature of a surface of the device, determining an energy accumulator value indicating cumulative energy received by a user via the surface of the device, and using a dynamic temperature limit function to calculate a temperature limit as a function of the energy accumulator value. The method also comprises comparing the surface temperature to the temperature limit. When the surface temperature has not reached the temperature limit, the method comprises incrementing the energy accumulator value. When the surface temperature has reached the temperature limit, the method comprises initiating a thermal mitigation action to cool the surface.