CA2876798A1 - Thermoelectric charging case for handheld electronic devices - Google Patents
Thermoelectric charging case for handheld electronic devices Download PDFInfo
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- CA2876798A1 CA2876798A1 CA2876798A CA2876798A CA2876798A1 CA 2876798 A1 CA2876798 A1 CA 2876798A1 CA 2876798 A CA2876798 A CA 2876798A CA 2876798 A CA2876798 A CA 2876798A CA 2876798 A1 CA2876798 A1 CA 2876798A1
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- charging case
- thermoelectric
- case
- thermoelectric charging
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- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 26
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 claims description 16
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 229920001495 poly(sodium acrylate) polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 11
- NNMHYFLPFNGQFZ-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium polyacrylate Chemical compound [Na+].[O-]C(=O)C=C NNMHYFLPFNGQFZ-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000004090 dissolution Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- -1 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- QYKIQEUNHZKYBP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Vinyl ether Chemical class C=COC=C QYKIQEUNHZKYBP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920006335 epoxy glue Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004810 polytetrafluoroethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- BFKJFAAPBSQJPD-UHFFFAOYSA-N tetrafluoroethene Chemical group FC(F)=C(F)F BFKJFAAPBSQJPD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000003204 osmotic effect Effects 0.000 claims 3
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 229920000557 Nafion® Polymers 0.000 description 9
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000004377 microelectronic Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 5
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- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000005678 Seebeck effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylic acid group Chemical group C(C=C)(=O)O NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000003321 amplification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910010293 ceramic material Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000001010 compromised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- PMHQVHHXPFUNSP-UHFFFAOYSA-M copper(1+);methylsulfanylmethane;bromide Chemical compound Br[Cu].CSC PMHQVHHXPFUNSP-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
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- HBMJWWWQQXIZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N silicon carbide Chemical compound [Si+]#[C-] HBMJWWWQQXIZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
- H02J7/32—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from a charging set comprising a non-electric prime mover rotating at constant speed
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S10/00—PV power plants; Combinations of PV energy systems with other systems for the generation of electric power
- H02S10/30—Thermophotovoltaic systems
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10N10/00—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects
- H10N10/10—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects operating with only the Peltier or Seebeck effects
- H10N10/17—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects operating with only the Peltier or Seebeck effects characterised by the structure or configuration of the cell or thermocouple forming the device
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B40/00—Technologies aiming at improving the efficiency of home appliances, e.g. induction cooking or efficient technologies for refrigerators, freezers or dish washers
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
A flexible case for a handheld electronic device that converts thermal energy produced by the device into direct current used to trickle charge the internal battery of said device.
The case comprises a thermoelectric element for the conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy, an adapter to transmit direct current from the thermoelectric element to the internal battery of the handheld electronic device, and a cooling compartment to maintain a temperature difference across the thermoelectric element. The case further includes a flexible exterior shell, which permits the case to accommodate handheld electronic devices of various shapes and sizes.
The case comprises a thermoelectric element for the conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy, an adapter to transmit direct current from the thermoelectric element to the internal battery of the handheld electronic device, and a cooling compartment to maintain a temperature difference across the thermoelectric element. The case further includes a flexible exterior shell, which permits the case to accommodate handheld electronic devices of various shapes and sizes.
Description
Thermoelectric charging case for handheld electronic devices BACKGROUND
The prevalence of mobile phones and smartphones in daily life has grown rapidly over the past decade. As improvements in miniaturization enable increasingly complex microelectronics to be included in handheld electronic devices, both the power and cooling requirements of such devices also increase. Moreover, the use of devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, and tablets is often limited by the battery life of the device, and can lead to significant inconvenience to the user upon complete battery depletion.
1. Field of the Invention The present invention pertains generally to cases for handheld electronic devices. In particular, the present invention relates to a case capable of charging a handheld electronic device using waste thermal energy generated by said device. The present invention includes a thermoelectric element which generates direct current at a rate approximately equal to the self-discharge rate of the internal battery of the handheld electronic device, referred to in the art as "trickle charging". The generated trickle charge is transmitted to the internal battery of the handheld electronic device via an adapter. Furthermore, the present invention includes a cooling mechanism to maintain a temperature difference across the thermoelectric element, thereby maximizing the efficiency of trickle charging. A flexible exterior shell, made of a silicone material, permits use of the present invention with handheld electronic devices of various dimensions and shapes.
The present invention possesses diverse benefits and advantages over handheld electronic device cases known in the art. In particular, the invention disclosed herein utilizes excess thermal energy produced by a handheld electronic device to generate a trickle charge, thus prolonging the battery life of said device while simultaneously preventing the battery of the device from overheating. Conventional charging mechanisms that aim to achieve similar functionality often rely on external power sources, either electrical or thermal, that are not always readily available to trickle charge the internal battery of the handheld electronic device. The present invention instead relies on thermal energy that is produced by the handheld electronic device itself as a product of normal operation, thereby avoiding the issue of power source availability. Specifically, the present invention includes a thermoelectric element that generates direct current proportional to the temperature difference across the thermoelectric element.
The present invention also includes a cooling compartment that maintains an adequate temperature difference across the thermoelectric element for an extended period of time, thereby maximizing the efficiency of current generation. Moreover, this functionality is achieved without the need for heat-producing microelectronic circuitry in the case, reducing cost to the user and minimizing heat-induced damage to the handheld electronic device.
In addition to the preceding attributes, the present invention, unlike many other charging cases known in the art, is flexible and readily adaptable for use with a variety of form factors of existing handheld electronic devices.
The prevalence of mobile phones and smartphones in daily life has grown rapidly over the past decade. As improvements in miniaturization enable increasingly complex microelectronics to be included in handheld electronic devices, both the power and cooling requirements of such devices also increase. Moreover, the use of devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, and tablets is often limited by the battery life of the device, and can lead to significant inconvenience to the user upon complete battery depletion.
1. Field of the Invention The present invention pertains generally to cases for handheld electronic devices. In particular, the present invention relates to a case capable of charging a handheld electronic device using waste thermal energy generated by said device. The present invention includes a thermoelectric element which generates direct current at a rate approximately equal to the self-discharge rate of the internal battery of the handheld electronic device, referred to in the art as "trickle charging". The generated trickle charge is transmitted to the internal battery of the handheld electronic device via an adapter. Furthermore, the present invention includes a cooling mechanism to maintain a temperature difference across the thermoelectric element, thereby maximizing the efficiency of trickle charging. A flexible exterior shell, made of a silicone material, permits use of the present invention with handheld electronic devices of various dimensions and shapes.
The present invention possesses diverse benefits and advantages over handheld electronic device cases known in the art. In particular, the invention disclosed herein utilizes excess thermal energy produced by a handheld electronic device to generate a trickle charge, thus prolonging the battery life of said device while simultaneously preventing the battery of the device from overheating. Conventional charging mechanisms that aim to achieve similar functionality often rely on external power sources, either electrical or thermal, that are not always readily available to trickle charge the internal battery of the handheld electronic device. The present invention instead relies on thermal energy that is produced by the handheld electronic device itself as a product of normal operation, thereby avoiding the issue of power source availability. Specifically, the present invention includes a thermoelectric element that generates direct current proportional to the temperature difference across the thermoelectric element.
The present invention also includes a cooling compartment that maintains an adequate temperature difference across the thermoelectric element for an extended period of time, thereby maximizing the efficiency of current generation. Moreover, this functionality is achieved without the need for heat-producing microelectronic circuitry in the case, reducing cost to the user and minimizing heat-induced damage to the handheld electronic device.
In addition to the preceding attributes, the present invention, unlike many other charging cases known in the art, is flexible and readily adaptable for use with a variety of form factors of existing handheld electronic devices.
2. Summary of Prior Art Prior art demonstrates multiple accounts of thermal energy being used to power handheld electronics. US Patent Number 3,240,628, which issued to Sonntag, Jr.
on March 15, 1966, discloses a thermoelectric panel for production of direct current from a temperature difference. ON Patent Application Number 10,260,916, filed on June 26, 2013 by Shanghai Electric Institute, discloses a phone charger that generates direct current given a 20 C difference in temperature across a thermoelectric element. This particular charger uses external heat sources, such as a direct flame or boiling water, to generate the temperature difference required for the thermoelectric generation of direct current.
The use of external energy sources to generate electric current has also been applied to cases for handheld electronic devices, such as smartphones. However, many such charging cases known in the art or currently available on the market rely on power sources that are not always readily available. For example, US Patent Application Number 11/941,935, filed on November 17, 2007 by Huang, comprises a mobile phone charging case with a solar panel. However, said charging case requires a high-intensity source of incident light to provide an adequate rate of current production, and is therefore not useable in all situations. CN Patent Application Number 20,691,338, filed on December 27, 2010 by Shanghai Hua Qin Communication Technology Co., Ltd., discloses a thermoelectric charging case for mobile phones that requires an external heat source to supply and maintain a temperature difference. However, said charging case is incompatible with existing mobile devices, since the case itself includes a mobile phone. Similarly, the charging case disclosed in CN Patent Application Number 20,196,233, filed on April 18, 2013 by Liu, requires extensive modification of the microelectronic circuitry of any phone with which it is used, therefore precluding the use of said charging case with an existing mobile phone. The availability of external heat sources is of main concern in the presented prior art thus far.
Some handheld device cases known in the art make use of internal heat sources for current production. CN Patent Application Number 20,164,637, filed on April 5, 2013 by Liaoning University of Petroleum and Chemical Technology, discloses a mobile phone case that utilizes the internal heat produced by a mobile device to generate direct current, which is then used to power a light. The aforementioned CN Patent Application Number 20,196,233 describes a thermoelectric housing case for a mobile device, wherein the case itself is the thermoelectric element that utilises the waste heat of the mobile device to trickle charge the internal battery of said device.
The principal obstacle to thermoelectric power generation is that in the absence of an adequate mechanism to maintain a temperature difference across the thermoelectric element, thermal equilibrium is reached, thereby eliminating production of direct current.
In the aforementioned prior art, this problem is either not addressed, or, as with CN
Patent Application Number 20,196,233, is addressed in a manner that reduces charging efficiency. Specifically, the case disclosed in CN Patent Application Number 20,196,233 utilises a transformer module and a voltage stabilizing module disposed in series, which together amplify the magnitude of direct current in the absence of an adequate temperature difference. However, such electronic components have limited capability for amplification of direct current if thermal equilibrium is reached within a short period of time. Moreover, these electronic components themselves produce heat, thereby counteracting the temperature difference across the thermoelectric element and reducing the efficiency of direct current production.
on March 15, 1966, discloses a thermoelectric panel for production of direct current from a temperature difference. ON Patent Application Number 10,260,916, filed on June 26, 2013 by Shanghai Electric Institute, discloses a phone charger that generates direct current given a 20 C difference in temperature across a thermoelectric element. This particular charger uses external heat sources, such as a direct flame or boiling water, to generate the temperature difference required for the thermoelectric generation of direct current.
The use of external energy sources to generate electric current has also been applied to cases for handheld electronic devices, such as smartphones. However, many such charging cases known in the art or currently available on the market rely on power sources that are not always readily available. For example, US Patent Application Number 11/941,935, filed on November 17, 2007 by Huang, comprises a mobile phone charging case with a solar panel. However, said charging case requires a high-intensity source of incident light to provide an adequate rate of current production, and is therefore not useable in all situations. CN Patent Application Number 20,691,338, filed on December 27, 2010 by Shanghai Hua Qin Communication Technology Co., Ltd., discloses a thermoelectric charging case for mobile phones that requires an external heat source to supply and maintain a temperature difference. However, said charging case is incompatible with existing mobile devices, since the case itself includes a mobile phone. Similarly, the charging case disclosed in CN Patent Application Number 20,196,233, filed on April 18, 2013 by Liu, requires extensive modification of the microelectronic circuitry of any phone with which it is used, therefore precluding the use of said charging case with an existing mobile phone. The availability of external heat sources is of main concern in the presented prior art thus far.
Some handheld device cases known in the art make use of internal heat sources for current production. CN Patent Application Number 20,164,637, filed on April 5, 2013 by Liaoning University of Petroleum and Chemical Technology, discloses a mobile phone case that utilizes the internal heat produced by a mobile device to generate direct current, which is then used to power a light. The aforementioned CN Patent Application Number 20,196,233 describes a thermoelectric housing case for a mobile device, wherein the case itself is the thermoelectric element that utilises the waste heat of the mobile device to trickle charge the internal battery of said device.
The principal obstacle to thermoelectric power generation is that in the absence of an adequate mechanism to maintain a temperature difference across the thermoelectric element, thermal equilibrium is reached, thereby eliminating production of direct current.
In the aforementioned prior art, this problem is either not addressed, or, as with CN
Patent Application Number 20,196,233, is addressed in a manner that reduces charging efficiency. Specifically, the case disclosed in CN Patent Application Number 20,196,233 utilises a transformer module and a voltage stabilizing module disposed in series, which together amplify the magnitude of direct current in the absence of an adequate temperature difference. However, such electronic components have limited capability for amplification of direct current if thermal equilibrium is reached within a short period of time. Moreover, these electronic components themselves produce heat, thereby counteracting the temperature difference across the thermoelectric element and reducing the efficiency of direct current production.
3 The present invention avoids said issue of thermal equilibrium by including a cooling compartment in which an endothermic process occurs, thereby acting to maintain a temperature difference across the thermoelectric element for an extended period of time. This functionality is achieved without the need for heat-producing microelectronic circuitry in the case itself, unlike some examples in the aforementioned prior art.
It can thus be seen that the present invention describes a novel flexible case for handheld electronic devices, including mobile phones, smartphones, and tablets, which aims to reduce overheating of the internal battery and prolong battery life.
This case transforms residual internal thermal energy produced by a handheld electronic device into direct current used to trickle charge the internal battery of the device via an adapter.
A temperature difference across the thermoelectric element is maintained via an endothermic reaction cooling mechanism, thereby improving the efficiency of direct current production.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a case for a handheld electronic device that converts thermal energy produced by the internal microelectronics and battery of the handheld device into direct current used to trickle charge the battery of said device.
The case includes a thermoelectric element for the conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy and an adapter to transmit direct current from the thermoelectric element to the internal battery of the handheld electronic device. The case further includes a cooling compartment wherein temperature-regulated aqueous dissolution of a polymer salt occurs for the purpose of maintaining a temperature difference across the thermoelectric element. The case moreover includes a flexible silicone shell which encompasses the thermoelectric element, the adapter, and the cooling compartment, and which permits the invention to be used with handheld electronic devices of various aspects or form factors.
It can thus be seen that the present invention describes a novel flexible case for handheld electronic devices, including mobile phones, smartphones, and tablets, which aims to reduce overheating of the internal battery and prolong battery life.
This case transforms residual internal thermal energy produced by a handheld electronic device into direct current used to trickle charge the internal battery of the device via an adapter.
A temperature difference across the thermoelectric element is maintained via an endothermic reaction cooling mechanism, thereby improving the efficiency of direct current production.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a case for a handheld electronic device that converts thermal energy produced by the internal microelectronics and battery of the handheld device into direct current used to trickle charge the battery of said device.
The case includes a thermoelectric element for the conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy and an adapter to transmit direct current from the thermoelectric element to the internal battery of the handheld electronic device. The case further includes a cooling compartment wherein temperature-regulated aqueous dissolution of a polymer salt occurs for the purpose of maintaining a temperature difference across the thermoelectric element. The case moreover includes a flexible silicone shell which encompasses the thermoelectric element, the adapter, and the cooling compartment, and which permits the invention to be used with handheld electronic devices of various aspects or form factors.
4 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a front plan view of the case of the present invention in the preferred embodiment;
Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the case of Figure 1, shown assembled with a mobile phone as an example of a suitable handheld electronic device;
Fig. 3A (for reference) is a partial sectional view of the thermoelectric element, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,240,628, which issued to Sonntag, Jr. on Mar.
15, 1966;
Fig. 3B is a circuit diagram showing flow of direct current when the case of Figure 1 is assembled with a suitable handheld electronic device, as in Figure 2;
Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the cooling compartment;
Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the case of Figure 1, depicting the cooling compartment removal tab and removal slit in the silicone shell;
Fig. 6A is a front plan view of the case of the present invention prior to longitudinal stretching and assembly with a mobile phone;
Fig. 6B is a front plan view of the case of the present invention showing longitudinal stretching of the silicone shell to accommodate a mobile phone;
Fig. 6C is a front plan view of the case of the present invention assembled with a mobile phone.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1. Overview and Spatial Assembly of the Present Invention The preferred embodiment of the case of the present invention is shown in Figure 1, and assembled (in exploded view) with a handheld electronic device in Figure 2. A case 1 comprises a hot-side thermal interface pad 2, a thermoelectric element 3, a cold-side thermal interface pad 4, a cooling compartment 5, and a flexible silicone shell 6. The present invention does not include a handheld electronic device 7 or a battery of said device 8; both said device and the battery of said device are provided by the user.
As depicted in Figure 2, the components of the preferred embodiment of the case 1 of the present invention are disposed in a particular order to achieve the intended function.
The thermoelectric element 3 is disposed between two thermal interface pads: a hot-side pad 2 and a cold-side pad 3. The hot-side thermal interface pad 2 is disposed between the battery 8 (or other heated surface) of the handheld electronic device 7 and the thermoelectric element 3. The cold-side thermal interface pad 4 is disposed between the thermoelectric element 3 and the cooling compartment 5. The thermal interface pads 2 and 4 each consist of a plurality of thermally-conductive metal particles, such as silver or copper, embedded in a suitable semi-solid substrate, such as silicone or acrylic. The hot-side thermal interface pad 2 improves the rate of heat conduction from the battery 8 (or other heated surface) of the handheld electronic device 7 to a hot-side plate 9 of the thermoelectric element 3, and the cold-side thermal interface pad 4 improves the rate of heat conduction from a cold-side plate 10 of the thermoelectric element 3 to the cooling compartment 5. The cooling compartment 5 is disposed between the cold-side thermal interface pad 4 and the silicone shell 6.
2. The Thermoelectric Element The case of the present invention operates based on the Seebeck effect, whereby a solid comprised of multiple semi-conductive materials that are collectively subjected to a temperature difference generates an electromotive force. The thermoelectric element 3, depicted in partial sectional view in Figure 3A, is provided as disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,240,628, which was issued to Sonntag, Jr. on Mar. 15, 1966. The thermoelectric element 3 comprises a plurality of n-type semiconductive elements 11 and p-type semiconductive elements 12 disposed in a rectangular array between the hot-side plate 9 and the cold-side plate 10. The hot-side plate 9 and cold-side plate 10 are both made of the same thermally-conductive alloys of ceramic materials, namely silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, or some combination thereof. As defined henceforth, a semiconductive element that is "n-type" comprises impurity atoms with five valence electrons and is therefore electron-rich; a semiconductive element that is "p-type"
comprises impurity atoms with three valence electrons and is therefore electron-poor.
The n-type and p-type semiconductive elements 11 and 12 are disposed in a two-dimensional alternating fashion, such that any given n-type semiconductive element 11 is adjacent to p-type semiconductive elements 12 only, and any given p-type semiconductive element 12 is adjacent to n-type semiconductive elements 11 only. A
plurality of bridging plates 13 is disposed between the array of semiconductive elements and the hot-side plate 9, and between said array and the cold-side plate 10.
Each bridging plate 13 maintains one n-type semiconductive element 11 and one p-type semiconductive element 12 in electrical contact. The bridging plates proximal to the hot-side plate 9 are disposed orthogonally relative to the bridging plates proximal to the cold-side plate 10.
During intended use of the case of the present invention, a temperature difference arises between the hot-side plate 9 and cold-side plate 10. Specifically, heat is transferred from the battery 8 (or other heated surface) of the handheld electronic device 7 through the hot-side thermal interface pad 2 to the thermoelectric element 3, thereby maintaining a high temperature at the hot-side plate 9. Heat is transferred from the cold-side plate 10 through the cold-side thermal interface pad 4 to the cooling compartment 5, thereby maintaining a low temperature at the cold-side plate 10. This temperature difference therein induces different magnetic fields in the n-type semiconductive elements 11 and p-type semiconductive elements 12, thereby producing a voltage across the plates 9 and 10 by virtue of the interaction between the different magnetic fields. When a voltage is applied across a resistive element in a circuit, such as a battery, direct current is generated. The direct current produced by the thermoelectric element 3 is transmitted through wires 14 to the internal battery 8 of the handheld electronic device, as depicted in Figure 3B.
3. The Adapter As depicted in Figures 1 to 3, transfer of current from the thermoelectric element 3 to the battery 8 of the handheld electronic device is achieved by means of two wires 14, which are each connected at one end to the cold-side plate 10 of the thermoelectric element 3 and at the other end to an adapter 15. Said adapter 15 comprises a plastic adapter body 16 which receives one end of each of the two wires 14, and a plug 17.
The disclosed adapter may be available for any popular handheld electronic device, including but not limited to Apple smartphones and tablets, which are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., and Samsung smartphones and tablets, which are registered trademarks of Samsung Inc. Therefore, plug 17 varies according to the charging port of the specific handheld electronic device to be used with the case 1 of the present invention.
4. The Cooling Compartment The magnitude of direct current generated by any thermoelectric element is directly proportional to the temperature difference across the element. In the absence of any temperature regulation mechanism, thermal equilibrium is eventually reached across the element, thereby preventing generation of direct current. This issue is the principal factor limiting the rate of current generation, and is not adequately addressed in the aforementioned prior art. In the present invention, a specialized cooling mechanism is utilized to maintain a low temperature at the cold-side plate 10 relative to the hot-side plate 9, and to thereby maintain a temperature difference across the thermoelectric element 3.
As depicted in Figure 4, the cooling compartment 5 comprises a reaction compartment 18, a reservoir 19, and a Nafion membrane 20 disposed between the reaction compartment and reservoir. Nafion , which is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Co., is a sulfonate copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluorinated vinyl ether. The reaction compartment 18 is made of a single metal with high thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum, to maximize heat transfer from the thermoelectric element 3 to the cooling compartment 5. A single metal is used rather than an alloy to reduce galvanic corrosion. The metal reaction compartment 18 is in thermal contact with the cold-side plate 10 of the thermoelectric element 3 by means of =
the cold-side thermal interface pad 4. The outer edge of the Nafion membrane 20 is affixed to the perimeter of both the reaction compartment 18 and reservoir 19 by means of an epoxy glue 21, forming a watertight seal around the perimeter of the junction between the reaction compartment and reservoir.
The cooling mechanism pertains to a dissolution process in which a polymer salt, namely sodium polyacrylate, dissolves in water. The dissolution of sodium polyacrylate in water is an endothermic process, and therefore causes a decrease in the temperature of the surroundings in which the process occurs. Sodium polyacrylate is stored in dehydrated powder form in the cavity enclosed by the reaction compartment 18 and the Nafion membrane 20. Liquid water is stored in the cavity enclosed by said Nafion membrane and the reservoir 19. The Nafion membrane 20 separating the reaction compartment 18 and the reservoir 19 is permeable to water only.
During intended use of the case disclosed in the present invention, water travels across the Nafion membrane 20 by osmosis from the reservoir 19 to the reaction compartment 18.
Therein, the water is absorbed by the sodium polyacrylate, constituting an endothermic process. The water-sodium polyacrylate mixture absorbs heat transferred from the cold-side plate 10 of the thermoelectric element 3 to the reaction compartment 18 of the cooling compartment 5, and thereby maintains a low temperature at said cold-side plate.
Moreover, as reported by Majsztrik et al. (2007), the permeability of Nafion to liquid water increases with temperature, a property which allows the disclosed cooling mechanism to be automatically temperature-controlled. Increased heat production by the handheld electronic device, as during intensive use, increases the temperature of the Nafion membrane 20, which in turn increases the permeability of said membrane to water and allows greater flux of water across said membrane from the reservoir 19 to the reaction compartment 18. This increase in water flux produces an increase in the rate of dissolution of sodium polyacrylate in water within the reaction compartment 18, and therefore an increase in the rate of heat absorption by the cooling compartment. As a result, the temperature difference across the thermoelectric element 3, and therefore the current generated, also increases. In effect, the described cooling compartment 5 results in improved cooling and faster trickle charging of the handheld electronic device during intensive use, without the need for complex temperature sensing instruments or controllers.
The use of sodium polyacrylate is advantageous not only for its endothermic dissolution in water, but also for its capacity to absorb large volumes of water. This property reduces the risk to the user's handheld electronic device from water damage in the event that the integrity of the cooling compartment is compromised.
The disclosed cooling compartment is reusable. Once the entirety of the sodium polyacrylate disposed within the reaction compartment 18 has dissolved, the cooling compartment 5 may be removed from the case 1 through a slit 22 in the upper surface of the silicone shell 6, as depicted in Figures 1 and 5. As shown in Figure 4, a removal tab 23 is affixed to the rear outer surface of the reservoir 19 and extends vertically parallel to and above the rear surface of said reservoir. When the device is assembled in the preferred embodiment, as depicted in Figure 1, the curved top edge of the removal tab 23 extends vertically through slit 22 in the silicone shell 6, enabling the cooling compartment to be removed easily without removal of the entire case 1 from the handheld device. The reservoir 19 of said cooling compartment is made of a polymer that is insoluble in liquid water but permeable to water vapour, such as polytetrafluoroethylene. The entire cooling compartment 5 may be heated, for example in an oven, thereby removing all water from said cooling compartment by evaporation through the "breathable" wall of the reservoir 19. Removal of water as described returns the sodium polyacrylate within the reaction compartment 18 to its dehydrated powder state for reuse. A rubber stopper 24, embedded in the mouth of a fill port in reservoir 19, may be removed and said reservoir may be refilled with water. The cooling compartment 5 may then be re-inserted into the case 1 by means of the same slit 22 and reused.
Fig. 1 is a front plan view of the case of the present invention in the preferred embodiment;
Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the case of Figure 1, shown assembled with a mobile phone as an example of a suitable handheld electronic device;
Fig. 3A (for reference) is a partial sectional view of the thermoelectric element, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,240,628, which issued to Sonntag, Jr. on Mar.
15, 1966;
Fig. 3B is a circuit diagram showing flow of direct current when the case of Figure 1 is assembled with a suitable handheld electronic device, as in Figure 2;
Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the cooling compartment;
Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the case of Figure 1, depicting the cooling compartment removal tab and removal slit in the silicone shell;
Fig. 6A is a front plan view of the case of the present invention prior to longitudinal stretching and assembly with a mobile phone;
Fig. 6B is a front plan view of the case of the present invention showing longitudinal stretching of the silicone shell to accommodate a mobile phone;
Fig. 6C is a front plan view of the case of the present invention assembled with a mobile phone.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1. Overview and Spatial Assembly of the Present Invention The preferred embodiment of the case of the present invention is shown in Figure 1, and assembled (in exploded view) with a handheld electronic device in Figure 2. A case 1 comprises a hot-side thermal interface pad 2, a thermoelectric element 3, a cold-side thermal interface pad 4, a cooling compartment 5, and a flexible silicone shell 6. The present invention does not include a handheld electronic device 7 or a battery of said device 8; both said device and the battery of said device are provided by the user.
As depicted in Figure 2, the components of the preferred embodiment of the case 1 of the present invention are disposed in a particular order to achieve the intended function.
The thermoelectric element 3 is disposed between two thermal interface pads: a hot-side pad 2 and a cold-side pad 3. The hot-side thermal interface pad 2 is disposed between the battery 8 (or other heated surface) of the handheld electronic device 7 and the thermoelectric element 3. The cold-side thermal interface pad 4 is disposed between the thermoelectric element 3 and the cooling compartment 5. The thermal interface pads 2 and 4 each consist of a plurality of thermally-conductive metal particles, such as silver or copper, embedded in a suitable semi-solid substrate, such as silicone or acrylic. The hot-side thermal interface pad 2 improves the rate of heat conduction from the battery 8 (or other heated surface) of the handheld electronic device 7 to a hot-side plate 9 of the thermoelectric element 3, and the cold-side thermal interface pad 4 improves the rate of heat conduction from a cold-side plate 10 of the thermoelectric element 3 to the cooling compartment 5. The cooling compartment 5 is disposed between the cold-side thermal interface pad 4 and the silicone shell 6.
2. The Thermoelectric Element The case of the present invention operates based on the Seebeck effect, whereby a solid comprised of multiple semi-conductive materials that are collectively subjected to a temperature difference generates an electromotive force. The thermoelectric element 3, depicted in partial sectional view in Figure 3A, is provided as disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,240,628, which was issued to Sonntag, Jr. on Mar. 15, 1966. The thermoelectric element 3 comprises a plurality of n-type semiconductive elements 11 and p-type semiconductive elements 12 disposed in a rectangular array between the hot-side plate 9 and the cold-side plate 10. The hot-side plate 9 and cold-side plate 10 are both made of the same thermally-conductive alloys of ceramic materials, namely silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, or some combination thereof. As defined henceforth, a semiconductive element that is "n-type" comprises impurity atoms with five valence electrons and is therefore electron-rich; a semiconductive element that is "p-type"
comprises impurity atoms with three valence electrons and is therefore electron-poor.
The n-type and p-type semiconductive elements 11 and 12 are disposed in a two-dimensional alternating fashion, such that any given n-type semiconductive element 11 is adjacent to p-type semiconductive elements 12 only, and any given p-type semiconductive element 12 is adjacent to n-type semiconductive elements 11 only. A
plurality of bridging plates 13 is disposed between the array of semiconductive elements and the hot-side plate 9, and between said array and the cold-side plate 10.
Each bridging plate 13 maintains one n-type semiconductive element 11 and one p-type semiconductive element 12 in electrical contact. The bridging plates proximal to the hot-side plate 9 are disposed orthogonally relative to the bridging plates proximal to the cold-side plate 10.
During intended use of the case of the present invention, a temperature difference arises between the hot-side plate 9 and cold-side plate 10. Specifically, heat is transferred from the battery 8 (or other heated surface) of the handheld electronic device 7 through the hot-side thermal interface pad 2 to the thermoelectric element 3, thereby maintaining a high temperature at the hot-side plate 9. Heat is transferred from the cold-side plate 10 through the cold-side thermal interface pad 4 to the cooling compartment 5, thereby maintaining a low temperature at the cold-side plate 10. This temperature difference therein induces different magnetic fields in the n-type semiconductive elements 11 and p-type semiconductive elements 12, thereby producing a voltage across the plates 9 and 10 by virtue of the interaction between the different magnetic fields. When a voltage is applied across a resistive element in a circuit, such as a battery, direct current is generated. The direct current produced by the thermoelectric element 3 is transmitted through wires 14 to the internal battery 8 of the handheld electronic device, as depicted in Figure 3B.
3. The Adapter As depicted in Figures 1 to 3, transfer of current from the thermoelectric element 3 to the battery 8 of the handheld electronic device is achieved by means of two wires 14, which are each connected at one end to the cold-side plate 10 of the thermoelectric element 3 and at the other end to an adapter 15. Said adapter 15 comprises a plastic adapter body 16 which receives one end of each of the two wires 14, and a plug 17.
The disclosed adapter may be available for any popular handheld electronic device, including but not limited to Apple smartphones and tablets, which are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., and Samsung smartphones and tablets, which are registered trademarks of Samsung Inc. Therefore, plug 17 varies according to the charging port of the specific handheld electronic device to be used with the case 1 of the present invention.
4. The Cooling Compartment The magnitude of direct current generated by any thermoelectric element is directly proportional to the temperature difference across the element. In the absence of any temperature regulation mechanism, thermal equilibrium is eventually reached across the element, thereby preventing generation of direct current. This issue is the principal factor limiting the rate of current generation, and is not adequately addressed in the aforementioned prior art. In the present invention, a specialized cooling mechanism is utilized to maintain a low temperature at the cold-side plate 10 relative to the hot-side plate 9, and to thereby maintain a temperature difference across the thermoelectric element 3.
As depicted in Figure 4, the cooling compartment 5 comprises a reaction compartment 18, a reservoir 19, and a Nafion membrane 20 disposed between the reaction compartment and reservoir. Nafion , which is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Co., is a sulfonate copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluorinated vinyl ether. The reaction compartment 18 is made of a single metal with high thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum, to maximize heat transfer from the thermoelectric element 3 to the cooling compartment 5. A single metal is used rather than an alloy to reduce galvanic corrosion. The metal reaction compartment 18 is in thermal contact with the cold-side plate 10 of the thermoelectric element 3 by means of =
the cold-side thermal interface pad 4. The outer edge of the Nafion membrane 20 is affixed to the perimeter of both the reaction compartment 18 and reservoir 19 by means of an epoxy glue 21, forming a watertight seal around the perimeter of the junction between the reaction compartment and reservoir.
The cooling mechanism pertains to a dissolution process in which a polymer salt, namely sodium polyacrylate, dissolves in water. The dissolution of sodium polyacrylate in water is an endothermic process, and therefore causes a decrease in the temperature of the surroundings in which the process occurs. Sodium polyacrylate is stored in dehydrated powder form in the cavity enclosed by the reaction compartment 18 and the Nafion membrane 20. Liquid water is stored in the cavity enclosed by said Nafion membrane and the reservoir 19. The Nafion membrane 20 separating the reaction compartment 18 and the reservoir 19 is permeable to water only.
During intended use of the case disclosed in the present invention, water travels across the Nafion membrane 20 by osmosis from the reservoir 19 to the reaction compartment 18.
Therein, the water is absorbed by the sodium polyacrylate, constituting an endothermic process. The water-sodium polyacrylate mixture absorbs heat transferred from the cold-side plate 10 of the thermoelectric element 3 to the reaction compartment 18 of the cooling compartment 5, and thereby maintains a low temperature at said cold-side plate.
Moreover, as reported by Majsztrik et al. (2007), the permeability of Nafion to liquid water increases with temperature, a property which allows the disclosed cooling mechanism to be automatically temperature-controlled. Increased heat production by the handheld electronic device, as during intensive use, increases the temperature of the Nafion membrane 20, which in turn increases the permeability of said membrane to water and allows greater flux of water across said membrane from the reservoir 19 to the reaction compartment 18. This increase in water flux produces an increase in the rate of dissolution of sodium polyacrylate in water within the reaction compartment 18, and therefore an increase in the rate of heat absorption by the cooling compartment. As a result, the temperature difference across the thermoelectric element 3, and therefore the current generated, also increases. In effect, the described cooling compartment 5 results in improved cooling and faster trickle charging of the handheld electronic device during intensive use, without the need for complex temperature sensing instruments or controllers.
The use of sodium polyacrylate is advantageous not only for its endothermic dissolution in water, but also for its capacity to absorb large volumes of water. This property reduces the risk to the user's handheld electronic device from water damage in the event that the integrity of the cooling compartment is compromised.
The disclosed cooling compartment is reusable. Once the entirety of the sodium polyacrylate disposed within the reaction compartment 18 has dissolved, the cooling compartment 5 may be removed from the case 1 through a slit 22 in the upper surface of the silicone shell 6, as depicted in Figures 1 and 5. As shown in Figure 4, a removal tab 23 is affixed to the rear outer surface of the reservoir 19 and extends vertically parallel to and above the rear surface of said reservoir. When the device is assembled in the preferred embodiment, as depicted in Figure 1, the curved top edge of the removal tab 23 extends vertically through slit 22 in the silicone shell 6, enabling the cooling compartment to be removed easily without removal of the entire case 1 from the handheld device. The reservoir 19 of said cooling compartment is made of a polymer that is insoluble in liquid water but permeable to water vapour, such as polytetrafluoroethylene. The entire cooling compartment 5 may be heated, for example in an oven, thereby removing all water from said cooling compartment by evaporation through the "breathable" wall of the reservoir 19. Removal of water as described returns the sodium polyacrylate within the reaction compartment 18 to its dehydrated powder state for reuse. A rubber stopper 24, embedded in the mouth of a fill port in reservoir 19, may be removed and said reservoir may be refilled with water. The cooling compartment 5 may then be re-inserted into the case 1 by means of the same slit 22 and reused.
5. Assembly The case disclosed herein is useable with a variety of handheld electronic devices, including but not limited to mobile phones and smartphones, tablets, and media players.
As an illustrative example, Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C depict assembly of the disclosed case with a mobile phone. First, the bottom portion of the silicone shell 6 is stretched in a longitudinal downwards direction, causing the bent wires 14a to adopt a straight, fully-extended configuration 14b. The plug 17 of the adapter 15, which is disposed between the rear surface of the silicone shell 6 and the bottom lip 6b of said shell, mates with the charging port of the mobile phone 7a. The bottom portion of the silicone shell
As an illustrative example, Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C depict assembly of the disclosed case with a mobile phone. First, the bottom portion of the silicone shell 6 is stretched in a longitudinal downwards direction, causing the bent wires 14a to adopt a straight, fully-extended configuration 14b. The plug 17 of the adapter 15, which is disposed between the rear surface of the silicone shell 6 and the bottom lip 6b of said shell, mates with the charging port of the mobile phone 7a. The bottom portion of the silicone shell
6 is then released and said shell returns to its unstretched configuration. Therein, the upper lip 6a and bottom lip 6b of the silicone shell 6 cover and secure the mobile phone in the case 1. This stretching functionality of the silicone shell allows the case to be adapted for use with handheld devices of a variety of shapes and sizes.
The improved cooling capacity and extended battery life enabled by the present invention are useful to any user of handheld electronic devices, and are of particular utility in situations where conventional wall charging is not possible. One such example of the intended use of the present invention is as a travel accessory for smartphones.
Specifically, use of the case disclosed herein with a smartphone will enable the user to execute processor-intensive tasks on the smartphone for a longer period of time before battery depletion, thereby improving the productivity and/or personal enjoyment of the user during travel.
REFERENCES
1. Sonntag Jr, W.E. (1966). US Patent 3,240,628. Washington, DC: U.S.
2. Shanghai Electric Institute. (2013). CN Patent Application No.
10,260,916.
3. Huang, J. (2007). US Patent Application No. 11/941,935.
4. Shanghai Hua Qin Communication Technology Co., Ltd. (2010). CN Patent Application No. 20,691,338.
5. Liu, Y. (2013). CN Patent Application No. 20,196,233.
6. Liaoning University of Petroleum and Chemical Technology. (2013). CN
Patent Application No. 20,164,637.
The improved cooling capacity and extended battery life enabled by the present invention are useful to any user of handheld electronic devices, and are of particular utility in situations where conventional wall charging is not possible. One such example of the intended use of the present invention is as a travel accessory for smartphones.
Specifically, use of the case disclosed herein with a smartphone will enable the user to execute processor-intensive tasks on the smartphone for a longer period of time before battery depletion, thereby improving the productivity and/or personal enjoyment of the user during travel.
REFERENCES
1. Sonntag Jr, W.E. (1966). US Patent 3,240,628. Washington, DC: U.S.
2. Shanghai Electric Institute. (2013). CN Patent Application No.
10,260,916.
3. Huang, J. (2007). US Patent Application No. 11/941,935.
4. Shanghai Hua Qin Communication Technology Co., Ltd. (2010). CN Patent Application No. 20,691,338.
5. Liu, Y. (2013). CN Patent Application No. 20,196,233.
6. Liaoning University of Petroleum and Chemical Technology. (2013). CN
Patent Application No. 20,164,637.
7. Majsztrik, P.W., Satterfield, M.B., Bocarsly, A.B., and Benziger, J.B.
(2007) Water sorption, desorption and transport in Nafion membranes. Journal of Membrane Science 301:93-106.
(2007) Water sorption, desorption and transport in Nafion membranes. Journal of Membrane Science 301:93-106.
Claims (17)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A thermoelectric charging case for a handheld electronic device comprising a thermoelectric element;
an adapter;
a cooling compartment; and a stretchable exterior shell.
an adapter;
a cooling compartment; and a stretchable exterior shell.
2. The thermoelectric charging case recited in claim 1 wherein said case utilises excess thermal energy produced by said device to trickle charge the internal battery of said device.
3. The thermoelectric charging case recited in claim 1 wherein said stretchable exterior shell is made of a silicone material.
4. The thermoelectric charging case recited in claim 3 wherein said stretchable exterior shell permits the adaptability of said case to handheld electronic devices of a variety of shapes and sizes.
5. The thermoelectric charging case recited in claim 1 wherein said cooling compartment utilises the endothermic dissolution of sodium polyacrylate in water to absorb thermal energy from the cold side of said thermoelectric element.
6. The thermoelectric charging case recited in claim 5 wherein said cooling compartment maintains a temperature difference across said thermoelectric element.
7. The thermoelectric charging case recited in claim 6 wherein said cooling compartment comprises an osmotic porous membrane and two compartments:
a reaction compartment, which contains dehydrated sodium polyacrylate; and a reservoir, which contains water.
a reaction compartment, which contains dehydrated sodium polyacrylate; and a reservoir, which contains water.
8. The thermoelectric charging case recited in claim 7 wherein said osmotic porous membrane is disposed between said reaction compartment and said reservoir.
9. The thermoelectric charging case recited in claim 7 wherein said reaction compartment is made of a single metal with high thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum.
10. The thermoelectric charging case recited in claim 9 wherein said reaction compartment facilitates heat transfer from the thermoelectric element recited in claim 6 to the contents of said reaction compartment.
11. The thermoelectric charging case recited in claim 7 wherein said reservoir is made of a polymer that is insoluble in liquid water but permeable to water vapour, such as polytetrafluoroethylene.
12. The thermoelectric charging case recited in claim 8 wherein said osmotic porous membrane is made of a sulfonate copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluorinated vinyl ether.
13. The thermoelectric charging case recited in claim 12 wherein said membrane is affixed to both the reaction compartment recited in claim 10 and the reservoir recited in claim 11 using epoxy glue.
14. The thermoelectric charging case recited in claim 7 wherein said cooling compartment is reusable in nature.
15. The thermoelectric charging case recited in claim 14 wherein said cooling compartment can be removed from said case and replaced via a slit within the silicone exterior shell recited in claim 4.
16. The thermoelectric charging case recited in claim 15 wherein said cooling compartment can be removed from said case and then placed in a non-radiative heating appliance, such as an oven or microwave oven, to allow evaporation of water from the cooling compartment and drying of the sodium polyacrylate.
17. The thermoelectric charging case recited in claim 16 wherein the reservoir recited in claim 11 contains a refill port, which is sealed by a removable rubber stopper, through which water can be reintroduced to said reservoir.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2876798A CA2876798A1 (en) | 2015-01-07 | 2015-01-07 | Thermoelectric charging case for handheld electronic devices |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2876798A CA2876798A1 (en) | 2015-01-07 | 2015-01-07 | Thermoelectric charging case for handheld electronic devices |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2876798A1 true CA2876798A1 (en) | 2016-07-07 |
Family
ID=56329577
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2876798A Abandoned CA2876798A1 (en) | 2015-01-07 | 2015-01-07 | Thermoelectric charging case for handheld electronic devices |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2876798A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11025092B2 (en) * | 2019-10-31 | 2021-06-01 | Huna, Llc | Wearable metabolic electrical charging apparatus |
| GB2617549A (en) * | 2022-04-05 | 2023-10-18 | Jogia Paresh | Waste heat energy harvester for portable electrical appliances |
-
2015
- 2015-01-07 CA CA2876798A patent/CA2876798A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11025092B2 (en) * | 2019-10-31 | 2021-06-01 | Huna, Llc | Wearable metabolic electrical charging apparatus |
| GB2617549A (en) * | 2022-04-05 | 2023-10-18 | Jogia Paresh | Waste heat energy harvester for portable electrical appliances |
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| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20180109 |