Patent Description:
Furthermore, <CIT> discloses a computer including a battery, a battery charging circuit operatively connected to the battery to charge the battery at a charging rate, and a temperature detection and control circuit, coupled to the battery charging circuit, that detects a temperature within the computer and provides a control signal to the battery charging circuit having a control value based on the temperature detected. The battery charging circuit is responsive to the control value of the control signal to alter the charging rate.

For a more complete understanding of the disclosure, reference is made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals may be used to identify like elements in the figures.

While the disclosed devices, systems, and methods are representative of embodiments in various forms, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings (and are hereafter described), with the understanding that the disclosure is intended to be illustrative, and is not intended to limit the claim scope to the specific embodiments described and illustrated herein.

Current microprocessor design trends include designs having an increase in power, a decrease in size, and an increase in speed. This results in higher power in a smaller, faster microprocessor. Another trend is towards lightweight and compact electronic devices. As microprocessors become lighter, smaller, and more powerful, the microprocessors also generate more heat in a smaller space, making thermal management a greater concern than before.

The purpose of thermal management is to maintain the temperature of a device within a moderate range. During operation, electronic devices dissipate power as heat that is to be removed from the device. Otherwise, the electronic device will get hotter and hotter until the electronic device is unable to perform efficiently. When overheating, electronic devices run slowly and dissipate power poorly. This can lead to eventual device failure and reduced service life.

As computing devices get smaller (e.g., thinner), thermal management becomes more of an issue, and less volume is available for thermal management. Heat may be dissipated from a computing device using forced and natural convection, conduction, and radiation as a way of cooling the computing device as a whole and a processor operating within the computing device.

Additionally, as computing devices get smaller (e.g., thinner), less volume is available for a power source (e.g., a battery), and battery life, for example, becomes more of an issue. Users of such computing devices expect access to the computing device with minimal down time due to battery capacity and associated charging times, and battery life.

When a battery (e.g., a lithium ion battery) is at a low temperature (e.g., below <NUM> degrees Celsius) during charging, lithium ions may each gain an electron and become metallic lithium. The metallic lithium may deposit on the anode of the battery because at the low temperature, transfer rate decreases and penetration of lithium ions into negative electrode carbon slows down. The metallic lithium may react with an electrolyte, causing permanent loss of the lithium ions. The chemical reaction between the metallic lithium and the electrolyte generates heat and may lead to thermal runaway. This degrades the battery faster and negatively affects the battery life. Accordingly, when the battery is at a low temperature, charge current and/or charge voltage is reduced to reduce the lithium ion loss and avoid thermal runaway. For example, when the battery is at a low temperature, the charge rate may be reduced to <NUM>. 2C (e.g., with a charge voltage of <NUM> volts).

When the battery is at a high temperature (e.g., above <NUM> degrees Celsius), during charging, the cathode material, LiCoO<NUM>, becomes more active and may chemically react with the electrolyte when the cell voltage is high. Accordingly, when the battery is at a high temperature, charge current and/or charge voltage is reduced to limit this chemical reaction. For example, when the battery is at a high temperature, the charge rate may be reduced to <NUM>. 25C (e.g., with a charge voltage of <NUM> volts). Above a limit temperature (e.g., <NUM> degrees Celsius), the battery is not charged at all (e.g., with a charge current of <NUM> amps and a charge voltage of <NUM> volts).

When a temperature of the battery is within a predetermined temperature range (e.g., above <NUM> degrees Celsius and below <NUM> degrees Celsius), the battery may be charged at a greater rate (e.g., with a greater charge current) compared to when the battery is at the low temperature or the high temperature. For example, when the temperature of the battery is within the predetermined temperature range, the charge rate may be between <NUM>. 5C (e.g., between <NUM> percent battery charge level and <NUM> percent battery charge level) and <NUM>. 0C (e.g., up to <NUM> percent battery charge level).

Disclosed herein are apparatuses, systems, and methods for optimizing thermal management of a computing device, while also maximizing a charge rate for a battery of the computing device. The battery is integrated with a dynamic vapor chamber operable to regulate a temperature of the battery to maximize a time the battery is within the predetermined temperature range for optimal charging. The dynamic vapor chamber includes a wick structure that fluidly connects working fluid reservoirs of the dynamic vapor chamber (e.g., on opposite sides of the dynamic vapor chamber). The wick structure may, for example, be disposed (e.g., 3D-printed) directly onto a housing surface of the computing device. The wick structure includes one or more controllable valves operable to regulate an amount of a working fluid to different regions of the dynamic vapor chamber.

The dynamic vapor chamber supports the battery and a charger electrically connected to the battery. For example, the battery and the charger abut a same side of the dynamic vapor chamber, and the charger abuts the battery or is positioned adjacent to the battery. The charger is operable to control the charge current for the battery.

Depending on a position of the one or more controllable valves, the dynamic vapor chamber may transfer heat from the charger to the battery and/or spread heat from the battery. The battery includes a temperature sensor operable to determine a temperature of the battery. The determined temperature is compared to a first predetermined temperature (e.g., <NUM> degrees Celsius), a second predetermined temperature (e.g., <NUM> degrees Celsius), and/or a third predetermined temperature (e.g., <NUM> degrees Celsius).

Based on the comparisons, if the determined temperature is less than, or less than or equal to the first predetermined temperature, the working fluid to regions of the dynamic vapor chamber adjacent to the battery and the charger, respectively, is reduced or blocked by setting the one or more controllable valves of the wick structure of the dynamic vapor chamber to an "off" position (e.g., a closed position). Setting the one or more controllable valves to the closed position creates "dry-out" of the dynamic vapor chamber, and a cooling capability of the dynamic vapor chamber is reduced. As a result, the charger heats up the battery via, for example, the Joule heating effect, and conductive heat transfer through the dynamic vapor chamber and radiative heat transfer. As the charger heats up the battery, the charge rate to the battery may be increased by the charger based on the comparison (e.g., based on a difference between the first predetermined temperature and the determined temperature). Alternatively, the charge rate to the battery may be set (e.g., <NUM>. 2C) while the determined temperature of the battery is less than the first predetermined temperature.

Based on the comparison, if the determined temperature is greater than or equal to, or greater than the first predetermined temperature, dynamic vapor chamber cooling is maximized by setting the one or more controllable valves of the wick structure of the dynamic vapor chamber to an "on" position (e.g., an open position). The working fluid is allowed to flow between the reservoirs of the dynamic vapor chamber when the one or more controllable valves are set to the open position.

Based on the comparison, if the determined temperature is greater than or equal to, or greater than the first predetermined temperature, and less than or equal to, or less than the second predetermined temperature, the charge current is maximized. The maximum charge current may be based on a charge level of the battery. For example, the charger may set the charge rate to <NUM>. 0C up to <NUM> percent charge of the battery, to <NUM>. 7C up to <NUM> percent charge of the battery, and to <NUM>. 5C up to <NUM> percent charge of the battery.

Based on the comparison, if the determined temperature is greater than, or greater than or equal to the second predetermined temperature, the charge current is reduced. For example, the charger may set the charge current to <NUM> percent of the maximum charge current. If the determined temperature is greater than, or greater than or equal to the third predetermined temperature, the charging is stopped.

The apparatuses, systems, and methods provide optimal thermal management while also maximizing a charge rate for a battery and prolonging life of the battery. The apparatuses, systems, and methods provide battery fast charge, an increased life expectancy for the battery and the computing device, in which the battery is installed, and improved user experiences and safety.

As an example, the optimal thermal management with maximized charge rate is provided by a computing device including a dynamic phase change device, a battery, a sensor, and a first heat generating component. The dynamic phase change device includes a wick structure with a valve. The valve is operable to regulate a working fluid of the dynamic phase change device based on a position of the valve. The battery is physically connected to and in thermal communication with the dynamic phase change device. The sensor is operable to determine a temperature of the battery. The first heat generating component is physically and thermally connected to the dynamic phase change device. The first heat generating component or a second heat generating component is configured to compare the determined temperature to a predetermined temperature, and control the valve based on the comparison.

Such apparatuses, systems, and methods have several potential end-uses or applications, including any electronic device to be charged. For example, the dynamic vapor chamber and control may be incorporated into personal computers, server computers, tablet or other handheld computing devices, laptop or mobile computers, gaming devices, communications devices such as mobile phones, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, or audio or video media players. In certain examples, the dynamic vapor chamber and control may be incorporated within a wearable electronic device, where the device may be worn on or attached to a person's body or clothing. The wearable device may be attached to a person's shirt or jacket; worn on a person's wrist, ankle, waist, or head; or worn over their eyes or ears. Such wearable devices may include a watch, heart-rate monitor, activity tracker, or head-mounted display.

Using one or more of these features described in greater detail below, more optimized heat dissipation and a maximized charge rate may be provided for the electronic device. With the more optimized heat dissipation and maximized charge rate, a more powerful microprocessor may be installed for the electronic device, a smaller battery may be installed for the electronic device, a thinner electronic device may be designed, a higher processing speed may be provided, the electronic device may be operated at a higher power for a longer period of time, fans may be operated at a lower speed, or any combination thereof may be provided when compared to a similar electronic device without one or more of the improved features. In other words, the features described herein may provide improved thermal management and charging for an electronic device such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, or laptop computer.

<FIG> shows a top view of a computing device <NUM> including an example of a thermal management system <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> may be any number of computing devices including, for example, a personal computer, a server computer, a tablet or other handheld computing device, a laptop or mobile computer, a communications device such as a mobile phone, a multiprocessor system, a microprocessor-based system, a set top box, a programmable consumer electronic device, a network PC, a minicomputer, a mainframe computer, or an audio and/or video media player.

The computing device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> that supports at least the thermal management system <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, and a power source module <NUM>. The processor <NUM> and the power source module <NUM> may be supported by the housing <NUM> via, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> attached to and/or supported by the housing <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> may include, additional, fewer, and/or different components. For example, the computing device <NUM> may include one or more additional processors, memory, a power supply, a graphics card, a hard drive, other electronic components, connectors, cabling, other components, or any combination thereof. In one example, the computing device <NUM> does not include the processor <NUM> but includes one or more processors within the power source module <NUM>.

The thermal management system <NUM> includes at least one phase change device. For example, the power source module <NUM> includes a vapor chamber (see <FIG>). In other examples, the phase change device of the power source module <NUM> may be a different type of phase change device (e.g., a heat pipe), and/or the computing device <NUM> may include additional phase change devices.

In one example, the thermal management system <NUM> includes a heat spreader <NUM> (e.g., a vapor chamber or a solid piece of thermally conductive material of the power source module <NUM>) and a heat pipe <NUM> that extends between the processor <NUM> and the power source module <NUM> (e.g., the heat spreader <NUM> of the power source module <NUM>. The heat pipe <NUM> may be physically connected to the processor <NUM> in any number of ways including, for example, with a thermal adhesive. The heat pipe <NUM> may be physically connected directly to the processor <NUM>, or the heat pipe <NUM> may be physically connected to the processor <NUM> via one or more intervening components and/or layers of material.

In one example, the thermal management system <NUM> also includes one or more fans <NUM> (e.g., a fan). The fan <NUM> actively cools the processor <NUM>, the power source module <NUM>, and/or other heat generating components of the computing device <NUM>, moving heat out of he computing device <NUM> via vents in the housing <NUM> of the computing device <NUM>. In other examples, the thermal management system <NUM> includes additional, fewer, and/or different components including, for example, additional fans, additional phase change devices that extend from the processor <NUM> to housings of the fan <NUM> and/or the additional fans, respectively, one or more heat sinks, or any combination thereof. In one example, the computing device <NUM> does not include a fan.

The processor <NUM> is in communication with other electrical devices or components of the computing device <NUM> (e.g., the power source module <NUM> and the fan <NUM>) via the PCB <NUM>, cabling, wirelessly, or any combination thereof. For example, the processor <NUM> is electrically connected to the power source module <NUM> (e.g., see communication path <NUM>) and the fan <NUM> (e.g., see communication path <NUM>).

The processor <NUM> provides, for example, instructions to the power source module <NUM> (e.g., power to be provided to the processor <NUM> and/or the fan <NUM>), and the power source module <NUM> provides electrical power and/or data (e.g., storage level or temperature for a power source <NUM> of the power source module <NUM>) to the processor <NUM> via the communication path <NUM>, for example. Additional and/or different data and/or power may be transmitted between the processor <NUM> and the power source module <NUM> via the communication path <NUM> and/or other communication paths. The communication path <NUM> may include one or more electrical connections between the processor <NUM> and the power source module <NUM> (e.g., one or more traces on the PCB <NUM> and/or one or more cables).

The processor <NUM> provides, for example, instructions to the fan <NUM> (e.g., when to change speed and by how much), and the fan <NUM> provides data (e.g., current speed data) to the processor <NUM> via the communication path <NUM>, for example. Additional and/or different data and/or power may be transmitted between the processor <NUM> and the fan <NUM> via the communication path <NUM> and/or other communication paths. The communication path <NUM> may include one or more electrical connections between the processor <NUM> and the fan <NUM> (e.g., one or more traces on the PCB <NUM> and/or one or more cables).

In one example, the power source module <NUM> and the fan <NUM> are electrically connected via communication path <NUM>. The power source module <NUM> provides, for example, electrical power to the fan <NUM>, and the fan <NUM> provides data (e.g., a target speed or a target power) to the power source module <NUM> via the communication path <NUM>, for example. Additional and/or different data and/or power may be transmitted between the power source module <NUM> and the fan <NUM> via the communication path <NUM> and/or other communication paths. The communication path <NUM> may include one or more electrical connections between the power source module <NUM> and the fan <NUM> (e.g., one or more traces on the PCB <NUM> and/or one or more cables).

Components of the computing device <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM>, the power source module <NUM>, and the fan <NUM>) are powered and/or charged via a power supply <NUM> outside or within the computing device <NUM>. For example, the power supply <NUM> is disposed outside of the housing <NUM> of the computing device <NUM> and is electrically and physically connected to the computing device <NUM> via one or more connectors <NUM>. The power supply <NUM> may, for example, be an AC/DC adapter that converts <NUM> VAC from the wall, for example, to a lower DC voltage. Other power supplies (e.g., converting from <NUM> VAC) may be used.

The power supply <NUM> may be electrically connected to the power source module <NUM> via the one or more connectors <NUM>, the PCB <NUM> (e.g., see communication path <NUM>), cabling, or any combination thereof. The power source (see <FIG> and <FIG>) of the power source module <NUM> may be charged with the lower DC voltage supplied by the power supply <NUM>, or the power source module <NUM> may increase or further decrease the lower DC voltage for charging the power source <NUM>.

When a temperature of the power source <NUM> (e.g., a battery) is within a temperature range (e.g., above <NUM> degrees Celsius and below <NUM> degrees Celsius), the battery <NUM> (e.g., a rechargeable battery) may be charged at a greater rate (e.g., with a greater charge current) compared to when the battery is outside of the temperature range. The greater rate of charge decreases an amount of time a user of the computing device <NUM> cannot use the computing device <NUM> while the computing device <NUM> charges.

Components of the power source module <NUM> help maintain the temperature of the battery within the temperature range. <FIG> shows a top view of one example of the power source module <NUM>. The power source module <NUM> includes a dynamic vapor chamber <NUM>, a battery <NUM> supported by the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM>, at least one charger <NUM> (e.g., two chargers) supported by the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM>, and at least one sensor <NUM> operable to determine at least one respective temperature of the battery <NUM> (e.g., two temperature sensors).

The battery <NUM> may be any number of different types of batteries including, for example, a rechargeable lithium ion battery. Other types of batteries or power sources (e.g., lithium polymer, battery fuel cells) may be provided. The battery <NUM> may be any number of sizes and/or shapes and may include any number of cells based on the size and shape of the battery <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may have a capacity at least partially defined by the size, shape, and number of cells.

The battery <NUM> includes one or more cells <NUM> (e.g., depending on the size and storage of the battery), and within each of the one or more cells <NUM>, lithium ions of the battery <NUM> carry current from a negative electrode of the respective cell <NUM> to a positive electrode of the respective cell <NUM> during discharging, and carry current from the positive electrode of the respective cell <NUM> to the negative electrode of the respective cell <NUM> during charging. An electrolyte within the cell <NUM> allows for the ionic movement. Heat is generated during both the charging and the discharging of the battery <NUM>. The generated heat includes, for example, Joule heat and reaction heat and may depend on charging or discharging voltage and current.

The two chargers <NUM> control voltage and current to the battery <NUM> during charging, and control the voltage and the current to the battery to other components within the computing device <NUM> during discharging (e.g., see charging communication paths <NUM> and discharging communication paths <NUM>). In one example, the two chargers <NUM> control charging and discharging of two cells 207a and 207b of the battery <NUM>, respectively.

Each of the two chargers <NUM> may be, for example, a protection circuit module (PCM) or protection circuit board that protects the battery <NUM> from overcharging, over-discharging, and over-drain. Each of the two chargers <NUM> includes any number of electrically connected components <NUM> including, for example, a voltage converter/regulator circuit, a voltage tap, a battery charge state monitor, one or more connectors, or any combination thereof. The PCMs each include circuit boards <NUM> via which the components <NUM> are electrically connected. At least one of the components <NUM> of the respective charger <NUM> may include a processor configured to control the charging and discharging of the battery <NUM>. The components <NUM> of the chargers <NUM> are electrically connected to the battery <NUM>.

The two temperature sensors <NUM> may be any number of different types of temperature sensors including, for example, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector (RTD) (e.g., a resistance wire RTD or a thermistor), or another type of temperature sensor. All of the temperature sensors may be the same type of temperature sensor, or different types of temperature sensors may be used within the electronic device. The power source module <NUM> may include more or fewer temperature sensors.

The two temperature sensors <NUM> are in communication with components <NUM> (e.g., the processors) of the chargers <NUM> (e.g., via wires and/or traces of the circuit boards <NUM> of the chargers <NUM>), respectively. For example, a first temperature sensor 206a of the two temperature sensors <NUM> is positioned within a first cell 207a of the two cells <NUM>, and a second temperature sensor 206b of the two temperature sensors <NUM> is positioned within a second cell 207b of the two cells <NUM>. The first temperature sensor 206a and the second temperature sensor 206b are in communication with the processors <NUM> of a first charger 204a and a second charger 204b of the two chargers, respectively. The two temperature sensors 206a and 206b may be located at positions on or within the battery <NUM>, at which temperatures of the battery <NUM> are a maximum, respectively.

The two temperature sensors 206a and 206b determine temperatures at, for example, the positions within the first cell 207a and the second cell 207b, respectively, and return the determined temperatures to the processors <NUM> of the respective chargers 204a and 204b. The two temperature sensors 206a and 206b may determine the temperatures continuously or at predetermined intervals.

The two chargers 204a and 204b are supported by a same surface <NUM> of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM>, on opposite sides of the battery <NUM>. For example, the first charger 204a is supported by the surface <NUM> of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM>, abutting or adjacent to a first side <NUM> of the battery <NUM>, and the second charger 204b is supported by the surface <NUM> of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM>, abutting or adjacent to a second side <NUM> of the battery <NUM>. The second side <NUM> of the battery <NUM> is opposite the first side <NUM> of the battery <NUM>. In one example, the battery <NUM> and the circuit boards <NUM> of the chargers <NUM> are attached to the surface <NUM> of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> in any number of ways including, for example, with a thermal adhesive. Connectors such as, for example, screws and tapped bosses in the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> may be used instead of or in addition to the thermal adhesive.

The first charger 204a abutting the first side <NUM> of the battery <NUM> may be a component <NUM> of the first charger 204a or the circuit board <NUM> of the first charger 204a abutting the first side <NUM> of the battery <NUM>, and the second charger 204b abutting the second side <NUM> of the battery <NUM> may be a component <NUM> of the second charger 204b or the circuit board <NUM> of the second charger 204b abutting the second side <NUM> of the battery <NUM>. The first charger 204a being adjacent to the first side <NUM> of the battery <NUM> may be a component <NUM> of the first charger 204a or the circuit board <NUM> of the first charger 204a being positioned a small distance (e.g., within <NUM>) from the first side <NUM> of the battery <NUM>, and the second charger 204b being adjacent to the second side <NUM> of the battery <NUM> may be a component <NUM> of the second charger 204b or the circuit board <NUM> of the second charger 204b being positioned a small distance (e.g., within <NUM>) from the second side <NUM> of the battery <NUM>.

In other examples, the two chargers 204a and 204b are respectively supported by opposite surfaces of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM>, the two chargers 204a and 204b are disposed adjacent to a same side of the battery <NUM>, or the power source module <NUM> only includes one charger <NUM>. In one example, additional chargers <NUM> abut or are positioned adjacent to additional and/or different sides of the battery <NUM> for charging additional cells <NUM> of the battery <NUM>, respectively.

Heat generated during operation of the power source module <NUM> includes Joule heat generated by the components <NUM> of the two chargers 204a and 204b, in addition to the Joule heat and reaction heat generated during the charging and discharging of the battery <NUM>. The dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> aids in the cooling (e.g., heat spreading and ultimate heat removal from the computing device <NUM>) of at least the two chargers 204a and 204b (e.g., the components <NUM> of the two chargers 204a and 204b) and the battery <NUM> during operation of the power source module <NUM>.

The dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> may act as a heat flux transformer that cools a high heat flux from the battery cells <NUM> and/or the components of the two chargers 204a and 204b and transforms the high heat flux into a lower heat flux for removal. An internal structure of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> is important for phase change performance. Features that affect phase change performance include vapor space and capillary features. The vapor space is a path for evaporated working fluid to travel to a condenser, and the capillary features are a pathway for condensed working fluid to return to an evaporator.

<FIG> depicts a top view of an example of the power source module <NUM> with the battery <NUM> and a portion of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> removed. The dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> may be any number of sizes, shapes, and/or may be made of any number of materials. For example, the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> may be rectangular in shape (e.g., with rounded corners) and may be sized based on sizes of the battery <NUM> and the chargers <NUM>, respectively. In one example, the dynamic vapor chamber is sized such that an entire surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the battery <NUM> and entire surfaces (e.g., bottom surfaces) of the chargers <NUM> abut the surface <NUM> of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> (e.g., to match a combined size of the battery <NUM> and the chargers <NUM>). In one example, the width of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> is greater than a combined width (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> of the battery <NUM>) of the battery <NUM> and the chargers <NUM>, and the length of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> is greater than the length (e.g., in a direction parallel to the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> of the battery <NUM>) of the battery <NUM> and the lengths of the chargers <NUM>. Other shapes and/or sizes may be provided. The dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> may be made of, for example, copper, aluminum, titanium, one or more other thermally conducting materials, or any combination thereof. Different parts of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> may be made of different or a same material.

The dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> (e.g., with the outer surface <NUM>), a capillary recirculation system <NUM>, and a working fluid (not shown) such as, for example, water, ammonia, alcohol, or ethanol. The capillary recirculation system <NUM> includes a first reservoir <NUM> and a second reservoir <NUM> for the working fluid, and a wick structure <NUM> (e.g., capillary features) that extends between the first reservoir <NUM> and the second reservoir <NUM>. In one example, the first reservoir <NUM> and/or the second reservoir <NUM> is an extension of the wick structure <NUM>. In another example, the first reservoir <NUM> and/or the second reservoir <NUM> is a different type of wick structure than the wick structure <NUM>.

The wick structure <NUM> may include a plurality of pins, screen wick structures, open channels, channels covered with screens, an annulus behind a screen, an artery structure, a corrugated screen, other structures, or any combination thereof. The wick structure <NUM> may extend along the length of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM>, along the width of the dynamic chamber <NUM>, and/or in any number of other directions. The wick structure <NUM> may include a single path for the working fluid or a number of separate paths (e.g., two paths, as shown in <FIG>). In one example, the wick structure <NUM> covers all inner surfaces of the housing <NUM> of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM>.

The wick structure <NUM> also includes one or more valves <NUM> operable to regulate an amount of working fluid to different regions of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM>. The valves <NUM> may, for example, be active capillary features in that a wicking capability of the active capillary features may be controlled. For example, as shown with a first wick structure path 312a in <FIG>, a portion <NUM> of the wick structure <NUM> (e.g., a valve <NUM>) may be moved translationally and/or rotationally from a position within the first wick structure path 312a (e.g., a valve "on" position) to a position out of the first wick structure path 312a (e.g., a valve "off" position). A portion of the working fluid flowing through the first wick structure path 312a is diverted out of the first wick structure path 312a, and/or the lesser length of the wick structure path 312a through which the working fluid may flow leads to a higher heat flux and eventual dry-out. In other words, the heat flux may increase to a point where the working fluid does not return to the heat source (e.g., adjacent a hot spot on the battery <NUM>), and the working fluid remains in the first reservoir <NUM> and the second reservoir <NUM>.

In another example, as shown with a second wick structure path 312b in <FIG>, the wick structure <NUM> includes a plurality of pins <NUM>, and a subset of pins (e.g., two pins acting as the valves <NUM>) of the plurality of pins <NUM> are active and controllable by a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> and/or the processor <NUM>). In one example, all pins of the plurality of pins <NUM> are controllable by a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> or the processor <NUM>). In another example, the second wick structure path 312b includes a single active and controllable pin <NUM>. The wick structure <NUM> within the second wick structure path 312b may be formed entirely by pins <NUM>. Alternatively, a first portion of the second wick structure path <NUM> may be formed by a first type wick structure <NUM>, and a second portion of the second wick structure path <NUM> may be formed by a second type of wick structure <NUM> (e.g., the pins <NUM> acting as the valve <NUM>).

The two active pins <NUM>, for example, are movable between an activated state (e.g., a valve "on" position) and a deactivated state (e.g., a valve "off" position). For example, the active pins <NUM> are movable from the activated state to the deactivated state in a direction into the housing <NUM> of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM>. In other words, in the activated state, the active pins <NUM> extend away from an inner surface of the housing <NUM> of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM>, and in the deactivated state, the active pins <NUM> are disposed within a wall of the housing <NUM>, thus creating a gap within the second wick structure path 312b. The active pins <NUM> may be translatable or rotatable between the activated state and the deactivated state.

By moving the active pins <NUM> into the deactivated state, for example, the first reservoir <NUM> is cut off from the second reservoir <NUM>. Condensed liquid pools up in the first reservoir <NUM> and the second reservoir <NUM> and does not return to an evaporator (e.g., adjacent a hotspot on the battery <NUM>) when the active pins <NUM> are in the deactivated state if the heat flux from the battery <NUM> rises to a high enough level. As the liquid within the wick structure <NUM> dries up, the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> is less able to aid in heat spreading and heat removal.

Alternatively or additionally, the valve <NUM> may include a fluid control valve <NUM> that regulates an amount of working fluid that is able to flow between the first reservoir <NUM> and the second reservoir <NUM>. The fluid control valve <NUM> may be controlled by the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> or the processor <NUM>) via, for example, a magnetic switch of the fluid control valve <NUM>. In one example, the fluid control valve <NUM> is controlled by a magnetic field generated outside of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM>.

The valves <NUM> may be movable between the valve "on" position and the valve "off" position in any number of ways including, for example, mechanically using a motor and linkages, and/or using microelectromechanical (MEMS) technology. In one example, the valves <NUM> are controlled by magnetic switches. In other examples, electrowetting or electric fields may be generated at at least a portion of the wick structure <NUM> to control the wicking capability of the portion of the wick structure <NUM>. <FIG> shows examples of two different valves <NUM>. In other examples, each of the separate wick structure paths 312a and 312b may have a same type of valve <NUM>. Additional, different, and/or fewer valves may be used within the wick structure <NUM>.

In one example, as shown in <FIG>, the heat pipe <NUM> extending between the processor <NUM> and the power source module <NUM> includes a valve <NUM>. Instead of or in addition to control of the valve <NUM>, the valve <NUM> of the heat pipe <NUM> may be controlled (see <FIG>) to regulate flow of a working fluid moving through the heat pipe <NUM> and thus, heat transfer from the processor <NUM>, for example, to the power source module <NUM>. The thermal communication between the processor <NUM> and the battery <NUM>, for example, may be used in conjunction with control of the valve <NUM> of the heat pipe <NUM> to maximize an amount of time the temperature of the battery <NUM> is within a predetermined temperature range. For example, when the temperature of the battery <NUM> is below the predetermined temperature range, the processor <NUM> may open the valve <NUM> such that heat generated by the processor <NUM> is transferred to the battery <NUM> via the working fluid within the heat pipe <NUM> and the heat spreader <NUM>, and the temperature of the battery <NUM> is increased. The processor <NUM> may close the valve <NUM> once the temperature of the battery <NUM> reaches the predetermined temperature range.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the heat generated by the battery <NUM> and the chargers <NUM> is spread by the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> and ultimately conducted through the housing <NUM> of the computing device <NUM> and removed from the computing device <NUM> through convection and radiation. In order to reduce a thermal resistance for this heat flow from the battery <NUM> and the chargers <NUM> and ultimately out of the computing device <NUM>, the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> may be integrated with the housing <NUM> of the computing device <NUM>.

For example, as shown in the example of <FIG>, a portion of the housing <NUM> of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> is formed by a portion of the housing <NUM> of the computing device <NUM>. A thermal resistance between the battery <NUM> and the chargers <NUM>, and the housing <NUM> is reduced, allowing for more efficient cooling of the battery <NUM> and the chargers <NUM>. In one example, at least a first portion <NUM> of the wick structure <NUM> is disposed on an inner surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the computing device <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> of the wick structure <NUM> may be disposed on the inner surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the computing device <NUM> in any number of ways including, for example, by three-dimensional (3D) printing. In other examples, the first portion <NUM> of the wick structure <NUM> and/or other components of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> are disposed (e.g., 3D printed) on other surfaces (e.g., an enclosure plate) within the computing device <NUM>.

In one example, the first portion <NUM> of the wick structure <NUM> and walls <NUM> of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> are 3D printed directly onto the inner surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> of the wick structure <NUM> and/or the walls <NUM> of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> may be disposed on the inner surface <NUM> in other ways. For example, the first portion <NUM> of the wick structure <NUM> and/or the walls <NUM> may be preformed and adhered (e.g., with an adhesive or welds) to the inner surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the computing device <NUM>. In one example, the housing <NUM> of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> is entirely separate from the housing <NUM> of the computing device <NUM>.

In one example, the wick structure <NUM> also includes a second portion <NUM>. The dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> includes a plate <NUM> that abuts the walls <NUM> extending away from the inner surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The plate <NUM> includes the surface <NUM> on which the battery <NUM> and the chargers <NUM> are supported (e.g., a first surface), and a second surface <NUM> opposite the first surface <NUM>. The second surface <NUM> is an inner surface of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> and is opposite the inner surface <NUM> of the housing. The second portion <NUM> of the wick structure <NUM> is disposed (e.g., 3D printed) on the second surface <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. In one example, portions of the wick structure <NUM> are disposed on the walls <NUM>. The wick structure <NUM> may be disposed on all or less than all of the inner surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, the walls <NUM>, and/or the plate <NUM> within the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM>.

In one example, the plate <NUM> includes an opening the size of the battery <NUM>, and the battery <NUM> is at least partially disposed within the opening in the plate <NUM>. All or part of the second portion <NUM> of the wick structure <NUM> is disposed on an outer surface of the battery <NUM> and not the plate <NUM>. For example, the second portion <NUM> of the wick structure <NUM> may be 3D printed directly onto the outer surface of the battery <NUM>.

When the valves <NUM> of the wick structure <NUM> are in the "on" position, all of the working fluid is free to flow through all of the wick structure <NUM>, and the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> better spreads heat generated by the battery <NUM> and the chargers <NUM> compared to when the valves <NUM> are in the "off" position. When the valves <NUM> are in the "off position" and, for example, the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> does not spread heat as well as when the valves <NUM> are in the "on position" and/or dries out, the battery <NUM> may heat up due to the Joule heat generated by the components <NUM> of the two chargers 204a and 204b (e.g., via radiation, conduction, and/or convection), and the Joule heat and reaction heat generated by the battery <NUM>. This thermal communication between the battery <NUM> and the chargers <NUM> may be used in conjunction with control of the valves <NUM> of the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM> to maximize an amount of time the temperature of the battery <NUM> is within the predetermined temperature range.

<FIG> shows a flowchart of one example of a method <NUM> for optimizing charging of a power source of a computing device. The method <NUM> is implemented in the order shown, but other orders may be used. Additional, different, or fewer acts may be provided. Similar methods may be used for transferring heat.

In act <NUM>, one or more sensors (e.g., a sensor) determine a temperature of a power source. The sensor is positioned on and/or in the power source (e.g., at a hot spot in the power source). The sensor may be any number of different types of sensors including, for example, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector (RTD) (e.g., a resistance wire RTD or a thermistor), or another type of temperature sensor. The power source may be any number of different types of power sources including, for example, a battery (e.g., a lithium ion battery). Other power sources such as, for example, a fuel cell may be provided.

The sensor is electrically connected to a processor and return the determined temperature to the processor. The sensor may determine the temperature and return the determined temperature to the processor continuously or at a predetermined interval. The processor may be a processor of a charger for the battery or may be a different processor of the computing device. In one example, the processor is formed by a plurality of processors of separate controllers for different cells of the battery, respectively. In another example, the processor includes the plurality of processors of the separate controllers and/or one or more processors of the computing device.

In one example, the battery is part of a power source module that also includes one or more chargers (e.g., two chargers) and a controllable phase change device (e.g., a vapor chamber). The two chargers, for example, control charging and discharging current and voltage for different cells within the battery, respectively. The two chargers are disposed on opposite sides of the battery, and are supported by a same side of the vapor chamber. The vapor chamber supports the two chargers and the battery in that two chargers and the battery abut the vapor chamber or the two chargers and the battery are physically connected to the vapor chamber via one or more intervening layers of material and/or components. The two chargers are positioned adjacent to the battery or abut the battery. In one example, two sensors are positioned on and/or in the battery (e.g., within the different cells of the battery). The two sensors determine respective temperatures within the battery and return the determined temperatures to one of the chargers or the two chargers (e.g., processors of the two chargers), respectively.

In act <NUM>, a processor compares the determined temperature to a first predetermined temperature and a second predetermined temperature. The second predetermined temperature is greater than the first predetermined temperature. The first predetermined temperature and the second predetermined temperature define a predetermined temperature range for the battery, within which charging is optimized. For example, the first predetermined temperature is <NUM> degrees Celsius, and the second predetermined temperature is <NUM> degrees Celsius. Other predetermined temperatures may be used.

In one example, the processor also compares the determined temperature to a third predetermined temperature. The third predetermined temperature is greater than the second predetermined temperature. The third predetermined temperature may define, for example, a maximum operating temperature for the battery and may thus represent a temperature of the battery at which charging and/or discharging is to be stopped.

Comparing the determined temperature to the first predetermined temperature and the second predetermined temperature may include the processor determining whether the determined temperature is less than, equal to, or greater than the first predetermined temperature, and whether the determined temperature is less than, equal to, or greater than the second predetermined temperature. In one example, comparing the determined temperature to the third predetermined temperature include the processor determining whether the determined temperature is less than, equal to, or greater than the third predetermined temperature.

In act <NUM>, the processor controls a valve of a vapor chamber based on the comparison of the determined temperature to the first predetermined temperature. The vapor chamber includes capillary features (e.g., a wick structure) and a working fluid that moves through the capillary features. The capillary features may include a plurality of pins, screen wick structures, open channels, channels covered with screens, an annulus behind a screen, an artery structure, a corrugated screen, other structures, or any combination thereof. In one example, the vapor chamber includes multiple wick structure paths, and respective controllable valves are operable to regulate (e.g., divert, restrict, or block) the flow of working fluid based on the comparison. Different valves may be controlled based on different predetermined temperatures.

In one example, a portion of the capillary features acts as the valve. For example, the capillary features include, for example, movable pins (e.g., into a housing of the vapor chamber) and/or a movable portion of a corrugated screen such that a path between reservoirs on opposite sides of the vapor chamber and/or a path between an evaporator (e.g., adjacent to a hot spot on the battery) and a condenser (e.g., a reservoir) is broken. In another example, the vapor chamber includes another type of valve that is operable to divert a portion of the working fluid out of a path between the evaporator and the condenser such that the working fluid flowing through the capillary features eventually dries up. For example, the capillary features include an open channel, and the valve is operable to move a wall of the open channel such that at least a portion of the working fluid is diverted out of the open channel (e.g., to a reservoir outside of the open channel). In one example, the valve includes a volume, in which at least a portion of the working fluid may be stored when the valve is in a closed position. Other types of valves may be provided.

Controlling the valve includes the processor setting the valve to the closed position when the determined temperature is less than (or less than or equal to) the first predetermined temperature. The valve is operable to regulate (e.g., divert, block, or restrict) the flow of the working fluid when the valve is in the closed position. A valve in the closed position may not entirely block the flow of the working fluid, but may divert at least a portion of the working fluid and/or restrict the flow of the working fluid, for example. With the flow of the working fluid blocked or restricted, a cooling capability of the vapor chamber is reduced, and the vapor chamber may eventually dry out. The battery heats up due to the Joule heat and the reaction heat generated by the battery, and the joule heat generated by the chargers.

The valve remains in the closed position until the determined temperature of the battery reaches or exceeds the first predetermined temperature (e.g., reaches the predetermined temperature range for optimal charging of the battery of the computing device).

Controlling the valve also includes the processor setting the valve to an open position when the determined temperature is greater than or equal to (or greater than) the first predetermined temperature. The valve allows the working fluid to flow when the valve is in the open position. With the valve in the open position and the working fluid allowed to flow, heat spreading and cooling provided by the vapor chamber is maximized.

In one example, the valve is positionable in only two positions, the open position and the closed position. In another example, the valve is positionable in more than two positions, and the processor may set a partially open position of the valve based on a difference between the determined temperature and the first predetermined temperature calculated by the processor.

In act <NUM>, the processor controls (e.g., sets) a charging current for the power source based on the comparison of the determined temperature to the first predetermined temperature and the second predetermined temperature. In one example, the processor also controls a charging voltage based on at least the comparison of the determined temperature to the first predetermined temperature and the second predetermined temperature. The processor controls the charging current via, for example, the two chargers of the power source module. The two chargers may, for example, control the charging current for two different cells of the battery, respectively. The two chargers may be any number of different types of chargers including, for example, protection circuit modules operable to control the charging current, the charging voltage, the discharging current, and the discharging voltage with components (e.g., voltage dividers, MOSFETs) of the chargers controlled by the processor. More or fewer chargers may be provided in the power source module.

The processor controlling the charging current for the battery based on the comparison of the determined temperature to the first predetermined temperature and the second predetermined temperature includes the processor setting, via the chargers, the charging current to a greater current when the determined temperature is greater than the first predetermined temperature and less than the second predetermined temperature, compared to when the determined temperature is less than the first predetermined temperature or is greater than the second predetermined temperature. For example, based on the comparisons, the processor may set the charge rate to <NUM>. 5C to <NUM>. 0C when the determined temperature is greater than the first predetermined temperature and less than the second predetermined temperature. The charge rate may vary when the determined temperature is greater than the first predetermined temperature and less than the second predetermined temperature due to a charge level of the battery. For example, the charge rate may be set to <NUM>. 0C up to a <NUM> percent charge level, <NUM>. 7C up to an <NUM> percent charge level, and <NUM>. 5C up to a <NUM> percent charge level. The processor may, for example, set the charge voltage to <NUM> Volts. Other charge rates and charge voltages may be set by the processor.

The processor also sets, via the chargers, the charge rate for the battery to, for example, <NUM>. 2C when the determined temperature is less than the first predetermined temperature, and sets the charging current to <NUM>. 25C when the determined temperature is greater than the second predetermined temperature. The processor may, for example, also set the charge voltage to <NUM> Volts when the determined temperature is less than the first predetermined temperature, and set the charge voltage to <NUM> Volts when the determined temperature is greater than the second predetermined temperature. The processor may set the charge rate and/or the charging voltage to other values when the determined temperature is less than the first predetermined temperature and/or when the determined temperature is greater than the second predetermined temperature.

In one example, the processor also sets, via the charger, the charge rate for the battery based on the comparison of the determined temperature to the third predetermined temperature. The charge rate may, for example, be set to <NUM>. 0C when the determined temperature is greater than the third predetermined temperature.

The method <NUM> is a closed-loop feedback method in that the method moves to act <NUM> after act <NUM>. The temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the battery continuously or at predetermined intervals, and the processor controls the vapor chamber (e.g., a valve of the vapor chamber) and charging current and/or voltage based on the temperature of the battery.

In one example, the power source module includes more or fewer temperature sensors disposed on and/or in the battery, and the temperatures determined by the temperature sensors are averaged, and the averaged temperature is used for the comparisons. In another example, a maximum temperature and/or a minimum temperature are identified from the temperatures determined by the temperature sensors, and the maximum temperature or the minimum temperature is used for the comparisons.

The methods and systems of the present examples provide optimal thermal management while also maximizing charge rate and prolonging battery life. The optimal thermal management provided by the methods and systems of the present examples allows for fast charging batteries, increases computing device life expectancy, improves a financial margin, and improves a user experience and safety.

With respect to improving user experience, for a multiple screen device that includes a plurality of batteries, as shown in <FIG>, the methods and systems of the present examples may be applied to maximize a time the plurality of batteries are charged. As shown in <FIG>, a computing device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> that supports one or more processors <NUM> (e.g., a processor), a power source module <NUM> that includes a first power source (e.g., a first battery), a dynamic vapor chamber (e.g., the dynamic vapor chamber <NUM>), and one or more chargers, and a second power source <NUM> (e.g., a second battery).

The housing <NUM> includes a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> rotatably attached to the first portion <NUM> via a hinge <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> supports a first display <NUM>, and the second portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> supports a second display <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> supports the processor <NUM> and the second battery <NUM>, and the second portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> supports the power source module <NUM> including the first battery. The processor <NUM> and the second battery <NUM>, and the power source module <NUM> are supported and electrically connected via respective PCBs <NUM>.

Using the methods and systems of the present examples, if, for example, a charge level for the first battery is low (e.g., less than twenty percent full) and the determined temperature for the first battery is below the first predetermined temperature (e.g., at <NUM> degrees Celsius) and the determined temperature for the second battery <NUM> is above the second predetermined temperature (e.g., at <NUM> degrees Celsius). The computing device is drawing power from the first battery, and the determined temperatures for the first battery and the second battery <NUM>, respectively, are out of the optimal temperature range for charging. Without the dynamic vapor chamber of the power source module <NUM>, the computing device <NUM> may draw down an overall system battery capacity (e.g., a combination of a capacity of the first battery and a capacity of the second battery <NUM>) faster than the first battery and the second battery <NUM> can be charged. If the trend continues, the computing device <NUM> may eventually be shut down due to system and/or battery "brown out" protection.

With the dynamic vapor chamber of the power source module <NUM>, however, the processor <NUM> or a processor of the power source module <NUM> may send a signal to close a valve of the dynamic vapor chamber of the power source module <NUM> to reduce cooling for the first battery. With the cooling reduced, the temperature of the first battery rises, and a charge rate for the first battery is increased. A user is thus able to continue using the computing device <NUM> without disruption while the overall system battery capacity increases.

With reference to <FIG>, a thermal management system, as described above, may be incorporated within an exemplary computing environment <NUM>. The computing environment <NUM> may correspond with one of a wide variety of computing devices, including, but not limited to, personal computers (PCs), server computers, tablet and other handheld computing devices, laptop or mobile computers, communications devices such as mobile phones, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, or audio or video media players. For example, the heat dissipating apparatus is incorporated within a computing environment having an active cooling source (e.g., fans).

The computing environment <NUM> has sufficient computational capability and system memory to enable basic computational operations. In this example, the computing environment <NUM> includes one or more processing units <NUM>, which may be individually or collectively referred to herein as a processor. The computing environment <NUM> may also include one or more graphics processing units (GPUs) <NUM>. The processor <NUM> and/or the GPU <NUM> may include integrated memory and/or be in communication with system memory <NUM>. The processor <NUM> and/or the GPU <NUM> may be a specialized microprocessor, such as a digital signal processor (DSP), a very long instruction word (VLIW) processor, or other microcontroller, or may be a general purpose central processing unit (CPU) having one or more processing cores. The processor <NUM>, the GPU <NUM>, the system memory <NUM>, and/or any other components of the computing environment <NUM> may be packaged or otherwise integrated as a system on a chip (SoC), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other integrated circuit or system.

The computing environment <NUM> may also include other components, such as, for example, a communications interface <NUM>. One or more computer input devices <NUM> (e.g., pointing devices, keyboards, audio input devices, video input devices, haptic input devices, or devices for receiving wired or wireless data transmissions) may be provided. The input devices <NUM> may include one or more touch-sensitive surfaces, such as track pads. Various output devices <NUM>, including touchscreen or touch-sensitive display(s) <NUM>, may also be provided. The output devices <NUM> may include a variety of different audio output devices, video output devices, and/or devices for transmitting wired or wireless data transmissions.

The computing environment <NUM> may also include a variety of computer readable media for storage of information such as computer-readable or computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer readable media may be any available media accessible via storage devices <NUM> and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, whether in removable storage <NUM> and/or non-removable storage <NUM> Computer readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media may include both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which may be used to store the desired information and which may be accessed by the processing units of the computing environment <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A computing device (<NUM>) comprising:
a dynamic vapor chamber (<NUM>) comprising a wick structure (<NUM>) with a valve (<NUM>, <NUM>), the valve (<NUM>, <NUM>) being operable to regulate an amount of working fluid of the dynamic vapor chamber (<NUM>) to different regions of the dynamic vapor chamber (<NUM>) based on a position of the valve (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>);
a battery (<NUM>) physically connected to and in thermal communication with the dynamic vapor chamber (<NUM>);
a sensor (206a, 206b) operable to determine a temperature of the battery (<NUM>); and
a first heat generating component physically and thermally connected to the dynamic vapor chamber (<NUM>), and
wherein the first heat generating component or a second heat generating component is configured to:
compare the determined temperature to a predetermined temperature; and
control the valve (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) based on the comparison.