PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10681843-B2
Application Number: US-201816027152-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Electronic devices having adaptive surfaces

Abstract:
Aspects of the subject technology relate to electronic devices having adaptive surfaces. An adaptive surface may expand or deform responsive to a temperature change and/or a mechanical strain for thermal management for the device or for mechanical restructuring of the device in various configurations. The adaptive surface may be formed from a negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern in the surface or an inhomogeneous arrangement of materials.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 a housing; 
 an electronic component within the housing; 
 a support structure expandable in a first direction in response to heat generated by the electronic component; 
 an adaptive surface coupled to the support structure at multiple locations, the adaptive surface configured to deform in a second direction from a first configuration, in which the adaptive surface abuts the support structure along a region of the adaptive surface between the multiple locations, to a second configuration in response to expansion of the support structure, the second direction being away from the support structure such that the region of the adaptive surface moves away from the support structure. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the adaptive surface comprises a negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein a deformation of the adaptive surface from the first configuration to the second configuration creates openings in the negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern that allow airflow through the housing. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern is configured to cause a first mechanical expansion of the adaptive surface in at least a first direction, responsive to a second mechanical expansion of the adaptive surface in a second direction, the second mechanical expansion associated with the heat generated by the electronic component. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein a portion of the housing adjacent to the adaptive surface is fixed to cause the adaptive surface to bulge responsive to the first and second mechanical expansions. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern is formed in a bi-stable shape memory material. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the adaptive surface comprises a first portion having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second portion having a second coefficient of thermal expansion. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a plurality of adaptive surfaces each configured to deform from a first configuration to a second configuration responsive to heat generated by one or more electronic components within the housing at or near that adaptive surface. 
     
     
       9. An electronic device, comprising:
 a structure having an adaptive surface, the adaptive surface configured to deform from a first configuration to a second configuration responsive to an applied thermal or mechanical strain, wherein the adaptive surface includes a negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern formed by:
 a plurality of interconnected triangular panels, each triangular panel having three corner regions each adjacent to a corresponding tip of that triangular panel, 
 wherein each of the three corner regions of each triangular panel is connected to a corresponding corner region of one other triangular panel such that each triangular panel is connected to three other triangular panels, 
 wherein each triangular panel includes three sides that are each separated by a gap from an adjacent side of an opposing triangular panel, 
 wherein a deformation of the adaptive surface from the first configuration to the second configuration causes adjacent sides of opposing triangular panels to further separate and thereby expand the gap between the adjacent sides, and 
 wherein the expansion of the gaps creates openings that each include three triangular wings. 
 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein each of the triangular wings includes a base, wherein the bases of the triangular wings of each of the openings are adjacent to each other and disposed between three common corner regions corresponding to six triangular panels. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the structure comprises a housing, wherein the electronic device further comprises an electronic component within the housing and a support structure for the adaptive surface and, wherein the applied thermal strain corresponds to heat generated by the electronic component that causes the support structure to expand and pull on at least a portion of the adaptive surface during the expansion. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein a portion of the adaptive surface is fixed so that the adaptive surface, in the second configuration, comprises a bulge on an outer surface the housing. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the structure comprises an internal structure disposed within a housing of the electronic device. 
     
     
       14. A cover for an electronic device, the cover comprising:
 a main structure having at least one adaptive region, the at least one adaptive region comprising:
 a shape memory material formed in a negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern, wherein the negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern is configured to cause a stretch of the adaptive region in a first direction to expand the adaptive region in at least a second direction to deform the shape memory material from a first shape memory configuration to a second shape memory configuration, wherein the first shape memory configuration is a substantially flat configuration and the second shape memory configuration forms a stand for the electronic device. 
 
 
     
     
       15. The cover of  claim 14 , wherein deformation of the shape memory material increases an effective surface area of the adaptive region. 
     
     
       16. The cover of  claim 14 , wherein the shape memory material is configured to deform from the first shape memory configuration to the second shape memory configuration responsive to heat generated by the electronic device. 
     
     
       17. A cover for an electronic device, the cover comprising:
 a main structure having at least one adaptive region, the at least one adaptive region comprising:
 a shape memory material formed in a negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern, wherein the negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern is configured to cause a stretch of the adaptive region in a first direction to expand the adaptive region in at least a second direction to deform the shape memory material from a first shape memory configuration to a second shape memory configuration, wherein the first shape memory configuration is a substantially flat configuration and the second shape memory configuration forms a handle for carrying the electronic device. 
 
 
     
     
       18. The cover of  claim 17 , wherein deformation of the shape memory material increases an effective surface area of the adaptive region. 
     
     
       19. The cover of  claim 17 , wherein the shape memory material is configured to deform from the first shape memory configuration to the second shape memory configuration responsive to heat generated by the electronic device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/565,883, entitled “ELECTRONIC DEVICES HAVING ADAPTIVE SURFACES” filed on Sep. 29, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present description relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to electronic devices with housings having adaptive surfaces. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices such as mobile phones, portable music players, smart watches, tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers, televisions, and servers are provided with electronic components disposed within a housing. Rigid housings typically provide mechanical support for the device and protection for the internal electronic components. However, challenges can arise when attempting to provide thermal management and desired structural features with a single rigid housing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures. 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate perspective views of an example electronic device having a housing with an adaptive surface before and after expansion of the adaptive surface in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate cross-sectional views of a portion of an example electronic device having a housing with an adaptive surface before and after expansion of the adaptive surface in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device with an internal adaptive surface in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device implemented as a laptop computer with an adaptive surface in an upper housing in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate perspective views of an example device having an adaptive surface configured to form a stand for the device in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate perspective views of an example device having an adaptive surface configured to form a handle for the device in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a face-on view of a portion of an adaptive surface for a device that is formed from a negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern in the surface in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a closer view of the portion of the adaptive surface of  FIG. 7  in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a face-on view of a portion of an adaptive surface for a device that is formed from another negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern in the surface in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a face-on view of a portion of an adaptive surface for a device that is formed from yet another negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern in the surface in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a face-on view of a portion of an adaptive surface for a device that is formed from materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of an adaptive surface for a device that is formed from multiple materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of an adaptive surface for a device that is formed from materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a flow chart of an example process for forming an adaptive surface in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be clear and apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. 
     In accordance with various aspects of the subject disclosure, electronic devices are provided with a housing having an adaptive surface. The adaptive surfaces are deformable from a first configuration to at least a second configuration responsive to a temperature change such as a temperature change caused by heat generated by an electronic component within the housing, or responsive to a mechanical strain on the surface. For example, heat from a processor within the device housing can cause direct thermal expansion of an adaptive surface formed from a shape-memory material, or can cause indirect thermal expansion of the adaptive surface via thermal expansion of a support structure for the adaptive surface in a first direction that causes a mechanical expansion of the adaptive surface in the first direction. The indirect thermal expansion of the adaptive surface in the first direction can, in turn, cause the deformation in at least a second direction. 
     The adaptive surface can be formed from multiple materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion or can be formed from a negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern formed in the surface. The adaptive surface may be formed from a shape memory material that holds the second configuration until the temperature of the adaptive surface falls below a threshold, and then returns to the first configuration in a bi-stable manner. In other implementations, the adaptive surface can smoothly deform between the first and second configurations in connection with temperature changes (e.g., a temperature rise or a temperature fall) at or near the surface and/or in connection with a mechanical strain on the surface. 
     An illustrative electronic device having an adaptive surface is shown in  FIG. 1A . In the example of  FIG. 1A , device  100  has been implemented in the form of a portable computer such as a laptop computer. As shown in  FIG. 1A , device  100  may include keyboard  102 , housing  106 , and a touch pad such as touch pad  103 . Although not visible in the perspective view of  FIG. 1A , it should be understood that device  100  may include a display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. 
     In the perspective views of  FIG. 1A , the rear surface of upper portion  106 U of housing  106  is visible. Upper portion  106 U is rotatably coupled to bottom housing  106 L in which keyboard  102  and touch pad  103  are disposed. In the example of  FIG. 1A , upper housing  106  includes an adaptive surface  120  having a plurality of adaptive regions  108 . Although discrete regions  108  are shown in  FIG. 1A , it should be appreciated that, if desired, the entire surface of upper housing  106 U and/or some or all of lower housing  106 L may be adaptive. 
     The adaptive surfaces  108  of housing  106  can transition from a first configuration (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 1A  in which the surface of upper housing  106 U is a planar or otherwise continuously curved surface) to a second configuration (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 1B  in which the adaptive surfaces form bulges or domes  110  on the surface of upper housing  106 U). 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , bulges or domes  110  formed in adaptive regions  108  may include openings  112  that allow airflow into and/or out of housing  106 . In this way, the bulging of some or all of housing  106  during operation of device  100  may allow heat to escape through openings  112 , thereby enhancing the thermal management for device  100 . Bulges  110  may form (and openings  112  may be generated) in housing  106  responsive to heat changes within the housing (e.g., by an operating electronic component such as a microprocessor or a battery) and/or responsive to a mechanical strain on a portion of the housing and may relax to the configuration of  FIG. 1A  when the heat is removed. In one example, the adaptive surfaces may be patterned sheets of material that are coupled to a stiffer material with a large coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) such that, when the temperature of the stiffer material changes (e.g., the stiffer material is heated due to the heat from the operating electronic component) the stiffer material expands in a desired direction to drive the expansion of the patterned material. In another example, the patterned sheet of material may be a patterned shape-memory material that deforms from a first configuration to a second configuration in response to an application or a removal of heat generated within the housing. In this way, device  100  may be provided with a “breathing” enclosure that expels heat through newly generated openings when needed and closes those openings when the heat within the device has been dissipated. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  show cross-sectional views of a portion of device  100  that includes an adaptive portion  108  of adaptive surface  120  of housing  106 . As shown in  FIG. 2A , an internal electronic component  200  may be mounted within housing  106  (e.g., enclosed within an enclosure formed by housing  106  and a display (not shown) mounted on a front surface of the housing. Component  200  may be a printed circuit board (e.g., a main logic board), a microprocessor such as a central processing unit, another microprocessor such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a battery, or another electronic component. As indicated in  FIG. 2B , heat  201  may be generated by component  200  during operation of component  200 . The heat may cause a thermal expansion of a support structure such as a support structure  211  (e.g., a metallic bar or other high CTE material structure) that is coupled to surface  120 . The thermal expansion of support structure  211  causes expansion of a portion of adaptive region  108  (e.g., in a first direction). In an adaptive region that includes a negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern, this expansion in the first direction can cause an additional expansion in another (e.g., perpendicular) direction, which can cause formation of bulges  110 . 
     Although the example of  FIG. 2B  shows a support structure  211  that causes the expansion of adaptive region  108  responsive to heat  201 , it should be appreciated that one or more adaptive regions  108  may be provided without a support structure  211  (e.g., adaptive regions formed from shape-memory materials that expand or contract between desired shape-memory configurations responsive to temperature changes, without the aid of a separate support structure). 
     As described above in connection with  FIGS. 1A and 1B , device  100  (e.g., housing  106 ) may include multiple adaptive surfaces or multiple adaptive portions  108  of a single adaptive surface  120 , each configured to deform from a first configuration to a second configuration responsive to heat generated by one or more electronic components  200  within the housing at or near that adaptive surface. In this way, adaptive thermal management for individual internal components can be provided with passive structures that respond to the temperature conditions generated by the internal components. 
     The thermal expansion of portion  108  of surface  120  may, in turn, cause a mechanical expansion of portion  108 . As shown in  FIG. 2A , in an unexpanded configuration, slits  202  corresponding to openings  112  may be compressed shut so that adaptive surface  120  forms a contiguous surface free of any openings, and openings  112  only appear when portion  108  is in an expanded configuration and slits  112  are stretched into an open configuration. Adaptive surface  120  may be formed from a shape memory material that holds the expanded configuration shown in  FIG. 2B , until the temperature of the adaptive surface falls below a threshold, and then returns to the unexpanded configuration as shown in  FIG. 2A , in a bi-stable manner. In other implementations, the adaptive surface can smoothly deform between the first and second configurations in connection with temperature changes at or near the surface. 
     In the examples of  FIGS. 1A / 1 B and  2 A/ 2 B, adaptive surface  120  is an external surface of housing  106 . However, device  100  may also, or alternatively, include internal adaptive surfaces. Internal adaptive surfaces within housing  106  may help to create or modify pathways within the housing to direct heat, airflow, and/or other substances such as liquid, as desired. For example, internal component housings or internal support structures can be formed from or include adaptive surfaces. Controlling airflow may help with thermal management for device  100  and/or can facilitate improved speaker performance, and/or wireless band tuning for improved antenna performance. 
       FIG. 3  shows an exemplary portion of device  100  having an adaptive internal surface. As shown in  FIG. 3 , a gap  302  may be formed within device  100  between an internal component  300  and a support structure such as support structure  306 . Support structure  306  may be a portion of housing  106  or may be an internal wall or other internal mounting structure or support member within housing  106 . Internal component  300  may be a functional component such as a battery or an integrated circuit or may be a mechanical structure such as a dividing structure, a support substrate, a shielding can, or other structural member. 
     In the example of  FIG. 3 , internal component  300  has an adaptive surface  304  that is located internal to device  100  (e.g., internal to housing  106 ). When adaptive portion  304  experiences a temperature change, or when adaptive portion  304  is mechanically strained, adaptive portion  304  expands to form an expanded surface  309 . In the example of  FIG. 3 , when adaptive portion  304  expands, expanded surface  309  spans gap  302 , effectively closing the gap. In this way, a flow path through gap  302  (e.g., an airflow path for thermal ventilation, acoustic enhancement, or antenna tuning, or a liquid flow path in the event of liquid ingress into housing  106 ) may be modified to encourage flow in a direction  310  out of an opening  308  in support structure  306  (e.g., out of an opening in housing  106 ). The example of  FIG. 3  is merely illustrative and any of various internal surfaces within housing  106  may be adaptive to provide control and modification of open spaces and/or flow pathways within the device. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1A , upper housing  106 U includes an adaptive strip  108  that runs along the base of upper housing  106 U at or near the junction with lower housing  106 L.  FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary implementation of an adaptive strip of this type. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , upper housing  106 U may include an internal cavity  401  within which an adaptive structure  400  is disposed. Adaptive structure  400  may be partially visible from the outside of housing  106  through an opening  403  in the housing. In an unexpanded state, adaptive structure  400  extends across opening  403  in a direction that is substantially parallel to the outer surface of housing  106  surrounding opening  403 . However, responsive to a temperature changes and/or mechanical strain, a portion  402  of adaptive structure  400  expands through opening  403 , thereby creating additional space within upper housing  106 U, increasing the effective surface area of the outer surface of housing  106 U, moving a portion of the outer surface of housing  106 U outward into contact with the surrounding air, and/or creating openings such as opening  112  to allow airflow into and/or out of housing  106 U. Any or all of these effects of the expansion of portion  402  may help thermally sink heat from a component within upper housing  106 U (e.g., display  408  mounted on the front surface of housing  106 U) to the external environment and/or change airflow pathways within upper housing  106 U. 
     Adaptive structure  400  may be formed from a sheet of material (e.g., a polymer, metal, alloy, or other suitable material) having a negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern formed therein or having multiple different coefficients of thermal expansion, to cause the expansion and deformation of portion  402  as described and shown in connection with  FIG. 4 . In some implementations, adaptive structure  400  may be formed from a shape memory material in which the planar configuration and the expanded/deformed configuration shown in  FIG. 4  are bi-stable configurations each associated with a temperature range. 
     Although examples are described herein in which adaptive surfaces are used for thermal management for electronic devices, other applications are contemplated. For example, a bi-stable adaptive surface may be deformable to form a stand or support member for a device (e.g., to prop up a mobile phone or tablet computer for watching video). 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  show an example of a device  500  having an adaptive housing that is deformable to form a stand. As shown in  FIG. 5A , device  500  may have a main structure  502  with a front surface  506  and may have an adaptive portion  108 . The shape of adaptive portion  108  may be changed to form stand  510  by placing a mechanical strain on one or more portions of structure  502  (e.g., by pulling or pressing apart a portion of structure  502  as indicated by arrows  504 ). As shown in  FIG. 5B , the deformation of portion  108  may include expansion of portion  108  in a direction that is different from the direction of the mechanical strain placed on structure  502 . A negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern or an inhomogeneous arrangement of materials may cause the expansion in directions other than the direction of applied strain. The expansion caused by, for example, the negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern or the inhomogeneous arrangement of materials causes the effective surface area of adaptive region  108  to increase in the transition from the arrangement of  FIG. 5A  to the arrangement of  FIG. 5B . The increase in effective surface area can be caused by an increase in actual surface area (e.g., by a stretching and/or thinning of the material of portion  108  during the expansion) or by an increase in the area of openings in portions of portion  108  during the expansion. 
     As with the other examples described herein, portion  108  may be formed from a shape memory material (e.g., a shape memory polymer or a shape memory metal alloy such as nickel titanium) such that the configurations of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  are bi-stable configurations for portion  108 . Tri-stable or other multi-stable configurations are also contemplated for portion  108 . 
     Device  500  may be an electronic device such as an implementation of device  100  (e.g., implemented as a mobile phone or a tablet computer). In this example, front surface  506  is a display (e.g., an LCD or OLED display) and structure  502  is an implementation of housing  106  in a configuration in which the housing is deformable to form stand  510  (e.g., for watching a movie or otherwise viewing displayed content while device  100  is resting on a surface). 
     In another implementation, device  500  is a mechanical device such as a soft or rigid cover for a device such as device  100  (e.g., implemented as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a portable computer as shown in the examples of  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). In this example, front surface  506  may include a recess in which an electronic device can be mounted or a transparent material through which an electronic device enclosed within structure  502  can be viewed. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  show an example of a device  600  having an adaptive housing that is deformable to form a handle. As shown in  FIG. 6A , device  600  may have a main structure  602  with a front surface  606  and may have an adaptive portion  108 . The shape of adaptive portion  108  may be changed to form handle  610  by placing a mechanical strain on one or more portions of structure  602  (e.g., by pulling or pressing apart a portion of structure  602  as indicated by arrows  604 ). As shown in  FIG. 6B , the deformation of portion  108  may include expansion of portion  108  in a direction that is different from the direction of the mechanical strain placed on structure  602 . A negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern or an inhomogeneous arrangement of materials may cause the expansion in directions other than the direction of applied strain. The expansion caused by, for example, the negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern or the inhomogeneous arrangement of materials causes the effective surface area portion  108  to increase in the transition from the arrangement of  FIG. 6A  to the arrangement of  FIG. 6B  to form the handle. The increase in effective surface area can be caused by an increase in actual surface area (e.g., by a stretching and/or thinning of the material of portion  108  during the expansion) or by an increase in the area of openings in portions of portion  108  during the expansion. 
     Device  600  may be an electronic device such as an implementation of device  100  (e.g., implemented as a mobile phone or a tablet computer). In this example, front surface  606  is a display (e.g., an LCD or OLED display) and structure  602  is an implementation of housing  106  in a configuration in which the housing is deformable to form handle  610  (e.g., including a finger hold recess  612 ). In this example, the handle for carrying device  100  is formed from a deformation of the housing of the device itself. 
     In another implementation, device  600  is a mechanical device such as a soft or rigid cover or case for a device such as device  100  (e.g., a device  100  implemented as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a portable computer as shown in the examples of  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). In this example, device  600  is a carrying case for a device such as device  100  that can assume a relatively thin profile (e.g., for stacking the device or storing in a bag or backpack) and a second profile having a handle for easy carrying. 
     As with the other examples described herein, portion  108  may be formed from a shape memory material (e.g., a shape memory polymer or a shape memory metal alloy such as nickel titanium) such that the configurations of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  are bi-stable configurations for portion  108 . Tri-stable or other multi-stable configurations are also contemplated for portion  108 . For example, device  600  may be the same device as device  500  such that the device includes three tri-stable configurations including the configuration of  FIGS. 5A and 6A , the configuration of  FIG. 5B , and the configuration of  FIG. 6B . Different mechanical strains on structure  502 / 602  can generate the different deformations to transform the device between the three (in this example) configurations. 
     In the examples of  FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B , configurations of mechanical devices  500  and  600  with adaptive surfaces for forming, for example, stands or handles are described. It should also be appreciated that adaptive surfaces for thermal management of an electronic device can also be formed in a mechanical device such as one of devices  500  or  600 . For example, device  500  may be a protective case for a mobile phone or a tablet computer that includes one or more adaptive surfaces for thermal management for the mobile phone or tablet computer. For example, when heat generated by the mobile phone or tablet computer reaches an adaptive surface of device  500  (e.g., via conduction through the device housing or via an opening in the device housing) the adaptive surface of the protective cover may expand, bulge, and/or form openings (e.g., as described above in connection with adaptive regions  108  of  FIG. 1 ) to redirect and/or guide the heat from the electronic device to the external environment. 
     As discussed herein, an adaptive surface  120  may be formed from a sheet of material having a negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern therein.  FIG. 7  shows an adaptive surface  120  of an electronic device housing (e.g., housing  106 ). As shown, a pattern  700  such as a negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern can be formed in the adaptive surface. Pattern  700  includes openings  704  between interconnected panels  702 . Because pattern  700  is a negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern, an expansion of surface  120 , in a direction as indicated by arrows  706 , causes a mechanical expansion of surface  120  in at least a perpendicular direction as indicated by arrows  710 . Surface  120  may be configured to expand in the direction indicated by arrows  706  responsive to a temperature change and/or by mechanical actuation of portions  708  of the surface (e.g., mechanical actuation by an actuatable device controlled by a processor or mechanical actuation by a high CTE support structure coupled to surface  120  that thermally expands in the directions indicated by arrows  706  and pulls surface  120  in the same directions). 
     In some implementations, the heat can cause an indirect mechanical expansion of the adaptive surface. For example, the heat can cause a support structure (see, e.g., support structure  211  of  FIG. 2B ) for adaptive surface  120  to thermally expand, which, by a coupling between the support structure and surface  120  then mechanically causes adaptive surface  120  to expand in directions  706 . 
     In another example, a heat sensor can trigger an actuatable device to expand the adaptive surface in directions  706 . As with direct thermal expansions of the adaptive surface, expansion of the adaptive surface in the directions  706  can cause a deformation in at least a second direction such as directions  710 . These deformations of the adaptive surface may help manage and/or direct the heat from the processor to a desired location within the device and/or out of the device housing. 
     In the example of  FIG. 7 , portions  712  and  714  of surface  120  are fixed such that the expansion of surface  120  in the direction indicated by arrows  710  causes a bulge  705  to form in a formerly flat (or conformally curved with the surrounding surface) portion of surface  120 . 
     Surface  120  may have another configuration in which the surface is flat and openings  704  are pressed shut. In this way, openings  704  in a device housing may be adaptively formed when heat is generated, to allow that heat to escape. 
     Surface  120  may be formed from shape memory material (e.g., nickel titanium) such as a bi-stable material that holds the configuration of  FIG. 7  when the surface is at a first temperature and returns to a flat configuration (in which openings  704  are pressed shut) at a second, lower temperature. In other configurations, surface  120  may smoothly transition from a flat surface to the bulged surface of  FIG. 7  with smooth changes in temperature. Bulge  705  may be an implementation of one of bulges  110  of  FIG. 1 , for example. 
     The negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern  700  of  FIG. 7  includes interconnected triangular panels, which are shown in greater detail in  FIG. 8 . In particular, region  730  of  FIG. 7  is shown in a zoomed-in view in  FIG. 8 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , each panel  702  has a triangular shape in which each of three corner regions  800  of the panel is connected to a corresponding corner region  800  of a single other triangular panel  702  at or near a common tip  802  for the connected panels. Accordingly, each triangular panel  702  is connected to three other triangular panels at three common tips  802 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , each triangular panel  702  includes three sides  815  that are each separated by a gap from an adjacent side  815  of an opposing triangular panel.  FIG. 8  also shows that, in the expanded (e.g., bulged) configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , openings  704  have formed by the expansion of gaps between adjacent sides of opposing ones of the triangular panels  702 , such that each opening  704  includes three triangular wings  830 . Triangular wings  830  of each opening  704  each includes a base  813  that meets with the bases  813  of the other triangular wings of that opening  704  at a location between three common tips  802  (i.e., formed by six triangular panels  702 ). 
     The triangular-paneled negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern of  FIGS. 7 and 8  is one suitable example of a negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern that can be used to form an adaptive surface for a device such as one of devices  100 ,  500 , or  600  as described herein. However, other negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief patterns can also, or alternatively, be used to form an adaptive surface for a device such as one of devices  100 ,  500 , or  600 . 
     For example,  FIG. 9  shows an example of an adaptive surface  120  formed from a negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern having rectangular panels  902 . Each panel  902  has a rectangular (e.g., square) shape in which each of four corners  909  of the panel is connected to a corresponding corner  909  of a single other rectangular panel  902 . Accordingly, each rectangular panel  902  is connected to four other rectangular panels at four common corners.  FIG. 9  also shows that, in the expanded (e.g., bulged) configuration shown, openings  904  that have formed between the sides of the rectangular patterns each include two triangular wings  930 . Triangular wings  930  of each opening  904  each includes a base that meets with the base of the other triangular wing of that opening  904  at a location between four common corners, formed by four rectangular panels  902 . 
       FIG. 10  shows another example of an adaptive surface  120  formed from a negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern. In the example of  FIG. 10 , adaptive surface  120  includes hourglass-shaped openings  1002  bounded by a web-like mesh. In this arrangement, a stretch or strain in directions  1008  causes an expansion of surface  120  in directions  1006 , such as an expansion that deforms the hourglass-shaped openings  1002  to form rectangular openings (e.g., in a fully open configuration). This arrangement may be particularly useful in applications such as the applications of  FIGS. 5 and 6  in which shape changes are desired, but opening and closing (e.g., for thermal management) of the surface may be of less importance. However, it should also be appreciated that openings  1002  may be spanned by a material such as a resilient and/or porous material that allows (or increases) airflow therethrough when stretched by the described expansion of openings  1002 . 
     In the examples of  FIGS. 7-10 , the panels and the openings of the pattern are shown as having a common size across the adaptive surface. However, it should be appreciated that pattern size (e.g., the sizes of the panels and/or the openings) can vary across the adaptive surface. Providing an adaptive surface with a negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern that varies in size across the adaptive surface can cause different opening areas to be exhibited in different areas of the surface in a common stress state for the surface. 
     Although the examples of  FIGS. 7-10  describe adaptive surfaces that are formed from negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief patterns, other adaptive surfaces are contemplated. For example, surfaces formed from materials having spatially inhomogeneous material arrangements (e.g., materials with inhomogeneous coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs)) can also be formed to cause adaptive deformation responsive to the application of heat. The inhomogeneous materials can be regions of differing materials or regions of differing thickness (e.g., formed from the same material). 
       FIG. 11  shows an example of an adaptive region  108  as described herein, implemented using an inhomogeneous distribution of materials. In the example of  FIG. 11 , adaptive region  108  is formed from a first material  1102  having a first CTE and a second material  1100  having a second CTE. The CTE of material  1102  is larger than the CTE of material  1100  so that, because material  1102  is spatially constrained by the surrounding material  1100 , material  1102  expands outward of surface  108  to form a bulge such as one of bulges  110  of  FIG. 1B . As shown in  FIG. 11 , material  1102  may include one or more linear slits  1104  or other openings  1106  that, though pressed shut in the unexpanded configuration of  FIG. 11 , form openings in material  1102 , when that material expands. 
       FIG. 12  shows a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary implementation of adaptive region  108  of  FIG. 11 , taken along line A-A. In the example of  FIG. 12 , materials  1100  and  1102  have a common cross-sectional thickness and, because material  1102  has a higher CTE than material  1100 , material  1102  expands from a flat configuration  1200  to a curved or bulged configuration  1202  when exposed to heat (e.g., heat generated by a component such as component  200  of  FIG. 2 ). As shown, a slit  1104  formed in material  1102 , which is compressed shut in the configuration of  FIG. 11  and the flat configuration  1200  of  FIG. 12 , becomes an opening  112  in the expanded configuration  1202 . 
     The example of  FIG. 12  shows an inhomogeneous arrangement of materials for adaptive region  108  that includes two different materials having two different CTEs. However, as shown in the example of  FIG. 13 , material  1102  may be formed from a relatively thin region of the same material  1100 . The relative thinness of portion  1102  increases the rate at which portion  1102  changes in temperate relative to the surrounding thicker portions, which can allow the relatively thin portion to expand and/or bulge from a flat configuration  1300  to an expanded or bulged configuration  1302  responsive to heating (e.g., from a component such as component  200  of  FIG. 2 ). 
       FIG. 14  depicts a flow diagram of an example process for forming an adaptive surface for a device such as an electronic device, according to aspects of the subject technology. For explanatory purposes, the example process of  FIG. 14  is described herein with reference to the components of  FIGS. 1-13 . Further for explanatory purposes, the blocks of the example process of  FIG. 14  are described herein as occurring in series, or linearly. However, multiple blocks of the example process of  FIG. 14  may occur in parallel. In addition, the blocks of the example process of  FIG. 14  need not be performed in the order shown and/or one or more of the blocks of the example process of  FIG. 14  need not be performed. 
     In the depicted example flow diagram, at block  1400 , a sheet of material such as a shape memory sheet may be provided. For example, a shape memory sheet may be a sheet of nickel titanium or another shape memory polymer or shape memory metal. 
     At block  1402 , a negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern such as one of the patterns described above in connection with  FIGS. 7-10  may be formed in the sheet of material (e.g., the shape memory sheet). The relief pattern may be cut, etched, carved, or otherwise formed in the sheet. 
     At block  1404 , in the example of a shape memory sheet, a first shape memory programming process is performed to establish a first shape for the shape memory sheet having the negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern. Upon programing, the first shape may be assumed by the shape memory sheet having the negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern, for example, at a first temperature. The first shape memory programming process may be a thermal or mechanical cycling processes that sets the first shape as the shape of the shape memory sheet having the negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern when the shape memory sheet having the negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern is at the first temperature (or in a first temperature range). However, it should be appreciated that other shape memory programming processes (e.g., chemical, light-based, electrical, etc.) can be used to form a shape memory sheet having a negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern that can be stimulated to change from the first shape to a second shape by application of light (e.g., infrared light or ultraviolet light) or electricity instead of (or in addition to) heat, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. 
     At block  1406 , in the example of a shape memory sheet, a second shape memory programming process may be performed to establish a second shape for the shape memory sheet having the negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern. Upon programming, the second shape may be assumed, for example, at a second temperature. The second shape memory programming process may be a thermal or mechanical cycling process that sets the second shape as the shape of the shape memory sheet having the negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern when the shape memory sheet having the negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern is at the second temperature (or in a second temperature range). However, it should be appreciated that other second shape memory programming processes (e.g., chemical, light-based, electrical, etc.) can be used to form a shape memory sheet having a negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern and that can be stimulated to change from the first shape to the second shape by application of light (e.g., infrared light or ultraviolet light) or electricity instead of (or in addition to) heat, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. Once the first and second shapes (and/or one or more additional shapes) have been programmed into the shape memory sheet having the negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern, the first shape and the second shape may correspond to the shapes of adaptive regions  108  shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ,  FIGS. 2A and 2B ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIGS. 5A and 5B ,  FIGS. 6A and 6B ,  FIG. 12 , and/or  FIG. 13  (as examples). 
     In accordance with various aspects of the subject disclosure, an electronic device is provided that includes a structure having an adaptive surface. The adaptive surface is configured to deform from a first configuration to a second configuration responsive to heat generated by an electronic component of the electronic device. 
     In accordance with other aspects of the subject disclosure an electronic device is provided that includes a structure having an adaptive surface. The adaptive surface is configured to deform from a first configuration to a second configuration responsive to an applied thermal or mechanical strain. The adaptive surface includes a negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern formed by a plurality of interconnected triangular panels, each triangular panel having three tips. Each of the three tips of each triangular panel is connected to a corresponding tip of one other triangular panel such that each triangular panel is connected to three other triangular panels. Each triangular panel includes three sides that are separated from the sides of any other triangular panel. 
     In accordance with other aspects of the subject disclosure, a cover for an electronic device is provided, the cover including a main structure having at least one adaptive region. The at least one adaptive region includes a shape memory material formed in a negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern. The negative Poisson&#39;s ratio relief pattern is configured to cause a mechanical stretch of the adaptive region in a first direction to expand the adaptive region in at least a second direction to deform the shape memory material from a first shape memory configuration to a second shape memory configuration. 
     Programmable processors and computers can be included in or packaged as electronic devices such as mobile devices. Devices can include programmable processors and programmable logic circuitry. General and special purpose computing devices and storage devices can be interconnected through communication networks. 
     Some devices include electronic components, such as microprocessors, storage and memory that store computer program instructions in a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (alternatively referred to as computer-readable storage media, machine-readable media, or machine-readable storage media). Some examples of such computer-readable media include RAM, ROM, read-only compact discs (CD-ROM), recordable compact discs (CD-R), rewritable compact discs (CD-RW), read-only digital versatile discs (e.g., DVD-ROM, dual-layer DVD-ROM), a variety of recordable/rewritable DVDs (e.g., DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, etc.), flash memory (e.g., SD cards, mini-SD cards, micro-SD cards, etc.), magnetic and/or solid state hard drives, ultra density optical discs, any other optical or magnetic media, and floppy disks. The computer-readable media can store a computer program that is executable by at least one processing unit and includes sets of instructions for performing various operations such as operations for identifying temperature changes and actuating or otherwise modifying adaptive surfaces of a device. Examples of computer programs or computer code include machine code, such as is produced by a compiler, and files including higher-level code that are executed by a computer, an electronic component, or a microprocessor using an interpreter. 
     While the above discussion primarily refers to microprocessor or multi-core processors that execute software, some implementations are performed by one or more integrated circuits, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In some implementations, such integrated circuits execute instructions that are stored on the circuit itself. 
     As used in this specification and any claims of this application, the terms “computer”, “processor”, and “memory” all refer to electronic or other technological devices. These terms exclude people or groups of people. For the purposes of the specification, the terms “display” or “displaying” means displaying on an electronic device. As used in this specification and any claims of this application, the terms “computer readable medium” and “computer readable media” are entirely restricted to tangible, physical objects that store information in a form that is readable by a computer. These terms exclude any wireless signals, wired download signals, and any other ephemeral signals. 
     To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a computer having a display device as described herein for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, such as a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. 
     It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes may be rearranged, or that all illustrated blocks be performed. Some of the blocks may be performed simultaneously. For example, in certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. 
     The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the subject disclosure. 
     The predicate words “configured to”, “operable to”, and “programmed to” do not imply any particular tangible or intangible modification of a subject, but, rather, are intended to be used interchangeably. For example, a processor configured to monitor and control an operation or a component may also mean the processor being programmed to monitor and control the operation or the processor being operable to monitor and control the operation. Likewise, a processor configured to execute code can be construed as a processor programmed to execute code or operable to execute code 
     A phrase such as an “aspect” does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as a “configuration” does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A phrase such as a configuration may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa. 
     The word “example” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or design 
     All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.” Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the like is used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20180703
Publication Date: 20200609
Grant Date: 20200609
Priority Date: 20170929
Inventors: PASEMAN, SABRINA K.
JOHNSON, Timothy P. M.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A45C2011/003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/203", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/206", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/201", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/3827", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/20427", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C2011/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/002", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/003", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/206", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/206", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/203", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/3827", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/201", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/20427", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/203", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 65896989