PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8477490-B2
Application Number: US-201113099122-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Cooling system for mobile electronic devices

Abstract:
A cooling system for a mobile computing device configured to drive two devices, a fan and an alert device. The fan cools components of the mobile computing device by exchanging air between an inner cavity of the mobile computing device and an outer environment surrounding the mobile computing device. The alert device produces an alert, e.g., a vibration, for the mobile computing device. The cooling system includes a motor operably connected to a first device (either the fan or the alert device) and operably connected via a clutch to a second device (either the fan or the alert device). The clutch allows the second device to be selectively activated depending on a speed or rotational direction of a drive shaft of the motor.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A mobile computing device, comprising:
 a processor; 
 an enclosure at least partially surrounding the processor; 
 a motor in electrical communication with the processor; 
 a receiving port defining a channel through the enclosure; 
 a cooling element selectively operably connected to the motor, the cooling element in fluid communication with the receiving port; and 
 a secondary device selectively operably connected to the motor; wherein 
 at least one of the cooling element and secondary device are configured to be activated independently of the other. 
 
     
     
       2. The mobile computing device of  claim 1 , further comprising a clutch operably connected between the motor and alert device, wherein the clutch is configured to selectively activate the secondary device. 
     
     
       3. The mobile computing device of  claim 1 , further comprising a clutch operably connected between the motor and the cooling element, wherein the clutch is configured to selectively activate the cooling element. 
     
     
       4. The mobile computing device of  claim 1 , further comprising a clutch operably connected to the motor and one of the cooling element or the secondary device, wherein the clutch is configured to selectively activate one of the cooling element or the secondary device. 
     
     
       5. The mobile computing device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a drum operably connected to the secondary device comprising
 an engagement body; and 
 a drum shaft extending from the engagement body; and 
 
 a clutch operably connected the motor and at least partially received within the engagement body of the drum, wherein the clutch is configured to selectively activate the secondary device. 
 
     
     
       6. The mobile computing device of  claim 5 , wherein the clutch further comprises:
 a hub received within the engagement body; 
 an engagement member operably connected via a flexible member to the hub; and 
 wherein the engagement member is configured to selectively connect the clutch with the drum. 
 
     
     
       7. The mobile computing device of  claim 6 , wherein the motor further comprises a drive shaft operably connected to the hub and configured to selectively rotate the hub, and when the hub reaches a select speed the engagement members engage with an inner surface of the engagement body so that the drum shaft and the drive shaft are rotate at approximately the same speed. 
     
     
       8. The mobile computing device of  claim 5 , wherein the clutch further comprises
 a hub configured to be received within the engagement body, the hub defining an engagement arm configured to rotate at a living hinge; and 
 wherein the engagement arm is configured to selectively engage an inner surface of the engagement body so that the hub and the drum rotate at approximately the same speed. 
 
     
     
       9. The mobile computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the secondary device is a mass configured to produce a vibration when rotated. 
     
     
       10. A portable electronic device comprising:
 an enclosure defining a cavity; 
 a receiving port adjacent the enclosure, the receiving port defining a passage between an enclosure interior and enclosure exterior, and configured to receive a portion of an external device; 
 a cooling system connected to the enclosure, comprising:
 a motor; and 
 a fan mechanically activated by the motor and in fluid communication with the receiving port; and 
 
 an alert device mechanically activated by the motor. 
 
     
     
       11. The portable electronic device of  claim 10 , further comprising an alert device operably connected to the motor, wherein the motor is configured to selectively rotate the alert device. 
     
     
       12. The portable electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein the cooling system further comprises a clutch operably connected to the motor and the alert device. 
     
     
       13. The portable electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the cooling system further comprises:
 a drum selectively associated with the clutch; and 
 the motor further comprises a drive shaft operably connected to the clutch and configured to selectively rotate the clutch; 
 wherein the clutch selectively engages the drum and when the drum and the clutch are engaged together, the clutch and the drum rotate at approximately the same speed. 
 
     
     
       14. The portable electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein the clutch further comprises:
 a hub operably connected to the motor; and 
 an engagement arm configured to selectively engage an inner surface of the drum. 
 
     
     
       15. A cellular phone, comprising:
 an enclosure defining a cavity; 
 a processor operably connected to an inner surface of the enclosure; 
 a port adapted to receive a portion of input or output device operably connected to the enclosure and configured to provide an air pathway between the cavity and an outer environment of the enclosure; and 
 a cooling system operably connected to the inner surface of the enclosure, wherein the cooling system is configured to exchange air between the cavity and the outer environment via the port. 
 
     
     
       16. The cellular phone of  claim 15 , further comprising a mass operably connected to the enclosure to the cooling system, wherein the mass is configured to selectively rotate to vibrate the enclosure. 
     
     
       17. The cellular phone of  claim 16 , wherein the cooling system further comprises:
 a motor operably connected to the enclosure and in communication with the processor; 
 a fan operably connected to the motor; 
 a clutch operably connected to the motor; and 
 a drum operably connected to the mass and selectively operably connected to the clutch. 
 
     
     
       18. The cellular phone of  claim 17 , wherein the clutch further comprises:
 a ratchet configured to be at least partially received within the drum; and 
 a pawl operably connected to the drum, wherein when the ratchet rotates in a first direction the pawl is operably engaged with the ratchet and when the ratchet rotates in a second direction, the pawl is disengaged with the ratchet. 
 
     
     
       19. The cellular phone of  claim 17 , wherein the clutch further comprises a hub defining engagement arms that are configured to selectively engage the drum depending on a rotation speed of the hub. 
     
     
       20. The cellular phone of  claim 15 , wherein the jack is an audio jack configured to receive a tip connector ring plug.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to computing devices, and more specifically, to cooling devices for computing devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices are ubiquitous in society and can be found in everything from wristwatches to computers. Additionally, portable or mobile electronic devices (e.g., smart phones, cell phones, MP3 players, portable gaming devices, and the like) are being used for more complex computing processes. The desire for mobile electronic devices to be able to perform more complex processes requires faster and more powerful processing devices. However, faster and more powerful processing devices may produce more heat than prior processors used in mobile devices. This may be a problem as many mobile electronic devices are designed to be small and compact, thus there many not be extra room within an enclosure for heat to dissipate. 
     SUMMARY 
     One example of the disclosure may take the form of a mobile computing device including a processor, a receiving port, a motor, a fan and an alert device. The receiving port is in communication with the processor and is configured to receive a plug for an output device. The receiving port may include an input aperture configured to provide a communication channel between an inner surface of the mobile communication device and an outer surface of the mobile communication device. The motor is in communication with the processor, and the fan is operably connected to the motor. The fan is selectively activated and at least a portion of the fan is substantially aligned with the input aperture of the receiving port. Finally, the alert device is operably connected to the motor and is configured to be selectively activated to produce an alert for the mobile computing device. 
     Another example of the disclosure may take the form of a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device may include an enclosure defining a cavity, a receiving port, and a cooling system. The receiving port is formed in to the enclosure and configured to receive a plug electronically connected to an external device. The receiving port includes a first aperture defined through the receiving port and connecting the cavity of the enclosure with an outer surface of the enclosure. The cooling system is operably connected to an alert device and the enclosure. The cooling system includes a motor and a fan operably connected to the motor and substantially aligned with at least a portion of the first aperture of the receiving port, such that air passing between the outside and the inside of the enclosure passes at least partially around the fan. 
     Still other examples of the present disclosure may take the form of a cellular phone. The cellular phone may include an enclosure defining a cavity, a processor operably connected to an inner surface of the enclosure and a jack operably connected to the enclosure. The jack is configured to provide an air pathway between the cavity and an outer environment of the enclosure. Finally, the cellular phone may also include a cooling system operably connected to the inner surface of the enclosure. The cooling system is configured to exchange air between the cavity and the outer environment via the jack. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a mobile computing device. 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified block diagram of the mobile computing device. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the mobile computing device viewed along line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 , illustrating a cooling system with various components of the mobile computing device hidden for clarity. 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the cooling system illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged side elevation view of the cooling system illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6A  is a front elevation view of a drum operably associated with a clutch of the cooling system illustrated in  FIG. 3 , showing the clutch disengaged from the drum. 
         FIG. 6B  is a front elevation view of the drum operably associated with the clutch of the cooling system illustrated in  FIG. 3 , showing the clutch engaged with the drum. 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of the cooling system for a mobile computing device. 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a motor operably connected to a vibrating mass of the cooling system illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a front elevation view of the motor operably connected to the vibrating mass illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10A  is a side elevation view of a third embodiment of a clutch for the cooling system. 
         FIG. 10B  is a front elevation view of the clutch illustrated in  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 11A  is a side elevation view of a fourth embodiment of a clutch for the cooling system. 
         FIG. 11B  is a front elevation view of the clutch illustrated in  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of a fifth embodiment of a clutch utilizing a ratchet and pawl configuration for the cooling system. 
     
    
    
     SPECIFICATION 
     Overview 
     Certain embodiments herein take the form of a cooling system for a mobile computing device. The cooling system may be operably connected to an alert and/or vibrating system, so that a single motor may rotate both a fan and a second device, such as a mass that when rotated, vibrates the mobile computing device. The cooling system may be positioned within an enclosure of the device so that it may cool various components of the device, such as a processor, battery, and/or other components that may become overheated in certain conditions. For example, the cooling system may pass air over the various devices within the enclosure; likewise, the cooling system may exhaust warm air from within the enclosure to outside of the enclosure. 
     The cooling system may include a fan that receives air via an intake through an opening in the device enclosure, such as an audio port. Alternatively, the fan may exhaust air out through the audio port or an input port. The fan may be operably connected to a motor in order to selectively pull or push air through the intake to cool the various components of the mobile computing device within the enclosure. 
     The cooling system also may include a motor, a drum and a clutch. Further, the cooling system may be connected to a mass. The motor may selectively rotate or otherwise move the mass and the fan. The motor may be selectively connected to both the fan and the mass. For example, the mass may be used as an alert function for the mobile computing device to indicate various states or statuses of the mobile computing device (e.g., a call or message being received, a low battery state, receipt of a message, a timed reminder, and so forth). The motor may rotate the mass when the mobile computing device is in the proper status. The motor is also operably connected to the fan, and may cause the fan to rotate when a select temperature is reached within the enclosure or other activating status is reached. 
     The cooling system is configured so that the vibrating mass and/or the fan may be selectively engaged with the motor. The clutch may be positioned between the drive shaft of the motor and the mass or the fan. The clutch may selectively operably connect the fan and/or mass to the drive shaft of the motor. In these embodiments, the motor may selectively rotate the fan or the vibrating mass, so that the fan may cool select components without vibrating the device or vice versa. For example, the motor may be configured to rotate both the fan and the mass, but the mass may not rotate every time the fan rotates and the fan may not rotate every time the mass rotates. Thus, the cooling system may require only a single motor to operate two separate devices, but the mobile computing device may not vibrate every time the fan is operated, thereby saving power and reducing operational noise. 
     The clutch is operably connected to the motor and selectively engages a drum to operably connect either the rotating mass or the fan to the motor. In some embodiments, the clutch may selectively engage and disengage the mass and/or fan based on the rotational speed of a drive shaft of the motor. For example, the clutch may include engagement members operably connected to a hub of the clutch via flexible members, such as a spring, or may be configured to flex due to a living hinge. The engagement members selectively connect to a drum shaft, or second drive shaft that controls the select component (e.g., the other component not connected to the motor drive shaft). When the speed of the motor exceeds a threshold a centrifugal force generated by the clutch hub causes the engagement members to move outward. The engagement members may frictionally engage an inner surface of the drum, causing the second drive or drum drive shaft to rotate at approximately the same rate as the motor drive shaft. 
     Additionally, the engagement members may be selectively activated to engage the drum based on a rotational direction of the motor drive shaft. For example, in other embodiments, the clutch may include a ratchet and pawl mechanism. In these embodiments, the pawl may be operably connected to a ratchet wheel to substantially prevent the ratchet wheel from rotating in a select direction, while permitting rotation in an opposing direction. The pawl may engage the clutch to prevent the alert device or the fan from rotating regardless of the speed of the motor. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a mobile computing device  100 ,  FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an embodiment of the mobile computing device  100 .  FIG. 3  is a cross-section view of the mobile computing device  100  viewed along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1  with various components of the mobile computing device  100  omitted for clarity. The mobile computing device  100  may include a cooling system  110  for cooling or circulating air or other coolants across various components. The mobile computing  100  device may be virtually any type of electronic device, such as a smart phone (e.g., iPhone by APPLE), digital music player (e.g., MP3 player), video gaming device, tablet computer, and so on. 
     The mobile computing device  100  may include any or all of the cooling system  110 , an enclosure  104  at least partially surrounds various components of the device  100 , a display screen  102 , an input member  106 , and a receiving port  108 . The enclosure  104  defines a cavity that may at least partially enclose the various components of the mobile computing device  100 . Additionally, the enclosure  104  may define an aperture in order to allow select components to extend past or communicate outside, the enclosure. For example, a button or switch may be inserted through an aperture in the enclosure so that a user may activate the button, or a charging plug or audio plug may be inserted or positioned through an aperture of the enclosure to communicate with internal components. 
     The display screen  102  provides an output for the mobile computing device  100 . The display screen  102  may be a liquid crystal display screen, plasma screen, and so on. Additionally, in some embodiments the display screen  102  may function as both an input and an output device. For example, the display screen  102  may include a capacitive input sensors so that a user may provide input signals to the mobile computing device  100  via his or her finger. 
     The input member  106  permits a user to provide input to the mobile computing device  100 . The input member  106  may be one or more buttons, switches, or the like that may be pressed, flipped, or otherwise activated order to provide an input to the mobile computing device  106 . For example, the input member  106  may be a button to alter the volume, return to a home screen, or the like. Additionally, the input member  106  may be virtually any size, shape, and may be located in any area of the mobile computing device  100 . Furthermore, the input member  106  may be combined with the display screen  102  as a capacitive touch screen. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the mobile computing device  100  may also include a receiving port  108  configured to receive a plug such as an analog audio plug, charging cord, output device, a tip ring sleeve connector, and the like. The receiving port  108  is formed in the enclosure  104  to electrically connect an external device (e.g., headphones, speakers) to one or more internal components of the mobile computing device  100 . The receiving port  108  forms a body that defines an input aperture  112  configured to provide a pathway between the outside surface of the mobile computing device and the internal components surrounded or encased bye the enclosure. For example, the input aperture  112  may be in fluid communication (e.g., exchanging air between the cavity and the outer surface of the mobile computing device  100 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the input aperture  112  may be at least partially exposed on an outside surface of the mobile computing device  100 . This allows for a plug to be inserted into the input aperture  112 , without requiring the enclosure  104  to be removed. In other examples, the input aperture  112  may terminate before the enclosure and be aligned with the aperture or port defined within the enclosure. Additionally, as mentioned above, the input aperture  112  may be able to provide an air pathway between an outside surface of the mobile computing device  100  and the internal components surrounded or encased by the enclosure  104 . Thus, the input aperture  112  provides an intake and/or an exhaust for the cooling system  110 . 
     The receiving port  108  is configured to receive a plug (not shown), which may be inserted into an input aperture  112 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the receiving port  108  may include a main body  114  defining the input aperture  112  from a first end to a second end. The input aperture  112  may run the entire length of the body  114 , and may include an open front and back end. In these embodiments, the receiving port  108  may have an opening defined throughout the main body  114 . The input aperture  112  may include electrical contracts  116  lining its sides, and the electrical contacts  116  may be aligned with a corresponding receiver contract on the plug (not shown). 
     The mobile computing device  100  also includes a cooling system  110  operably connected to the enclosure  104 . The cooling system  110  is configured to be partially aligned with the receiving port  108  and may provide multiple functions. For example, the cooling system  110  may cool the internal components of the mobile computing device  100  encased within the enclosure  104 , and may also provide an alert function (e.g., a vibration) for select status alerts for the mobile computing device  100  (e.g., phone call, text message, and so on). The cooling system  110  is discussed in more detail below. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an embodiment of the mobile computing device  100  illustrating select electrical components. The mobile computing device  100  may include a processor  124 , memory  120 , a network/communication interface  122 , and an input/output interface  126  all connected together by a system bus  128 . The mobile computing device  100  may include additional components that are not shown; and  FIG. 2  is meant to be exemplary only. 
     The network/communication interface  122  may receive and transmit various electrical signals. For example, the network/communication interface  122  may be used to place phone calls from the mobile computing device  100 , may be used to receive data from a network, or may be used to send and transmit electronic signals via a wireless or wired connection (e.g., Internet, WiFi, Bluetooth, or Ethernet). 
     The memory  120  may store electronic data that may be utilized by mobile computing device  100 . For example, the memory  120  may store electrical data e.g., audio files, video files, document files, and so on, corresponding to various applications. The memory  120  may be, for example, non-volatile storage, a magnetic storage medium, optical storage medium, magneto-optical storage medium, read only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable memory, or flash memory. 
     The processor  124  may control operation of the mobile computing device  100  and its various components. The processor  124  may be in communication with the cooling system  110  and may activate the cooling system  110  as necessary or desired. The processor  124  may be any electronic device cable of processing, receiving, and/or transmitting instructions. For example, the processor  124  may be a microprocessor or a microcomputer. 
     The input/output interface  126  facilitates communication by the mobile computing device  100  to and from a variety of devices/sources. For example, the input/output interface  126  may receive data from user, control buttons on the mobile computing device  100 , and so on. Additionally, the input/output interface  126  may also receive/transmit data to and from an external drive, e.g., a universal serial bus (USB), or other video/audio/data inputs. 
       FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the cooling system  110  for the mobile computing device  100  illustrating the positional relationship of the receiving port  108 .  FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of the cooling system  110  alone. Referring to  FIGS. 3-5 , the cooling system  110  may include a motor  118  electrically connected to the processor  124  and operably connected to a fan  130  and an alert device  136 . The motor  118  may be operably connected to the fan  130  by a drive shaft  132  and may be connected to the alert device  126  by a clutch  138  and drum  134  (via a drum drive shaft  140 ). Thus, the motor  118  is configured to selectively rotate the fan  130  and the alert device  136 . Also, it should be noted that, although the fan  130  is illustrated as a primary device (for example, connected to the drive shaft  132  of the motor  118 ), in some embodiments the fan  130  is connected to the motor  118  as the secondary device (that is connected to the motor  118 , the drum  134 , and clutch  138 ) and the alert device  136  may be the primary device (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ). 
     The motor  118  may be substantially any device that can be configured to move or rotate a drive shaft  132 . For example, the motor  118  may be a direct current motor that is configured to be activated when an input voltage (or other signal) is provided by the processor  126 . However, other alternatives are possible. For example, the motor  118  may be an electrical actuator. The motor  118  is configured to engage the fan  130  or the alert device  126  depending on a signal from the processor  126 . 
     A drive shaft  132  is operably connected to, and rotated by the motor  118 . The drive shaft  132  may extend through a body of the motor  118 , so that the drive shaft  132  may rotate a device on either side of the motor  118 . In other embodiments, the drive shaft  132  may be separated into two separate members, namely one extending from each side of the motor  118 . It should be noted that the motor  118  may be powerful enough to rotate the drive shaft  132 , even when a load or mass is applied the ends of the drive shaft  132  ends. For example, in one embodiment, the drive shaft  132  may be operably connected to two separate devices (fan  130  and alert device  136 ) and the motor  118  is powerful enough to rotate both devices simultaneously. 
     The device (fan  130  or alert device  136 ) connected to the motor  118  via the drive shaft  132  may rotate whenever the motor  118  is powered or operating. However, the device that connects to the motor  118  via the clutch  138  and drum  134 , typically is activated selectively, depending on a speed or other indicator of the motor  118 , and may not rotate every time the drive shaft  132  rotates. 
     The fan  130  is operably connected to a first end of the drive shaft  132  such that, as the drive shaft  132  rotates, the fan  130  rotates. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the fan  130  may be positioned within the enclosure  104  and is substantially aligned with the input aperture  112  of the receiving port  108 . This positioning allows the fan  130  to communicate air between the enclosure  104  and the outside the enclosure  104 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the fan  130  may include a fan body  146  defining a center aperture  148  that houses or encircles a fan hub  142 . The fan hub  142  is operably connected to the drive shaft  132  and thus rotates as the drive shaft  132  rotates. Blades  144  extend outward from a center of the fan hub  142  and are intermittently spaced around the fan hub  142 . The blades  144  also rotate as the drive shaft  132  rotates. 
     It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the fan  130  may include the fan hub  142  and the blades  144 , but not the fan body  146 . For example, the enclosure  104  may provide substantial protection of the blades  144  and the fan body  146  may be omitted. 
     As the blades  144  and the fan hub  142  rotate, the blades  144  pull air from one direction and push the air in another direction. In one embodiment, the blades  144  may rotate and pull air through the input aperture  112  within the receiving port  108  and push it through the cavity of the mobile computing device  104  defined by the inner surfaces of the enclosure  104 . Air external to the mobile computing device  100  may be substantially or partially cooler than air trapped within the enclosure  104  cavity; this air may be moved through the cavity to cool internal components. For example, as the processor  126  operates it may produce heat which may need to be dissipated so that the processor  126  may not overheat or be damaged. The fan  130  may push air across the processor  126  to cool it. 
     Alternatively, the blades  144  may exhaust air from within the mobile computing device  100  out through the receiving port  108 . For example, the blades  144  may rotate to pull air from within the cavity defined by the enclosure  104  and then push the air outside of the enclosure  104  via the input aperture  112  of the receiving port  108 . As air internal to the mobile computing device  100  may be heated from heat produced by the internal components of the mobile computing device (e.g., the processor  126 ), the hot or warm air may be pushed outside of the enclosure  104 . Thus, by exhausting the hot or warm air, non-heated air may be pulled or circulated around the components of the mobile computing device  100 . 
     In these embodiments, the fan  130  is positioned within the enclosure  104  so that the blades  144  may be aligned or partially aligned with the input aperture  112  of the receiving port  108 . This positioning provides for an efficient cooling mechanism for components of the mobile computing device  100  such as the processor  126 , as air from within the cavity of the enclosure  104  can be exchanged with air from an environment surrounding the mobile computing device  100  of exhausted to the exterior environment. 
     In other embodiments, the fan  130  may be positioned within the enclosure  140  so that the blades may be aligned or partially aligned with other apertures defined in the enclosure  104 , other than the input aperture  112  for the receiving port  108 . For example, the blades  144  may be at least partially aligned with a speaker grill, beneath a button or a switch, or other openings/ports within the mobile computing device  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the alert device  136  may be selectively connected to the motor  118 . The mobile computing devices  100  may include multiple alerts such as an audio tone, a light, and a vibration. The alert device  136  may function to alert a user to a notification. The alert device  136  may be a mass or other member that may be configured to produce a vibration when rotated. For example, the alert device  136  may be a weight that is operably connected off-center or eccentric to a drive shaft that rotates the alert device  136 . Thus, as the alert device  136  is rotated, the off-centered connection and the rotation may cause the mobile computing device  100  to vibrate. The alert device  136  may be configured to provide the vibration level desired. For example, the larger the alert device  136 , the more substantial the vibrations resulting from its rotation. 
     In one embodiment, the alert device  136 , when the clutch  138  is engaged, may be operably connected to the motor  118  via the drum  134 . The clutch  138  selectively engages the drum  13 , which is operably connected to the alert device  136  via a drum shaft  140 . For example, the motor  118  may rotate the drive shaft  132  rotating the fan  130 . However, the clutch  138  may prevent the alert device  136  from also rotating as the clutch  138  may not engage the drum  140 . However, the clutch  138  may be selectively activated and may then engage the drum  134 . Once the drum  134  is engaged, the alert device  136  may rotate as well. 
     In the engagement of  FIG. 6 , the drum  134  is operably connected to the alert device  136  and the clutch  138 . The drum  134  includes an engagement body  156  that may be a partially or substantially hollow cylindrical body and configured to receive a portion of the clutch  138 . The engagement body  156  is open on a first, or front, side and closed on a second, or back, side. The drum  134  further includes a drum shaft  140  extending from a back of the engagement body  156 . The drum  134  is configured to rotate when engaged by or otherwise operably connected to, the clutch  138 . 
     The clutch  138  is inserted into the engagement body  156  of the drum  134  and may selectively engage the drum  134 .  FIG. 6A  is a cross-section view of drum  134  operably connected to the clutch  138  with the clutch  138  disengaged from the drum  134  and  FIG. 6B  is a cross-section view of the drum  134  operably connected to the clutch  138  and engaged with the clutch  138 . The clutch  138  includes a hub  158  and engagement members  154  operably connected to the hub  158  via flexible members  150 . 
     The hub  158  is positioned within a portion of the engagement body  156  but may not contact the inner surface of the engagement body  156  in the absence of centrifugal forces. For example, the hub  158  may be spaced from the engagement body  156  by a distance X. The hub  158  may be Y-shaped with arms extending radially from a center point of the Y-shaped body. 
     The engagement members  154  operably connect to a portion of each hub  158  arm. Additionally, outer surfaces of the engagement members  154  may be shaped to generally correspond to the outer perimeter of the hub  158 . For example, a portion of a perimeter of each engagement member  154  may be triangular shaped and be positioned between each arm of the hub  158 . The engagement members  154  engage an inner surface of the engagement body  156  at select motor speeds. For example, the engagement members  154  may move outwards from the center point of the hub  158  a distance X and be adjacent to an inner surface of the engagement body  156 . The engagement members  154  may include a surface texture or frictional surface on an outer surface to better allow the engagement members  154  to engage the engagement body  156 . 
     The flexible members  150  are connected to the arms of the hub  158  and to the engagement members  154 . These flexible members  150  selectively frictionally connect the engagement members  154  to the hub  158 . For example, in one embodiment, the flexible members  150  allow the engagement members  154  to move between contacting the engagement body  156  and the hub  158 . The flexible members  150  may be springs or other flexible materials that hold the engagement members  154  in place during select rotational speeds but also allow the engagement members  154  to flex away from the hub  158  under sufficient centrifugal force. The flexible members  150  may exert an initial or biasing force against the engagement members  154  in order to maintain the engagement members  154  adjacent the hub  158 . This biasing force may be less than a centrifugal force at selected speeds, thereby allowing the engagement members  154  to swing outwards from their initial position adjacent the hub  158  at the select speed or greater. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6A , when the engagement members  154  are in an initial position, such as a disengaged position, there may be a distance X between each engagement member  154  and the inner surface of the engagement body  15 . Further, the engagement members  154  may be in contact with or adjacent to an outer surface of the hub  158 . As described above, the flexible members  150  may include a biasing or initial force that may hold the engagement members  154  in position adjacent the hub  158  while the clutch  138  rotates at a less select speed. When the clutch  138  is disengaged and the engagement members  154  positioned away from the engagement body  156 , the alert device  136  will not rotate. This is because the drum shaft  140  is not operably connected to the drive shaft  132 , and the clutch  138  therefore rotates within the engagement body  156  without substantially contacting the engagement body  156 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6B , as the motor  118  increases the speed of the drive shaft  132 , the clutch  138  engages when the select speed is reached. As the speed of the drive shaft  132  reaches a particular rotational velocity, the centrifugal force exerted on the engagement members  154  overcomes the biasing force of the flexible members  154 , thereby forcing the engagement members  143  outward. This allows the engagement members  154  to be pulled outward by the centrifugal force. The engagement members  154  separate from their cradled positioned adjacent the hub  158  when flexed outwards. The flexible members  150  allow the engagement members  154  to move outwards from the hub  158  to engage with the inner surface of the engagement body  156 . 
     After the engagement members  154  move outward, they may be adjacent to against the inner surface of the engagement body  156 . This allows the engagement members  154  to engage the engagement body  156 , for example, by a frictional contact between the two surfaces as shown in  FIG. 6B . 
     Once the engagement body  156  and engagement members  154  frictionally connect, the engagement body  156  rotates along with and at substantially the same rotational speed as the clutch  138 . This is because, when the clutch  138  is engaged with the drum  134 , the drum  134  rotates as the drive shaft  132  rotates. As the drum shaft  140  rotates, the alert device  136  rotates. Thus, when the clutch  138  engages the drum  134 , the fan  130  and the alert device  136  both rotate. However, when the clutch  138  is disengaged, only the fan  130  rotates. This selective engagement configuration permits the single motor  118  to operate two separate devices, possibly saving space and energy for the mobile computing device  100 . Additionally, the clutch mechanism  138  may also prevent the alert device  136  from being activated when cooling is necessary (and preventing false alerts). This helps to decrease the noise associated with the mobile computing device  100  when the cooling system  110  is activated. For example, this selective engagement configuration prevents the mobile computing device  100  from vibrating (due to the alert device  136 ) every time that the fan  130  is activated. 
     Alternative Configurations of the Cooling System 
       FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of another configuration of the cooling system  210 .  FIG. 8  is an isometric view of the motor  118  operably connected to the alert device  136  via the drive shaft  132 .  FIG. 9  is a front elevation view of the motor  118  operably connected to the alert device  136 . In the configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 7-9 , the fan  130  may be selectively connected to the motor  118  via the clutch  138  and drum  134 , and the alert device  136  may be operably connected to the motor  118  via the drive shaft  132 . In other words, the alert device  136  may be the primary device and may rotate whenever the drive shaft  132  rotates, and the fan  130  may be the secondary device and rotate when the clutch is engaged. 
     In this configuration, the alert device  136  may be operably connected to the drive shaft  132  and positioned adjacent a first end of the motor  118 . In this position, the total length of the drive shaft  132  may be reduced, which in turn may reduce the total length of the cooling system  210 . By reducing the size of the cooling system  210 , the cooling system  210  may occupy less space in the mobile computing device  100 , while also providing cooling to computing elements, such as the processor  126 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the fan  130  is connected to the motor  118  via the clutch  138  and drum  134 . Thus, the fan  130  may be selectively rotated when the motor  118  drives the drive shaft  132  at a select speed. For example, as discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the engagement members  154  may only engage the engagement body  156  when the drive shaft  132  reaches a particular rotational speed. Therefore, as the fan  130  is operably connected to the drum shaft  140 , the fan  130  may only rotate when the centrifugal force acting on the engagement members  154  is strong enough that the clutch  138  engages the drum  134 . 
     In the cooling system  210  configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 7-9  may mask the fan  130  noise by the vibration (or other alert) created by the alert device  136 . For example, the fan  130  may make some noise as the blades  144  are rotating. However, because the fan  130  is activated only when the alert device  136  is activated, the sound of the vibration may be louder than the sound produced by the fan  130 . Thus, the cooling system  210  illustrated in  FIG. 7  may be less perceivable to a user when operating than the embodiment of the cooling system  110  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Furthermore, this cooling system  210  is additionally beneficial as the total length of the system  210  may be reduced. This is possible as the alert device  136  may be connected adjacent a first end of the motor  118 , reducing a total length of the drive shaft  132 . 
     Alternative Clutch Embodiments 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate a second clutch embodiment. In this embodiment, the clutch  238  may include a hub  258  body having engagement arms  242  defined by hinge apertures  254  within the hub  258 . The hinge apertures  254  create living hinges  240  within the hub  258 , allowing the arms  242  to flex outward. The hub  258  may have a generally cylindrical shape and is inserted within the engagement body  156  of the drum  134 . When the clutch  238  is disengaged from the drum  134 , the hub  258  may be positioned a same distance from an inner surface of the engagement body  156 , shown as D 2  in  FIG. 10A . 
     Three hinge apertures  254  are spaced intermittently along the body of hub  258  and form channels within the body of the hub  258 . As shown in  FIG. 10B , the hinge apertures  254  may form a circular shape with a post extending therefrom on the front face of the hub  258 , in that they may have a rectangular body with a head  255  extending from one end. One end of the hinge aperture  254  rectangular body may begin on an outer perimeter surface of the hub  258  and the head  255  may be defined on an internal surface of the hub  258 , in other words, towards the central point of the hub  258 . Additionally, as the hinge apertures  254  may be defined along the body of the hub  258 , they may create channel having a head  255  and a rectangular body through the length of the hub  258 . 
     The hinge apertures  254  reduce a strength of the hub  258  body so that the hub  258  (specifically the engagement arms  242 ) can flex at the apertures  254 . The living hinge  240  is a narrower portion of material and allows the arm  242  to flex upwards, without breaking. For example, the living hinge  240  allows the engagement arms  242  to flex outwards towards an inner surface of the engagement body  156 , so that the engagement arms  242  may contact the inner surface of the engagement body  156 . Similar to the engagement members  154 , the engagement arms  242  may include a texturized or rough outer surface so that they may more easily engage the inner surface of the engagement body  156 . 
     As with the clutch  158  illustrated in  FIG. 9 , in this embodiment, the clutch  258  may rotate within the drum  134  without engaging the drum  134  until the select rotation speed is reached. However, once the select rotational speed is reached, the engagement arms  242  (via a centrifugal force) may be forced outwards, bending at the living hinge  240 . The engagement arms  242  at the correct centrifugal force may then engage an inner surface of the engagement body  156 , thus operably connecting the drive shaft  132  and the drum  134 . 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate another example of the clutch  338 . This example is similar to the clutch  238  illustrated in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . However, in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the clutch  358  may include only two hinge apertures  354  spaced laterally through the hub  358 . As with the clutch  258  illustrated in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the hinge apertures  354  create engagement arms  342  by defining a living hinge  340  within the body of the hub  358 . The engagement arms  342  extend outwards (rotating at the living hinge  340  location) to transverse the distance X to engage with the engagement body  156 . 
     The hinge apertures  354  may be shaped so that the body of the hub  358  forms a general “S” shape within the engagement body  156 . The hinge apertures  354  may each include two relatively rectangular shapes angled outward towards the outer perimeter of the hub  358 . The two rectangles may generally intersect at approximately a mid point of the hub  358  so that each hinge aperture  354  has a corner or apex. Additionally, a terminal end of each hinge aperture  354  may include a head  354 . The head  354  has a larger dimension than the rest of the hinge aperture  354  so as to thin the material or body of the hub  358  to create the living hinge  340 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a fourth embodiment of the clutch  448 . In this embodiment, the clutch  448  may include a ratchet  450  and a pawl  420 . The ratchet  450  may form a hub of the clutch and may include teeth  452  extending radially around an outer surface of the ratchet  450 . The teeth  452  may be have be arcuate on one side and the second side may be flat or partially concave. Basically, the teeth  452  permit a ratchet motion in one direction and restriction it in another. 
     The pawl  420  is operably connected to the engagement body  156  and is configured to selectively engage the ratchet  450 . There may be multiple pawls  420  spaced intermittently along an inner surface of the engagement body  156 . The pawls  420  may include a main body  455  having an engagement portion  459  and a connection portion  454 . The engagement portion  459  may be shaped to generally correspond to the teeth  452  of the ratchet  450 . For example, one side of the engagement portion  459  may be concave and one side may be substantially straight. This is because the pawl  420  is configured to engage the teeth  452  of the ratchet  450  when the ratchet  450  rotates in one direction and configured to disengage from the teeth  452  when the ratchet  450  rotates in a second direction. The connection portion  454  extends from a back surface of the main body  455  is operably connected to an inner surface of the engagement body  156 . The connection portion  454  may be formed at a terminal end of a tail extending from the main body  455 . 
     The ratchet  450  is operably associated with the pawl  420 , such that when the ratchet  450  rotates in a first direction D 1 , the pawl  420  disengages from the ratchet  450 . In other words, the teeth  420  may slide around the engagement portion  459  along the concave side, so that the ratchet  450  may rotate but each pawl  420  may not. If the ratchet  450  rotates in an opposing direction D 2 , the pawls  420  engage the drum  134 . For example, as the ratchet  450  rotates in the opposing direction D 2 , the teeth  452  abut against the engagement portion  459 , such that the flat sides of both the teeth  452  and the engage portion  459  are aligned. This alignment allows the teeth  452  to push against the pawl  420 , displacing the pawl  420 . As the pawls  420  are operably connected to the drum  134  via the connection portion  454 , as the pawls  420  are rotated, the drum  134  also rotates. 
     The clutch  438  of  FIG. 12  allows for the clutch  438  to be selectively engaged, regardless of the speed of the drive shaft  132 . For example, the ratchet  450  may rotate in direction D 1  at substantially any speed without engaging the pawls  420  and thus the drum  134 . Similarly, while rotating in direction D 2 , the ratchet  450  may engage the pawls  420 , rotating the drum  134  at substantially any speed. Thus, thus the alert device  136  (or other device operably connected to the motor  118  via the clutch) may be configured to be either on or off, irrespective of the rotational speed of the drive shaft  132  or clutch. 
     Conclusion 
     The foregoing description has broad application. For example, while examples disclosed herein may focus on operably rotating a fan and an alert device, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein equally apply to devices that may be driven by a rotating shaft. In one example, the mobile computing device may include two separate masses configured to selectively rotate to provide increasing alerts. One mass may be configured to rotate to produce a small vibration, and then for certain alerts both masses (via the clutch configuration) may be rotated creating a larger vibration. Accordingly, the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples. 
     In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation but those skilled in the art will recognize the steps and operation may be rearranged, replaced or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20110502
Publication Date: 20130702
Grant Date: 20130702
Priority Date: 20110502
Inventors: ROTHKOPF FLETCHER
DABOV TEODOR
KUMKA DAVID
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/203", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/203", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 47090079