Portable computer and docking station cooling
US6560104B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 6, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 11, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/1632
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention is an apparatus for cooling a portable computer while it is attached to a docking station. Heat transfer surfaces on simple thermally conductive plates are attached to heat pipes in both the portable computer and the docking station, and the installation of the portable computer into the docking station is arranged to put the two heat transfer surfaces into thermally conductive contact. With the portable computer heat pipe attached to a heat generating component and the docking station heat pipe attached to a heat sink, heat is transferred to the heat sink through the heat transfer surfaces when they are in contact. The heat sink can be fan cooled, and the fan can be arranged to discharge through either the back or side of the docking station. The heat transfer surface of the portable computer also functions as a cooling surface when the portable computer is detached from the docking station.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.