Media device enclosure system
Inventors
Campagna, Michael A. • Myers, Justin • Sagerian, Steven
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10198048-B2
Publication Date
2019-02-05
Expiration Date
Abstract
An enclosure system with a temperature control system including an enclosure, a thermoelectric module having first and second portions, and a thermal controller. The enclosure includes a main body with an open end, a cover coupled to the open end of the main body, and an interior sized and configured to receive an electronic device therein, the interior defined by the main body and the cover. The enclosure further includes a sealing member provided at an interface between the main body and the cover such that the interface is substantially sealed and resistant to liquid ingress. The first portion is positioned within the interior. The second portion is coupled to or is otherwise in contact with a portion of the enclosure exposed to an external environment. The thermal controller is electrically coupled to the thermoelectric module and operable to control heating and/or cooling of a portion of the thermoelectric module.
Core Innovation
An electronic device enclosure system includes an enclosure with a main body having an open end and a cover configured to be coupled to the open end. The interior defined by the main body and the cover is sized and configured to receive an electronic device, and a sealing member at an interface between the main body and the cover substantially seals the interface and is resistant to liquid ingress.
A thermoelectric module having a first portion and a second portion is positioned so that the first portion is within the interior and in confronting relation with the electronic device, while the second portion is in contact with a portion of the enclosure exposed to an external environment. A thermal controller is electrically coupled to the thermoelectric module and is operable to control at least one of heating and cooling of the first portion of the thermoelectric module.
The system is configured to manage environmental exposure through liquid-ingress-resistant air pathways. At least one vent coupled to one of the main body and the cover prohibits the ingress of liquid and selectively allows ingress and egress of air through a vent opening, and at least one valve coupled to one of the main body and the cover selectively allows a flow of air in one direction through a valve opening.
In one configuration, when the thermoelectric module receives a first electric current the first portion is cooled and the second portion is heated, and when the thermoelectric module receives a second electric current the first portion is heated and the second portion is cooled. Air flow is selectively regulated using a humidity sensor and a controller so that humidity information is used to influence interior humidity through vents and valves.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover three main inventive groupings: a liquid-ingress-resistant sealed main body/cover interface combined with an internal confronting thermoelectric module controlled by a thermal controller; reversible heating/cooling of the thermoelectric module based on current direction; and liquid-ingress-resistant selective air ingress/egress using vents and one-direction air flow using valves, optionally combined with thermoelectric thermal control and humidity-based regulation.
Liquid-sealed interface between main body and cover
A sealing member is provided at an interface between the main body and the cover, such that the interface is substantially sealed and resistant to liquid ingress.
Thermoelectric module with confronting first portion and exposed second portion
A thermoelectric module having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion positioned within the interior of the enclosure and in confronting relation with the electronic device, the second portion in contact with a portion of the enclosure exposed to an external environment.
Thermal controller controlling heating and/or cooling of the first portion
A thermal controller electrically coupled to the thermoelectric module and operable to control at least one of heating and cooling of the first portion of the thermoelectric module.
Reversible heating and cooling based on first and second electric currents
When the thermoelectric module receives a first electric current, the first portion is cooled and the second portion is heated, and when the thermoelectric module receives a second electric current, the first portion is heated and the second portion is cooled.
Vents and valves for selective liquid-prohibiting air flow
At least one vent coupled to one of the main body and the cover prohibits the ingress of liquid and selectively allows the ingress and egress of air through a vent opening, and at least one valve coupled to one of the main body and the cover selectively allows a flow of air in one direction through a valve opening.
Overall, the claims combine a substantially liquid-ingress-resistant sealed interface for an electronic device enclosure with a thermoelectric module thermally coupled to an internal confronting portion and an external environment-exposed portion. Reversible heating/cooling is defined by different electric currents, and separate coverage includes liquid-prohibiting vents and one-direction valves for controlled air exchange.
Stated Advantages
Interface is substantially sealed and resistant to liquid ingress.
Thermoelectric module heating and cooling is controllable for the first portion.
Vents prohibit liquid ingress while selectively allowing air ingress and egress.
Valves selectively allow one-direction flow of air.
Ingress of liquid into the interior space through the interface is prohibited.
Documented Applications
Outdoor use and robust operation of an electronic device enclosure with liquid ingress protection and selective air exchange, including controlled air paths through vents and valves.
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