Effective methods to promote heat dissipation of wrist wearables

Abstract

Wearable technology has been rapidly evolving. Many functions beyond current smartphone capabilities must be realized in wearables that are smaller than smartphones. Heat generation due to power consumption may cause both circuit malfunctions and low-temperature burns. This letter presents thermal design methods to promote heat dissipation of wrist wearables. First, the thermal model to easily obtain each part temperature is described. Next, belt heat dissipation effects are clarified by simulations with the model. The results indicate that each technique using the belt width, thickness, length, covering rubber, or heatsink has a high effect on heat dissipation. In addition, by combining these techniques, temperature rises of the display, bottom of device body, and belt can be reduced by 30.5%, 52.4%, and 52.7%.