A portion of the chassis inner surface is positioned proximate to the processing device, and a sheet of thermally conductive interface material is positioned between and contacts the processing device and the inner surface portion to thermally couple the processing device to the chassis so that the heat generated by the processing device is delivered to the chassis.

The outer surface of the chassis is configured, such as with fins, for dissipating heat from the chassis.

A phase-change material is positioned on the inner surface of the chassis and absorbs heat to further assist the chassis in heat dissipation.

[0001] This invention relates generally to computers, and more specifically to a system and method for cooling computers which are wearable on the body of a user.

[0002] As personal computers have become more popular in everyday life, they have also become more indispensable in the daily activities of a computer user.

As such, many computer users desire almost constant access to their computers.

As technology and communications advance and more goods and services are available through the use of a computer, such as over the Internet, the desire for constant access will continue to increase among computer users.

[0003] Conventionally, computers utilized by individuals and businesses are stand-alone devices which are generally permanently placed on a desk top, table top, or other support surface.

While they may be readily moved from place to place, they are not meant to be constantly carried around by the user.

To address the need for portability, portable computers are available which are carried by the user, generally in a specially made suitcase or bag.

Existing portable computers continue to decrease in size and weight, but are still designed to be carried like luggage in a separate bag or other container and are then used by placing them on an available flat surface, such as a desk top.

[0004] Recently, wearable computers have become available.

Wearable computers, such as a wearable personal computer, are worn or carried, and also used, on the body of the user.

Therefore, the wearable computer is usually carried around without having to be stowed in a bag and hand-carried like luggage.

Furthermore, a wearable computer is more likely to be used while being worn, rather than being taken off and placed on a support surface.

This arrangement provides the user with greater mobility, convenience, and flexibility in the use of their computer.

[0005] As with other computers, a wearable computer has internal electronic components which generate heat during their operation and the operation of the computer.

In particular, the processor component(s) of a computer consumes a significant amount of power and thus generates a substantial amount of heat.

Consequently, the electronic components, and particularly processor components, must be cooled for proper operation.

In addition to ensuring proper operation of internal electronic components, wearable computers also must be cooled sufficiently to ensure the comfort of the wearer.

Unlike desktop or portable computers, wearable computers will generally be in contact with the user's body and possibly their bare skin.

In existing computers, an internal air moving device, such as an internal fan, is utilized to direct cooling air over the heat-generating components to cool those components.

However, existing air moving and cooling systems for computers, while functional for conventional desktop or portable computers, have certain drawbacks with respect to their incorporation into a wearable computer.

[0006] Specifically, internal air moving devices, like fans, require relatively large airflow openings in the body or housing of the computer for feeding and exhausting air to and from the internal volume of the computer to cool the electronic components.

Relatively large air flow openings and fans are suitable for existing desktop and portable computers, because those forms of computers will primarily be used indoors and thus are not significantly exposed to outside environmental elements, such as water and dirt.

However, wearable computers are worn by a user and are therefore exposed to the environmental elements to which the user is exposed.

Consequently, a wearable computer will be exposed to water, dirt, and other contaminant elements more frequently than other forms of a computer.

Large airflow openings and fans which draw air through the openings also allow the water, dirt, and other contaminating elements into the internal volume of the computer and expose the electronic components to such contaminating elements.

Any contamination or corrosion from exposure to environmental elements may impede the operation of the computer or even permanently damage it.

Therefore, while traditional fan systems may be used to cool a wearable computer, they present contamination and operational risks.