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iPhone 12 Thermal Management Case

3D-printed case with integrated heatsinks that reduces iPhone thermal throttling during intensive use

Duration

2 weeks

Role

Designer & Builder

$ Tech Stack

CAD 3D Printing Thermal Design

The Problem

iPhone 12 consistently overheated during long drives with GPS navigation and charging simultaneously, causing screen dimming and app throttling. Standard cases trap heat, making the problem worse.

Technical Approach

Designed a custom case with:

  • Integrated aluminum heatsink channels
  • Direct thermal contact points at processor locations
  • Ventilation slots for convective cooling
  • 3D-printed TPU frame for shock absorption
  • Maintains MagSafe compatibility

Results

  • Temperature reduction: 15-20°C under heavy load
  • Zero throttling events during 4-hour navigation sessions
  • Maintained wireless charging efficiency
  • Successfully field-tested on cross-country road trip