Acoustic TIM Dispensing to Lower Battery Pressing Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-Newtonian thermal interface materials (TIMs) exhibit high viscosity, requiring large pressing forces for application, which can damage battery components like anodes and cathodes.

Innovation Solution

Applying vibration and/or heat to the TIM during dispensing and application to reduce viscosity, allowing for lower pressing forces and minimizing component damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If large pressing forces are applied to apply TIM, then TIM application is effective, but battery components (anodes and cathodes) are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTIM application qualityVSAvoidcomponent damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies vibration (acoustic energy) to change the physical state of the non-Newtonian TIM, transforming it from a high-viscosity state to a lower-viscosity state. This parameter change in the TIM's rheological properties allows effective application at lower pressing forces, resolving the contradiction between application quality and component damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent directly applies mechanical vibration to the TIM or the dispensing system during application. This vibration reduces the effective viscosity of the non-Newtonian material, enabling it to spread and conform to battery surfaces more easily without requiring high pressing forces that would damage delicate components like anodes and cathodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Reliability

If high viscosity TIM is used, then thermal interface performance is maintained, but pressing force requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal interface performanceVSAvoidpressing force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic vibration (acoustic waves) during the TIM application process. This periodic mechanical energy input temporarily reduces the viscosity of the non-Newtonian TIM through shear thinning effects, allowing it to be applied with lower forces while maintaining its high-viscosity characteristics and thermal performance in the final bonded state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Reduces the risk of battery component damage by decreasing the force required for TIM application, ensuring effective thermal contact without deformation.

Implementation Method 1

the fluid exhibits shear thinning. a viscosity of the fluid decreases as a shear rate of the fluid increases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear thinning: Shear Thinning

Implementation Method 2

the fluid is a non-Newtonian thixotropic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThixotropy: Thixotropy

Implementation Method 3

a heater is configured to heat at least one of the dispenser, the fluid, and the surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12564863B2Acoustic softening of non-newtonian material

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A viscosity reduction system includes: a dispenser including: an inlet configured to receive a fluid; an outlet configured to dispense the fluid onto a surface; and a flow channel that fluidly connects the inlet with the outlet; and a vibrating device that directly contacts the dispenser at one or more locations and that is configured to vibrate the dispenser and the fluid when power is applied to the vibrating device.