Clad Metal Frame Structure for Heat Dissipation in Slim Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

The slimming of electronic devices poses challenges in effectively dissipating heat emitted from components using heat radiation members like vapor chambers or heat pipes.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a frame with a clad metal structure comprising a first metal with higher thermal conductivity and a second metal with greater strength, where the first metal is in direct or indirect contact with electronic components through openings, and heat conductors with higher thermal conductivity are used to transfer heat, while the frame is connected to the device's side through protrusions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the thickness of electronic devices is reduced for slimming design, then the device becomes more compact and portable, but the ability to dissipate heat from components is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness of electronic deviceVSAvoidheat dissipation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The frame employs a composite structure consisting of a first metal material with high thermal conductivity (such as aluminum or copper) and a second metal material with high strength (such as stainless steel or titanium alloy). This composite construction enables the frame to simultaneously achieve effective heat dissipation through the high-conductivity metal and maintain structural integrity through the high-strength metal, resolving the contradiction between device slimming and heat dissipation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The frame incorporates local heat dissipation structures including heat dissipation holes, protrusions, and recesses that are strategically positioned to enhance heat transfer. The first metal material is specifically placed in regions requiring superior thermal conduction, while the second metal material is positioned where structural strength is critical, creating localized optimization of thermal and mechanical properties throughout the frame structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If a clad metal structure with high thermal conductivity metal is used, then heat dissipation is improved, but the structural strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal conductivityVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The frame uses a composite of two metal materials where the first metal material (aluminum, copper, or magnesium alloy) provides high thermal conductivity for effective heat dissipation, while the second metal material (stainless steel, titanium alloy, or nickel alloy) provides high structural strength. This composite material approach allows both thermal and mechanical requirements to be satisfied simultaneously without compromising either property

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The frame is divided into multiple regions with different metal materials, where the first metal material is used in heat-generating areas requiring superior thermal conduction, and the second metal material is used in load-bearing areas requiring high strength. This segmentation allows each material to be optimally positioned according to its functional requirements, resolving the contradiction between thermal conductivity and structural strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design allows for efficient heat diffusion and dissipation from electronic components, ensuring smooth heat management in slim devices.

Implementation Method 1

Heat emitted from the at least one electronic component is transferred to the clad metal. The first metal has a higher thermal conductivity than the second metal.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

heat radiation member such as a vapor chamber or a heat pipe to smoothly diffuse or dissipate heat emitted from at least one component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 3

heat radiation member such as a vapor chamber or a heat pipe to smoothly diffuse or dissipate heat emitted from at least one component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4432637B1Electronic device comprising frame, and frame manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4432637B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4432637B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4432637B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device may include a front plate providing at least a portion of the front surface of the electronic device, a rear plate providing at least a portion of the rear surface of the electronic device, a side providing at least a portion of the side of the electronic device, a support portion located between the front plate and the rear plate and connected to the side, and at least one component located between the front plate and the rear plate, wherein the support portion includes a clad metal, and wherein heat emitted from the at least one electronic component is transferred to the clad metal.