CPU Cooler Contact Frame for Even Pressure Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CPU cooler installation methods result in thermal hotspots due to uneven contact pressure, deform the CPU's internal heat spreader, and require complex and costly additional components, limiting cooling performance and increasing installation complexity.
Innovation Solution
A cooler contact frame that replaces the ILM, providing two mounting nuts on either side for secure CPU cooler attachment, eliminating the need for clips and spacers, and ensuring even pressure distribution across the CPU's surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an ILM is used to mount the CPU, then the CPU is securely installed into the socket, but the IHS deforms into a concave shape causing thermal hotspots
Solution Approach 1:
The contact frame is divided into multiple contact points distributed around the perimeter of the CPU socket, rather than concentrating force at two points like the ILM. This segmentation of contact points allows the frame to apply distributed pressure that secures the CPU without deforming the IHS into a concave shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact frame applies pressure locally at its contact points along the perimeter, rather than distributing pressure uniformly across the entire surface. This localized pressure application secures the CPU in place while avoiding the widespread deformation that causes thermal hotspots.
2Reliability
If a contact frame is used to hold the CPU, then CPU installation security is improved, but additional components (backing plate, clips) are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The contact frame combines multiple functions into a single component: it secures the CPU to the socket, provides a mounting surface for the cooler, and eliminates the need for separate backing plates and clips. This merging of functions reduces the total number of components required in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact frame serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a CPU mounting mechanism, a structural support element, and a cooler mounting platform. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Strength
If the cooler is mounted through 4 holes in the mainboard, then the cooler is securely attached, but the mainboard deforms and the CPU cooler's weight and compression charge are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The contact frame acts as an intermediary structure between the mainboard and the cooler. Instead of mounting the cooler directly through holes in the mainboard, the frame provides a rigid mounting platform that distributes the cooler's weight and compression forces, preventing mainboard deformation while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact frame is installed and secured to the mainboard before the cooler is mounted. This preliminary action creates a stable, pre-positioned mounting structure that can support the cooler's weight and compression forces without deforming the mainboard, thereby enabling full cooling performance.
4Ease of manufacture
If an ILM is used with 4 mounting holes, then the CPU can be mounted, but clips and spacers are required increasing installation complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The contact frame merges the mounting structure into a single integrated component with built-in contact points and mounting features. This eliminates the need for separate clips, spacers, and fasteners that are required with traditional ILM designs, simplifying both manufacturing and installation processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A cooler contact frame is provided which replaces an ILM for both installing a CPU into a socket and as a mount for CPU cooler installation. According to embodiments of the present invention, the contact frame is provided with two mounting nuts on either side (depending on the heatsink design whether a mounting bar positioned in the East-West or North-South direction is more suitable) to fix the CPU cooler on it. The new and improved cooler contact frame eliminates the clips, spacers, and fasteners between the clips and mainboard and the backplate required by the prior art. Further, the invented cooler contact frame is more straightforward to install and makes cooler installation less complex.