Detachable Thermal Regulator for Reusable Heat Sink Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermal regulating devices are permanently attached to heat sinks, making them non-reusable, adding unnecessary weight and increasing fabrication costs, and prone to fluid cross-contamination during thermal testing.

Innovation Solution

A detachable thermal regulating device with a tubular, rod-shaped portion and a head portion, fabricated via additive manufacturing, allowing for interchangeable thermal fluids and easy attachment to heat sinks, facilitating reuse and preventing fluid contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a brazed cooling plate is permanently mounted to a heat sink, then thermal regulation is achieved, but the device cannot be reused and adds unnecessary weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal regulation effectivenessVSAvoidweight of thermal regulating device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal regulating device is divided into separate components: a removable thermal regulating device (TRD) that can be detached from the heat sink. This segmentation allows the TRD to be lightweight and portable while still providing effective thermal regulation when attached, resolving the contradiction between reliability and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal regulating device transitions from a static permanent mounting to a dynamic removable configuration. The TRD can be attached when thermal regulation is needed and removed when not needed, providing adaptability that reduces unnecessary weight while maintaining thermal regulation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a brazed cooling plate is permanently mounted to a heat sink, then thermal regulation is achieved, but fabrication costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal regulation effectivenessVSAvoidfabrication cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the thermal regulation system into a removable TRD and heat sink assembly, the fabrication process is simplified. The TRD can be manufactured as a standardized component rather than custom-brazed for each application, reducing fabrication costs while maintaining thermal regulation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The TRD is designed as a universal component that can be attached to different heat sinks and reused across multiple applications. This universality reduces fabrication costs by eliminating the need for custom permanent installations for each specific use case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a brazed cooling plate is permanently mounted to a heat sink, then thermal regulation is achieved, but fluid cross-contamination occurs during thermal testing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal regulation effectivenessVSAvoidfluid cross-contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The removable TRD creates a segmented fluid system where the thermal regulating fluid is contained within the TRD boundaries. When detached, the fluid cannot contaminate other systems, eliminating cross-contamination risks while maintaining thermal regulation effectiveness during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal regulating fluid system is extracted from a permanent integrated configuration to a removable modular configuration. This extraction allows the fluid system to be isolated and contained within the TRD, preventing fluid cross-contamination while maintaining thermal regulation performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables reusable thermal regulation with interchangeable fluids, reducing weight and fabrication costs, and eliminating fluid cross-contamination during thermal testing.

Implementation Method 1

An axial cartridge is disposed in the tubular, rod-shaped portion, where the axial cartridge provides thermal transfer to an outer surface of the tubular, rod-shaped portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

A thermal regulating fluid is channeled through a channel integral to the brazed cooling plate via an inlet and an outlet. A temperature of the thermal regulating fluid is regulated via a thermal regulating fluid source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal convection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS12520450B2Thermal regulating device

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORP

AI summary

A thermal regulating device is provided that includes a head portion including an inlet port and an outlet port, and a tubular, rod-shaped portion in fluid communication with the head portion at a first end and being enclosed at a second end opposite that of the first end. An axial cartridge is disposed in the tubular, rod-shaped portion, where the axial cartridge provides thermal transfer to an outer surface of the tubular, rod-shaped portion. The tubular, rod-shaped portion detachably mates with a device to provide thermal transfer to the device.