Edge-Mounted Heat Exchangers on Circuit Boards for Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems in portable computing devices, such as laptops, face challenges in achieving high open-air ratios for heat exchanger outlets while maintaining space for circuit boards and electrical routing due to the use of ribs and heat exchanger fins that obstruct the outlet and occupy valuable space.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of heat exchanger fins that are thermally coupled to the circuit board on both sides, allowing for increased open-air ratios without occupying additional space by positioning them along the edge, thereby facilitating better heat transfer and electrical routing on the board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ribs and heat exchanger fins are used to block objects from entering through the outlet, then safety is improved, but the open-air ratio decreases and valuable space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger fins are repositioned from being placed at the outlet opening to being positioned along the edge of the circuit board. This dimensional relocation allows the fins to maintain their safety function while occupying space that would otherwise be unused, thereby preserving the open-air ratio of the outlet.
2Reliability
If ribs and heat exchanger fins are positioned to block objects from entering through the outlet, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger fins are thermally coupled to the circuit board, merging the safety function (blocking objects) with the heat dissipation function. This integration eliminates the need for separate structural elements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining safety.
3Reliability
If heat exchanger fins are positioned to block objects from entering through the outlet, then safety is improved, but space for electrical routing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger fins are relocated to the edge of the circuit board, utilizing the peripheral dimension rather than occupying the central area needed for electrical routing. This dimensional repositioning preserves the space required for routing while maintaining the safety function.
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 achieves open-air ratios exceeding 71% while preserving space for electrical components and routing, enhancing cooling efficiency and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
the heat exchanger draws heat from the electrical component and the fins provide increased surface area to transfer the heat to the air to facilitate the cooling of the system
Implementation Method 2
an array of fins (e.g., as part of a heat sink or other heat exchanger) is thermally coupled to the heat producing component
Data Source
AI summary
Heat exchangers on edges of circuit boards are disclosed. An apparatus includes: a housing including an outlet for air flow; a circuit board; and a heat exchanger extending along an edge of the circuit board. The heat exchanger includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side faces away from the outlet, and the second side faces toward the outlet. The edge of the circuit board is closer to the second side of the heat exchanger than the edge is to the first side of the heat exchanger.