Elastomer Sealed Heat Dissipation Structure Preventing Liquid Metal Overflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid metal thermal greases used for heat dissipation in electronic devices tend to overflow, leading to short circuits or burned parts due to their conductivity and fluidity, which existing solutions fail to adequately prevent.

Innovation Solution

A heat dissipation structure comprising a heat dissipation body with a central area and a peripheral area, where an elastomer is disposed between the peripheral area and the heat generating element to form a sealed space, accommodating a heat-conducting medium and preventing overflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If liquid metal thermal grease is used to enhance thermal conductivity, then heat dissipation performance is improved, but the grease overflows during movement causing short circuits or burned parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation performanceVSAvoidelectrical safety
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an elastomer as an intermediary substance between the heat generating element and heat dissipation component. This elastomer contains and controls the liquid metal thermal grease, preventing it from overflowing while maintaining thermal contact. The elastomer acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between thermal conductivity enhancement and electrical safety by containing the conductive grease within a flexible sealing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs an elastomer (flexible shell) to contain the liquid metal thermal grease. This flexible sealing structure conforms to the surfaces of the heat generating element and heat dissipation component, creating a sealed environment that prevents grease overflow. The flexibility of the elastomer allows it to accommodate thermal expansion and movement while maintaining the seal, thus preventing short circuits while preserving heat dissipation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Temperature

If thermal grease is applied to fill gaps between heat dissipation component and heat generating element, then heat conduction is improved, but the grease migrates during product movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat conductionVSAvoidgrease position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomer serves as an intermediary containment structure that stabilizes the position of the thermal grease. It prevents the grease from migrating during product movement while maintaining intimate thermal contact between the heat dissipation component and heat generating element. The elastomer's flexible sealing action ensures the grease remains in its intended location throughout operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomer is pre-installed in a specific position between the heat dissipation component and heat generating element before the thermal grease is applied. This preliminary placement of the elastomer creates a predetermined containment structure that guides and restricts the grease to specific areas, preventing migration during subsequent product movement while ensuring optimal thermal contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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

The structure effectively prevents the heat-conducting medium from overflowing, thereby avoiding short circuits or burned parts by creating a sealed space that accommodates the medium, ensuring reliable heat dissipation without electrical interference.

Implementation Method 1

an elastomer is disposed between the peripheral area and the heat generating element to form a sealed space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the heat-conducting medium is coated on the heat generating element and is squeezed by the central area of the heat dissipation body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3705978B1Heat dissipation structure
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC
  • EP3705978B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3705978B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3705978B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A heat dissipation structure applied to a substrate with a heat generating element is provided. The heat dissipation structure includes a heat dissipation body and an elastomer. The heat dissipation body includes a connecting portion, where the connecting portion includes a central area and a peripheral area, and the central area is configured to contact with the heat generating element. The elastomer is disposed between the peripheral area and the heat generating element, to form a sealed space, and the sealed space is configured to accommodate a heat-conducting medium.