Graphite Laminate Stepwise Edge Offset for Thermal Resistance Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Graphite laminates face challenges in increasing heat transport capability due to low thermal conductivity of each layer and high contact thermal resistance between layers, limiting their ability to efficiently transfer heat in proportion to the number of layers.
Innovation Solution
A graphite laminate with a stepwise form, where the edges of layers are offset to form stepwise portions, is used, allowing each layer to be thermally connected via a heat transfer sheet, reducing contact thermal resistance and enhancing heat transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple layers of graphite are laminated to increase heat transport capability, then the number of layers increases, but contact thermal resistance between layers reduces overall heat transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A heat transfer sheet is introduced as an intermediary component between the heat radiation element and the graphite laminate, and between graphite layers. This sheet improves thermal contact and reduces contact thermal resistance, enabling efficient heat transfer across multiple layers while maintaining high heat transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the interface between graphite layers by introducing a heat transfer sheet with specific thermal conductivity and compliance characteristics. This modifies the contact thermal resistance parameter, allowing multiple layers to work together effectively for heat dissipation.
2Quantity of substance
If graphite layers are stacked to increase thermal conductivity, then more layers are added, but low thermal conductivity in thickness direction limits heat transport capability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite thermal management system combining graphite layers with a heat transfer sheet. This composite structure leverages the high in-plane thermal conductivity of graphite while the heat transfer sheet provides effective through-thickness heat transfer, achieving superior overall thermal conductivity in the multi-layer configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat transfer sheet acts as a mediator that bridges the thermal conductivity gap between graphite layers in the thickness direction. It enables heat to efficiently traverse through multiple layers, overcoming the inherently low thermal conductivity of individual graphite layers in the through-thickness direction.
3Reliability
If contact thermal resistance between layers is reduced by improving contact, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer sheet is designed as a thin, flexible component that can conform to surface irregularities and ensure intimate contact between graphite layers and the heat radiation element. This flexibility achieves excellent thermal contact without requiring complex manufacturing processes or precision alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat transfer sheet serves as a simple intermediary component that simplifies the manufacturing process by providing a ready-made solution for achieving good thermal contact. Rather than requiring complex assembly procedures or precision machining, the flexible sheet can be easily applied to ensure proper contact across all interfaces.
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 configuration significantly increases the heat transport capability of the graphite laminate by ensuring each layer can efficiently transfer heat from the heat source to the heat radiation portion, even with multiple layers, thereby overcoming the limitations of low thermal conductivity and contact resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer sheet 41 made of a material having a high heat transfer capability in a thickness direction
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed electronic device includes a graphite laminate having a plurality of layers laminated in a first direction, each layer containing graphite, where the graphite laminate has a portion in a stepwise form in which edges of the plurality of layers are offset from each other.