Head Module Heat Insulator Prevents Thermal Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The direct bonding of a resin-made or plastic enclosure case to a heat sink in semiconductor modules can lead to deformation due to heat, creating gaps that allow mist from liquid ejection to reach the chip-mounted board, potentially causing short-circuit failures.

Innovation Solution

A heat insulator with lower thermal conductivity than the heat spreader is placed between the heat spreader and the holder, featuring clamp portions, a connecting portion, and a frame portion with elasticity to securely hold the heat spreader and prevent deformation, ensuring effective sealing and reducing thermal transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the holder is directly bonded to the heat spreader, then assembly is simplified, but the holder deforms due to heat from the heat spreader

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidholder deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A heat insulator is introduced as an intermediary component between the holder and the heat spreader. This heat insulator has low thermal conductivity to block heat transfer from the heat spreader to the holder, preventing thermal deformation of the holder while maintaining the bonded assembly structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the holder is directly bonded to the heat spreader, then manufacturing steps are reduced, but gaps form allowing mist to reach the chip-mounted board

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidshort-circuit prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The heat insulator serves as a sealing intermediary that fills the gap between the holder and heat spreader, preventing mist from penetrating through to the chip-mounted board while maintaining structural integrity and reducing the number of separate sealing components needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If a heat insulator is added between the holder and heat spreader, then thermal transfer is reduced, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal transferVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat insulator is designed with specific physical parameters including elasticity to enable deformation during assembly, clamp portions for mechanical engagement, and a connecting portion for secure attachment. These parameter optimizations allow the heat insulator to be integrated into the assembly without significantly increasing complexity while maintaining effective thermal insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively prevents deformation of the holder, reduces the risk of short-circuit failures by blocking mist entry and maintaining seal integrity, and facilitates easier assembly of the head module.

Implementation Method 1

The heat insulator has a thermal conductivity lower than the heat spreader. This may reduce thermal transfer between the heat spreader and the holder, and may prevent deformation of the holder due to the heat from the heat spreader.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3342594B1Head module and liquid ejection apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP3342594B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3342594B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3342594B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A head module 10m includes a head 11, a pair of driver ICs 12, a holder 13 that supports the head 11, a head spreader 14 in thermal communication with the pair of the driver ICs 12 and a heat insulator 15 located between the heat spreader 14 and the holder 15. The heat insulator 15 has a thermal conductivity lower than the heat spreader 14.