Heat Conductive Sheet for Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat radiation devices with a heat conductive sheet interposed between a heat generator and a heat radiator face challenges in reducing heat resistance effectively, limiting their ability to achieve high heat radiation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A heat radiation device design where a heat conductive sheet with high conductivity is attached in a sandwiched manner only in part of the region where the heat generator and heat radiator face each other, with the area of the sandwiched surface being smaller than the attached surface, and the heat conductive sheet having a thickness of 2.0 mm or less, Asker C hardness of 30 or more, and containing a resin and carbon material, such as thermoplastic fluororesin and expanded graphite or carbon nanotubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heat conductive sheet is attached in a sandwiched manner between the heat generator and heat radiator, then heat transfer is facilitated, but the heat resistance between the heat generator and heat radiator cannot be reduced sufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The heat conductive sheet is attached only to a specific region (the heat generating portion) rather than the entire surface of the heat generator. This localized attachment strategy focuses the heat conduction path where it is most needed, reducing the overall heat resistance without requiring full-surface coverage. The sheet's area is intentionally made smaller than the heat generator's attached surface area to achieve this selective heat transfer optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipation function is segmented by using a heat conductive sheet with specific material composition (carbon material content of 20-80 mass%) rather than relying on a uniform structure. The sheet is divided into functional zones: the carbon material provides heat conduction pathways while the resin matrix provides structural support, creating a composite structure that addresses both heat transfer and mechanical requirements.
2Reliability
If the heat conductivity of the heat conductive sheet is increased, then heat transfer is improved, but the sheet may become too thin or too soft to maintain proper attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The heat conductive sheet is constructed as a composite material consisting of carbon material (20-80 mass%) dispersed in a resin matrix. The carbon material (such as graphite, carbon nanotubes, or carbon fibers) provides high thermal conductivity pathways, while the resin component maintains the sheet's structural integrity, flexibility, and attachment properties. This composite structure allows the sheet to achieve high heat conductivity without sacrificing mechanical strength or becoming too thin.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet's properties are optimized by controlling the carbon material content within a specific range (20-80 mass%). By adjusting this parameter, the balance between heat conductivity and structural integrity is achieved. Additionally, the sheet thickness is controlled to be 1 mm or less, and the Asker C hardness is maintained at 30 or more, creating a precise parameter window that satisfies both heat transfer and mechanical requirements.
3Reliability
If the area of the heat conductive sheet is increased to cover the entire attached surface, then heat distribution is improved, but the heat resistance is not reduced as effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The heat conductive sheet is strategically positioned to cover only the heat generating portion of the heat generator, which is the critical region for heat transfer. This localized coverage approach concentrates the heat conduction function where heat generation occurs, rather than distributing the sheet across the entire surface. The sheet area is deliberately kept smaller than the total attached surface area to optimize heat resistance reduction at the heat source.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat conduction function is extracted and concentrated in a separate heat conductive sheet component rather than relying on the heat generator's entire surface. By removing the sheet from the equation (using minimal coverage) and focusing it only on the heat generating portion, the design achieves efficient heat transfer without the need for full-surface attachment, thereby reducing overall heat resistance more effectively.
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 reduces heat resistance between the heat generator and heat radiator, enhancing heat radiation efficiency and preventing functional failures due to excessive heat in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a heat conductivity of the heat conductive sheet in a thickness direction is 15 W/m·K or more
Implementation Method 2
containing a resin and carbon material, such as thermoplastic fluororesin and expanded graphite or carbon nanotubes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a heat radiation device that can achieve high heat radiation. A heat radiation device comprises: a heat generator; a heat radiator; and a heat conductive sheet attached in a sandwiched manner between the heat generator and the heat radiator, wherein a heat conductivity of the heat conductive sheet in a thickness direction is 15 W/m·K or more, and an area of a sandwiched surface of the heat conductive sheet is smaller than an area of an attached surface of the heat generator and the heat radiator.