Heat Sink Clip With Pivot Actuator For Reduced Mounting Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat sink clips require excessive force to operate, making it difficult to mount the locking foot onto the retention module, which complicates the securement of the heat sink to the heat generating unit.
Innovation Solution
A heat sink clip design featuring a body with a spring plate and an actuating member with a hinge portion, allowing the movable fastener to be pivotally secured and easily locked into place, reducing the required operational force through a self-locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional heat sink clip with a movable fastener and operation handle is used, then the heat sink can be mounted to the CPU, but excessive force is required to press the operation handle downwardly to secure the locking foot to the retention module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static pressing operation into a dynamic rotational motion. The actuating member rotates about the hinge portion, converting a simple downward press into a leveraged rotational movement that reduces the force required to engage the locking foot with the retention module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational dimension from linear (downward pressing) to rotational (pivoting motion). By mounting the actuating member to pivot about the hinge portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the body, the operation moves from one-dimensional linear force application to two-dimensional rotational movement, providing mechanical advantage.
2Reliability
If the operation handle is pressed downwardly to secure the locking foot, then the heat sink can be secured to the CPU, but it requires a lot of force and is not easy for the operator to mount
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational actuation mechanism provides a more favorable force application curve during the engagement process. The lever arm length changes dynamically during rotation, providing increasing mechanical advantage as the locking foot approaches engagement with the retention module, making the operation easier while ensuring reliable securement.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge portion acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the operator's input force and the locking foot's engagement force. By introducing this pivot point, the system transforms direct pressing into a leveraged rotational motion that reduces operational difficulty while maintaining securement reliability.
3Strength
If a conventional clip design is used, then the heat sink can be mounted, but the device complexity increases due to the need for high-force operation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the clip into distinct functional segments: the body, the actuating member with hinge portion, and the movable fastener with locking foot. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing the overall complexity compared to a monolithic design that would require over-engineered force application mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing the pivotable actuating member, the patent creates a dynamic mechanism that generates high clamping force through rotational motion rather than requiring a complex static force multiplication system. The hinge-based leverage mechanism is simpler than alternative high-force transmission mechanisms while achieving the same clamping effect.
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 design facilitates easier and more efficient mounting of the heat sink by reducing the necessary operational force, ensuring secure contact between the heat sink and the heat generating unit while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating member is pivotably mounted to the securing portion of the body in a direction substantially perpendicular to the body, and the actuating member is turnable relative to the body between a locked position and an unlocked position
Data Source
AI summary
A heat sink clip and an assembly incorporating such clip are provide. The heat sink clip comprises: a body, an actuating member and a movable fastener. The body has a securing portion formed at one end thereof. The actuating member has a hinge portion thereof. The movable fastener is secured to the hinge portion of the actuating member. The actuating member is pivotably mounted to the securing portion of the body in a direction substantially perpendicular to the body, and the actuating member is turnable relative to the body between a locked position and an unlocked position.