M.2 Adapter Heatsink With Adjustable Mounting for Multiple Module Lengths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturers face challenges in designing a single heatsink that can accommodate multiple differently sized M.2 modules due to differing dimensions, leading to increased manufacturing and logistical costs, as well as inadequate cooling or blocked mounting points.
Innovation Solution
An M.2 adapter/heatsink design that includes a heat spreader clip and adapter fastener, allowing secure attachment and adequate cooling for multiple module sizes by using a spacer to indirectly attach shorter modules to the PCA, while a single heatsink model can fit all compatible sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single heatsink design is used for multiple M.2 module sizes, then manufacturing and logistical costs are reduced, but it may result in inadequate cooling or blocked mounting points for shorter modules
Solution Approach 1:
The heatsink is divided into multiple detachable clips, each designed to accommodate specific M.2 module sizes. This segmentation allows the same heatsink body to be adapted for different module lengths (e.g., 30mm, 42mm, 60mm, 80mm, 110mm) by selecting appropriate clips, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining cooling effectiveness for each module size.
Solution Approach 2:
The heatsink design incorporates universal compatibility across multiple M.2 module sizes through the use of interchangeable clips. A single heatsink model can serve multiple functions by attaching different clips to match various module dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple heatsink models and reducing logistical complexity while ensuring adequate cooling for all supported sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a heatsink is designed to fit the longest M.2 module, then it can accommodate larger modules, but it blocks the mounting point on shorter modules
Solution Approach 1:
The heatsink employs dynamic, interchangeable clips that can be attached or detached based on the installed M.2 module size. This dynamic configuration allows the mounting point to remain accessible for shorter modules when appropriate clips are used, while still providing full coverage for longer modules when larger clips are attached, thus resolving the conflict between versatility and mounting accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable clips act as intermediaries between the heatsink body and the M.2 module. These clips are sized to match specific module dimensions, allowing the heatsink to adapt to different module sizes without the main heatsink structure blocking mounting points on shorter modules. The clips mediate the connection while preserving access to mounting hardware.
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
Reduces manufacturing and logistical costs by using a single heatsink design for multiple M.2 module sizes, ensuring secure attachment and effective cooling without blocking mounting points.
Implementation Method 1
a heatsink to the M.2 module to prevent overheating
Implementation Method 2
dissipate the heat into air flowing around the module
Data Source
AI summary
An M.2 adapter/heatsink comprises a heat spreader clip configured to receive M.2 modules having multiple M.2 module lengths. The M.2 adapter/heatsink also comprises an adapter fastener and a spacer. The adapter fastener can be attached to the heat spreader clip at any one of a plurality of attachment locations corresponding respectively to the different M.2 module lengths. When an M.2 module is received in the clip, the adapter fastener is attached to clip at the attachment location which corresponds to the length of the M.2 module. The adapter fastener engages with the M.2 mount of the M.2 module, thus attaching the M.2 module to the clip. The spacer is attached to the heat spreader clip and located such that a replica M.2 mount of the spacer can be connected to PCA by a fastener. Thus, the spacer attaches the clip, and hence also the M.2 module (indirectly), to the PCA.