Reinforced Thermal Interface Materials for Sliding Components
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal interface materials lack durability and abrasion resistance when used between sliding components, leading to integrity issues during repeated connector plug insertion and removal, especially at elevated temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The use of reinforced thermal interface materials with strips of harder materials like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide film along the edges of heat sinks and other components to confine the TIM within a predetermined area, absorbing compression forces and maintaining its integrity during sliding operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional thermal interface materials are used between sliding components, then thermal transfer efficiency is improved, but durability and abrasion resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a soft thermal interface material with a harder reinforcement material. The reinforcement material forms a border around the thermal interface material, creating a composite structure that provides both thermal transfer efficiency and abrasion resistance. The softer thermal interface material maintains good thermal contact, while the harder reinforcement border protects against abrasion during sliding operations.
2Reliability
If thermal interface material is used to fill gaps between thermal surfaces, then thermal transfer efficiency is improved, but the material integrity deteriorates during repeated sliding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-installing a reinforcement border around the thermal interface material before sliding operations begin. This reinforcement structure anticipates and prevents the degradation that would occur during repeated sliding, protecting the thermal interface material's integrity before damage can occur.
3Reliability
If soft thermal interface material is used for good thermal contact, then thermal resistance is reduced, but abrasion resistance during sliding operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving different parts of the thermal interface assembly different properties. The central thermal interface material remains soft to ensure good thermal contact and low thermal resistance, while the border reinforcement material is harder to provide abrasion resistance. This localized differentiation of material properties allows each region to optimize its function.
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 reinforcement effectively prevents abrasion and maintains the thermal interface material's integrity, ensuring low thermal resistance and durability even at elevated temperatures, thus enhancing the survivability of the TIM during repeated sliding operations.
Implementation Method 1
absorbing compression forces and maintaining its integrity during sliding operations
Implementation Method 2
by conducting the heat from the operating electrical component to a heat sink
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of thermal interface materials with reinforcement for abrasion resistance and/or suitable for use between sliding components.