Shield Can TIM Layout for PCB Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices generate heat during operation, leading to temperature increases that can deteriorate their functionality, and existing thermal interface materials may not effectively manage heat dissipation.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a thermal interface material injected through a through hole in a shield can, occupying space between the shield can and electronic components, allowing for efficient heat diffusion and temperature management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If thermal interface material is used to transfer heat from electronic components, then heat diffusion is improved, but the enclosed space must be completely filled which increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat diffusionVSAvoidspace filling requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the thermal interface material from the enclosed space by providing an opening that allows the material to extend outward. This eliminates the requirement to completely fill the enclosed space, reducing device complexity while maintaining heat transfer functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by allowing the thermal interface material to extend vertically outward from the enclosed space through the opening. This dimensional change enables heat transfer without requiring complete space filling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Temperature

If thermal interface material is injected through a through hole, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the injection process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidinjection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The through hole serves multiple functions: it acts as a passage for injecting the thermal interface material and simultaneously serves as a structural feature of the shield can. This multi-functionality reduces overall process complexity while enabling effective heat transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If shield can covers electronic component completely, then electromagnetic shielding is improved, but heat dissipation space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic shieldingVSAvoidheat dissipation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The shield can is segmented by introducing an opening that divides the otherwise enclosed space. This segmentation allows the thermal interface material to extend outward, creating additional heat dissipation space while maintaining electromagnetic shielding in the covered regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The opening is strategically positioned and sized to provide sufficient heat dissipation space locally without compromising the overall electromagnetic shielding performance of the shield can structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution effectively dissipates heat, preventing temperature increases and maintaining device functionality by utilizing a thermal interface material strategically placed within the electronic device.

Implementation Method 1

Heat generated from the electronic component may be diffused through the thermal interface material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4683444A1Electronic device including thermal interface material
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4683444A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4683444A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4683444A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device comprises: a printed circuit board including a through-hole; an electronic component disposed on the printed circuit board; a shield can covering the electronic component; and a thermal interface material (TIM) contained in the space between the printed circuit board and the shield can. The thermal interface material occupies the space between the surface of the electronic component and the shield can, and comes into contact with a first electronic component. The space between the printed circuit board and the shield can is connected to the space outside the shield can through an opening.