Sliding Coupler for Tool-Free Thermal Component Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional heat exchange systems for integrated circuits are cumbersome due to the use of screws for attaching heat exchangers, which increases system profile and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A system featuring a first thermal component for communication with an integrated circuit and a second thermal component with a coupler that can be slidably engaged and disengaged without tools, using sliders and beveled edges for alignment and engagement, potentially with a locking mechanism for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screws are used to attach thermal components, then reliable attachment is achieved, but system complexity and profile increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into modular components: a first thermal component attached to the circuit board, a second thermal component with heat dissipater, and a separate coupler mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall attachment process by eliminating the need for multiple screws.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupler is extracted as a separate, removable component from the thermal assembly. This allows the coupler to be independently manipulated for engagement and disengagement without affecting the thermal components, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining secure attachment when engaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If screws are used to attach thermal components, then secure attachment is achieved, but system profile enlarges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidsystem profile

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides alignment features (beveled edges), engagement surfaces, and locking capability all in one piece. This merging eliminates the need for separate alignment elements and fasteners, thereby reducing system profile while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional screw attachment is used, then thermal component engagement is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement maintenanceVSAvoidcomponent assembly/disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler is designed with dynamic engagement capability, allowing it to be easily inserted and removed by sliding motions. The beveled edges provide automatic alignment during insertion, and the engagement surfaces ensure secure attachment, making the operation simple and tool-free while maintaining reliable engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The beveled edges on the coupler and corresponding features on the thermal components create a self-aligning mechanism. When the coupler is inserted, the beveled edges automatically guide it into the correct position, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and simplifying the operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Temperature

If multiple components are used for thermal communication, then thermal function is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal communicationVSAvoidcomponent quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a mechanical connector for attachment, provides alignment features through beveled edges, and enables easy engagement/disengagement through its sliding design. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effective thermal communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Facilitates easy engagement and disengagement of thermal components, reducing system complexity and profile, while ensuring reliable thermal communication between the integrated circuit and heat dissipater without the need for screws.

Implementation Method 1

a first thermal component adapted for thermal communication with an integrated circuit and a second thermal component adapted for thermal communication with the first thermal component upon engagement therewith

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS7903413B1Coupling system and method for attaching thermal components in association with a board-mounted integrated circuit

Publication Date: 2011.03.08 NVIDIA CORP

AI summary

A system and method are provided including a first thermal component adapted for thermal communication with an integrated circuit, and a second thermal component adapted for thermal communication with the first thermal component upon engagement therewith. Further provided is a coupler slidably coupled to the first thermal component and/or the second thermal component. In use, such coupler is capable of a first orientation for disengaging, the first thermal component and the second thermal component, and a second orientation for engaging the first thermal component and the second thermal component.