Stretchable Heat Dissipation Mesh for Foldable Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional heat dissipation structures are rigid and cannot be stretched or shrunk, making them unsuitable for foldable terminal devices that require heat dissipation across varying states.

Innovation Solution

A heat dissipation structure comprising elastic heat conduction units and a heat conduction mesh with interlaced mesh wires that are rotatable relative to each other, allowing the structure to stretch and shrink while maintaining heat conduction efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional rigid heat dissipation structures are used, then heat conduction efficiency is maintained, but the structure cannot be stretched or shrunk and is easily broken when bent

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestretchabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The heat dissipation structure is divided into multiple rigid heat dissipation units connected by flexible connecting parts. This segmentation allows the structure to be stretched and bent without breaking, as the flexible connecting parts can deform to accommodate shape changes while the rigid units maintain heat conduction efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heat dissipation structure transitions from a static rigid form to a dynamic configurable form. The flexible connecting parts enable the structure to adapt its shape and size dynamically, allowing it to be stretched when the terminal is unfolded and compressed when folded, while maintaining structural integrity throughout the transformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional rigid heat dissipation structures are used, then structural stability is maintained, but the structure cannot meet distance differences between folded and unfolded states

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconfigurabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the heat dissipation structure into modular rigid units and flexible connectors, the design achieves configurability without excessive complexity. Each module can be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while enabling the structure to adapt to different terminal configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible connecting parts function as flexible elements that can deform and stretch to accommodate the distance differences between folded and unfolded states. These connecting parts are designed with appropriate flexibility to allow the heat dissipation structure to adapt to various terminal shapes without requiring complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If the heat dissipation structure is made flexible to accommodate folding, then adaptability to terminal states is improved, but heat conduction efficiency may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestate adaptabilityVSAvoidheat conduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The segmentation into rigid heat dissipation units and flexible connecting parts allows heat to be efficiently conducted through the rigid units while the flexible connectors serve primarily as structural linkages. The rigid units maintain optimal thermal contact with heat-generating components, ensuring efficient heat conduction despite the overall flexibility of the structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the heat dissipation structure have different properties: rigid units provide excellent heat conduction where needed, while flexible connecting parts provide adaptability where structural deformation is required. This local differentiation of properties allows the structure to simultaneously achieve both heat conduction efficiency and state adaptability.

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 heat dissipation structure can effectively stretch and shrink to accommodate the distance differences between the folded and unfolded states of foldable terminal devices without breaking, while enhancing heat conduction properties to meet the thermal management requirements of these devices.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of elastic heat conduction units; and at least one layer of heat conduction mesh

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

each two interlaced mesh wires are rotatable relative to each other, and the plurality of mesh wires are interlaced to form gaps in which the elastic heat conduction units are arranged

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12342505B2Heat dissipation structure, heat dissipation component and mounting method therefor, and foldable terminal

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 ZTE CORP

AI summary

Disclosed are a heat dissipation structure, a heat dissipation component and a mounting method thereof, and a foldable terminal device. The heat dissipation structure may include: a plurality of elastic heat conduction units; and at least one layer of heat conduction mesh, the heat conduction mesh includes a plurality of interlaced mesh wires, each two interlaced mesh wires are rotatable relative to each other, and the plurality of mesh wires are interlaced to form gaps in which the elastic heat conduction units are arranged.