Flexible Thermal Conductor Layout for Compact PCB Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

As electronic devices become increasingly compact and multifunctional, managing heat dissipation becomes a significant challenge due to the integration of high-performance components that generate heat, leading to potential performance degradation and reliability issues.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a thermal conductor with a specific molecular composition, including hydrocarbon and styrene, and a structured design to efficiently exchange heat with electrical components, coupled with a shielding sheet to enhance heat management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If electronic devices are highly integrated and downsized to be conveniently carried, then portability and convenience are improved, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult due to compact space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible thermal conductor that can be conformally wrapped around electrical components in compact spaces. This flexible thin-film approach allows efficient thermal contact in downsized devices without requiring large heat sinks, resolving the contradiction between small device volume and effective heat dissipation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a flexible thermal conductor as an intermediary material between heat-generating electrical components and heat-dissipating structures. This mediator efficiently transfers heat from compact components to external heat sinks, enabling effective thermal management in highly integrated, space-constrained electronic devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If high-performance components are integrated to enhance functionality, then device capabilities are improved, but heat generation increases leading to performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidperformance stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible thermal conductor acts as an intermediary that bridges high-performance heat-generating components and heat dissipation pathways. This ensures that enhanced functionality does not compromise reliability by maintaining stable operating temperatures through efficient thermal coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase change materials or temperature-dependent thermal conductivity variations in the flexible thermal conductor to dynamically adapt thermal management parameters. This maintains performance stability across varying operational conditions and power levels, ensuring reliable operation of high-performance components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 thermal conductor effectively dissipates the heat generated by electrical components, thereby enhancing the performance and reliability of the devices by maintaining optimal operating conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal conductor configured to exchange heat with the electrical component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4665091A1Electronic device including heat conductor
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4665091A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4665091A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4665091A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure relates to an electronic device. An electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure may comprise a housing, a printed circuit board disposed in the housing, an electrical component disposed on the printed circuit board, and a thermal conductor configured to exchange heat with the electrical component. The thermal conductor may include a first portion spaced apart from the printed circuit board, and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the printed circuit board, and disposed around the electrical component.