Thermal Module Base With Pressing Arms For Heat Pipe Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal modules have high manufacturing costs, poor heat transfer efficiency, and low assembling strength due to complex processing procedures and thermal resistance caused by clearance between heat-dissipation elements.
Innovation Solution
A thermal module design featuring a base with a longitudinal receiving recess and alternating elevated and sunken areas, where the heat pipe is clamped by extended arms to enhance fitting tightness and reduce thermal resistance, eliminating the need for fastening elements like screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to assemble heat-dissipation elements, then assembling strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/chemical joining) with a mechanical pressing assembly process. The base and heat pipe are assembled through direct mechanical pressure without welding, eliminating the need for complex welding procedures and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining assembling strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the assembly parameter from thermal/chemical bonding (welding) to mechanical pressure bonding. By controlling the pressing force and contact pressure, the assembly achieves sufficient strength without the complexity and cost of welding operations
2Strength
If screws are used to fasten heat-dissipation elements, then assembling strength is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for separate fastening elements (screws) from the assembly system. The base structure itself provides the fastening function through its receiving recess and pressing mechanism, simplifying the device by removing unnecessary components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the fastening function into the base structure itself. The base combines the support function and the fastening function in one integrated component, eliminating the need for separate screws or fasteners and reducing device complexity
3Ease of operation
If clearance is maintained between base and heat pipe, then assembling ease is improved, but heat transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the contact parameter between base and heat pipe from having clearance to having intimate contact. By designing the receiving recess to match the heat pipe dimensions and applying pressing force, the contact pressure eliminates clearance and minimizes thermal resistance, dramatically improving heat transfer efficiency
4Ease of manufacture
If flat smooth surfaces are used for contact between base and heat pipe, then manufacturing ease is improved, but assembling strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a curved pressing surface (arc-shaped pressing portion) instead of a flat surface. This curved surface concentrates the pressing force and creates a mechanical interlocking effect with the heat pipe, significantly enhancing assembling strength while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
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 design significantly enhances assembling strength, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves heat transfer efficiency by eliminating clearance and thermal resistance, while allowing for secure assembly without screws.
Implementation Method 1
The first and the second extended arm are bent under a force to hold down the heat pipe in the receiving recess
Implementation Method 2
The contact surfaces between the base and the heat pipe are substantially flat and smooth surfaces that have relatively small frictional force between them
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal module with enhanced assembling structure includes a base and a heat pipe. The base is formed on a middle portion with a longitudinal receiving recess, which has two end portions forming two supporting portions and a middle portion formed into an opening. A first and a second extended arm are formed at junctions between the receiving recess and two longitudinal sides of the opening. Wall surfaces of the first and second extended arms adjacent to the longitudinal sides of the opening are formed with alternating elevated and sunken areas. The heat pipe is held down in the receiving recess by the first and second extended arms to fitly engage with the elevated and sunken areas. Therefore, there is an increased fitting tightness between the heat pipe and the base to ensure enhanced assembling strength of the thermal module and reduce the manufacturing cost thereof.