Thermal Module Base Seat and Heat Pipe Radial Interlock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermal modules experience poor connection strength between the base seat and heat pipe due to their axial alignment, leading to detachment under external forces, which limits heat dissipation efficiency and product quality.

Innovation Solution

A manufacturing method that involves forming protrusion sections on the base seat's lateral inner wall and corresponding insertion recesses on the heat pipe, enhancing radial and axial connection strength through mechanical processing such as rolling or pressing, allowing for a secure fit without additional welding materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the heat pipe is connected to the base seat by press fit in axial alignment, then the assembly is simple, but the connection strength is poor and detachment occurs under external forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from axial connection to radial connection by forming protrusions on the lateral inner wall of the channel and corresponding recesses on the heat pipe. This dimensional change from axial to radial engagement creates mechanical interlocking that significantly enhances connection strength while maintaining assembly simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces asymmetric protrusions and recesses that engage radially rather than axially. The protrusions extend from the lateral inner wall at specific positions, creating an asymmetric mechanical interlock that prevents detachment under external forces while keeping the manufacturing process simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Strength

If additional welding materials are used to enhance connection strength, then the connection strength improves, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses the base seat material itself to form the protrusions through mechanical processing, eliminating the need for separate welding materials or additional fasteners. The protrusions are formed directly from the base seat's lateral wall, creating a self-contained solution that enhances connection strength without increasing manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces welding or additional mechanical fasteners with a mechanically processed protrusion-recess system. The protrusions are formed by mechanical processing (such as punching or forming) of the base seat material, substituting for welding materials and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10016859B2Manufacturing method of thermal module assembling structure

Publication Date: 2018.07.10 ASIA VITAL COMPONENTS CO LTD

AI summary

A manufacturing method of thermal module assembling structure includes a step of making a heat pipe received in a channel of a base seat tightly fitted and inserted in the channel by means of mechanical processing so as to integrally connect the base seat with the heat pipe. The manufacturing method of thermal module assembling structure is able to effectively enhance the connection strength between the base seat and the heat pipe.