Thermal Module Tool-Free Assembly Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal modules are time-consuming to assemble and remove from CPUs due to secure screw-based attachment, requiring tools and being inconvenient for user assembly or disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A thermal module design featuring a heat sink, mounting bracket, fastening member, pressing member, and clip that allows for easy assembly and removal by rotating the pressing member to engage and disengage the clip with the fastening member, enabling secure contact and quick detachment from the heat source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional screw-based attachment is used to securely assemble the thermal module on the CPU, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to time-consuming assembly and removal requiring tools
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is divided into multiple clips that can independently engage with the heat sink, allowing for simplified tool-free assembly while maintaining secure connection. Each clip acts as an independent fastening element that can be easily manipulated by hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The clips are designed with elastic deformation capability, allowing them to flex during manual assembly and then maintain a secure locked position. This dynamic behavior enables easy tool-free installation while ensuring reliable connection during operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional screw-based attachment is used to securely assemble the thermal module on the CPU, then the stability of the connection is improved, but the loss of time increases due to time-consuming assembly and removal processes
Solution Approach 1:
The clips are pre-formed with a specific geometry that allows them to snap into place during manual assembly. This preliminary shaping enables quick tool-free installation while ensuring stable connection without requiring time-consuming screw fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic clips are designed to self-lock into position during manual assembly, eliminating the need for tools or complex fastening procedures. The clips automatically secure the heat sink to the mounting bracket through their elastic deformation and geometric interlocking.
3Strength
If conventional screw-based attachment is used, then the strength of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional fastening components and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket and fastening mechanism are merged into a single integrated component. The clips are directly formed as part of the mounting bracket structure, eliminating the need for separate fastening elements and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection strength.
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
Enables convenient and tool-free assembly and removal of the heat sink, improving efficiency and user accessibility while maintaining effective heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
The operation portion is configured to be rotated from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position
Implementation Method 2
The pressing portion is tightly engaged with the clip and urges the heat sink when the operation portion is rotated from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position
Implementation Method 3
a heat sink disposed on a contact surface of the heat source... to cool the heat source
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal module includes a heat sink disposed on a contact surface of the heat source, a mounting bracket having first and second ends, a fastening member, a pressing member, and at least one clip. The mounting bracket surrounds the heat source. The first end has at least one latch portion. The second end has at least one mounting slot and at least one first opening in communication with the mounting slot. The fastening member is slidably mounted in the mounting slot. The clip spans the heat sink and has two ends respectively engaged with the latch portion and a portion of the fastening member respectively. The pressing member includes a pressing tightly engaged with the clip and urges the heat sink when an operation portion of the pressing member is rotated from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position.