Thermal Module Base With Coupling Sections For Heat Pipe Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermal module assembly techniques face challenges in quickly and firmly holding heat pipes to a base, resulting in high manufacturing costs, low efficiency, and reduced production yield due to the need for soldering or limited compatibility with fastening elements.

Innovation Solution

A thermal module structure featuring a base with channels and locating members, where the locating members engage with coupling sections to securely hold heat pipes within channels, reducing the need for soldering and enabling efficient assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If soldering is used to attach heat pipes to the base, then the attachment strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and production yield decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the soldering process (thermal/chemical system) with a mechanical pressing system. The pressing device applies downward force through upper pressing portions that engage with protrusions on the heat pipes, mechanically securing them to the base without requiring soldering materials or complex soldering operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If soldering is used to attach heat pipes to the base, then the attachment strength is improved, but the production yield decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidproduction yield

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If fastening elements like screws are used to assemble heat dissipating elements, then the assembly is simplified, but the compatibility with heat pipes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with heat pipes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal pressing structure that can accommodate different heat dissipating elements including heat pipes, radiating fins, and heat-dissipating bases. The upper pressing portions are designed to engage with various element types through their respective protrusions, making the same pressing device applicable to multiple component types without requiring element-specific fastening methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9429369B2Thermal module structure

Publication Date: 2016.08.30 ASIA VITAL COMPONENTS CO LTD

AI summary

A thermal module structure includes a base and at least one locating member. The base has at least one channel formed thereon and the channel has a closed bottom portion and an open top portion. At least one first coupling section is formed on the base at a position corresponding to the open top portion of the channel. The locating member is provided on one side with at least one second coupling section corresponding to the first coupling section, and is fitted above the channel with the second coupling section engaged with the first coupling section. Therefore, with the locating member, a heat pipe set in the channel can be quickly and firmly held to the base at upgraded efficiency and reduced time and labor cost.