Threaded Cooling Apparatus with Integrated Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for electronic devices face challenges in accommodating vertical height variations among components, are costly due to monolithic heat exchanger assemblies, prone to fouling, and complex in design with multiple fluidic and mechanical interconnects, which limits efficiency and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A threaded cooling apparatus with integrated cooling channels and a heat exchanger, featuring a shaft with threaded sections for mechanical fastening and separate channels for coolant delivery and exhaust, allowing for modular installation and easy replacement, reducing complexity and cost while accommodating height variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a monolithic heat exchanger assembly is used to cover multiple heat sources, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger assembly is divided into multiple modular heat exchanger elements that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together. Each module can be produced separately using cost-effective processes and then combined to form the complete heat exchanger, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining high heat exchange efficiency through the integrated modular structure.
2Loss of energy
If a monolithic heat exchanger assembly is used, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the entire assembly must be replaced if one element becomes fouled
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is segmented into modular elements that can be independently accessed and replaced. When one element becomes fouled or defective, only that specific module needs to be removed and replaced, while the remaining modules continue to function, significantly reducing maintenance complexity and cost compared to replacing an entire monolithic assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables individual heat exchanger elements to be discarded and replaced independently. Faulty or fouled modules can be quickly removed and substituted with new or refurbished units, allowing for efficient maintenance operations without disrupting the entire heat exchanger system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible cooling elements are used to engage electronic components, then adaptability to height variations is improved, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling apparatus incorporates a threaded shaft that can be adjusted to different heights and positions, allowing the heat exchanger to dynamically adapt to varying component heights. This dynamic adjustment capability provides the adaptability of flexible elements while maintaining a compact, space-efficient structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces flexible cooling elements with a mechanically adjustable threaded fastening system. The threaded shaft allows for precise height and position adjustment through rotational movement, providing adaptability to different component configurations without requiring the excessive space needed for flexible elements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple heat exchangers are mounted on multiple components with flexible coolant lines, then adaptability is improved, but assembly complexity and leak susceptibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple heat exchanger modules are merged into a single integrated assembly that is mounted as one unit on the electronic components. The coolant distribution manifold is integrated with the heat exchanger modules, eliminating the need for separate flexible coolant lines and multiple fluidic couplings, thereby reducing assembly complexity and potential leak points while maintaining adaptability through the modular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated heat exchanger assembly with built-in coolant distribution serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal management for multiple components, incorporates mechanical fastening through the threaded shaft, and includes integrated fluid distribution. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and external coolant lines, reducing overall system complexity.
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 solution provides efficient, modular, and scalable heat transfer with reduced repair costs and parasitic temperature rises, enabling fine pitch scalability and integration of coolant supply/return lines in a single assembly, suitable for various electronic components and applications.
Implementation Method 1
The heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with a coolant flowing through the head
Implementation Method 2
a shaft having a threaded section configured to mechanically fasten the head to a structure
Data Source
AI summary
A threaded cooling apparatus includes a head having a heat exchanger and a shaft having a threaded section configured to mechanically fasten the head to a structure. The heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with a coolant flowing through the head. The shaft also includes first and second cooling channels. The first cooling channel is configured to deliver the coolant to the heat exchanger, and the second cooling channel is configured to exhaust the coolant from the heat exchanger. The apparatus may also include a first seal between the head and the structure that is configured to reduce or prevent coolant loss. The apparatus may further include a second seal that is configured to reduce or prevent coolant flow between the first and second cooling channels that bypasses the heat exchanger.