Zigzag Graphite Component for Confined Space Heat Dissipation
Solution Overview
Problem
Graphite sheets used for heat dissipation in electronic devices have insufficient thermal conductivity in the longitudinal direction, leading to reduced heat transfer efficiency and potential cracking when bent to accommodate smaller areas, which compromises their heat transfer properties.
Innovation Solution
A graphite component with a metal substrate featuring straight and bent portions forming a zigzag shape, coated with a polyimide layer and carbonized to form a graphite layer, which is then rolled to maintain uniformity and prevent cracking, enhancing thermal diffusivity in both longitudinal and transverse directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large area of graphite sheet is used to utilize its excellent heat transfer property in the transverse direction, then heat transfer performance is improved, but area limitation in confined spaces such as vehicle components makes it difficult to apply
Solution Approach 1:
The graphite sheet is bent into a curved shape to fit confined spaces while maintaining heat transfer performance. The curvature allows the graphite sheet to conform to complex geometries in electronic devices and vehicle components, enabling effective heat dissipation in areas where flat sheets cannot be applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat graphite sheet to a three-dimensional curved structure. By adding the dimensional aspect of curvature, the graphite sheet can occupy confined spaces more effectively while maintaining its heat transfer functionality through the transverse direction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the graphite sheet is bent to reduce area for fitting in confined spaces, then adaptability to confined spaces is improved, but cracks occur in the graphite causing heat transfer path disconnection and rapid reduction of heat transfer property
Solution Approach 1:
The graphite sheet is designed with a predetermined curved shape that matches the target application geometry. By pre-curving the graphite sheet before installation, the material adapts to confined spaces without requiring post-installation bending that would cause cracks and disrupt heat transfer paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphite sheet is pre-formed into its final curved configuration before being installed in the device. This preliminary shaping action eliminates the need for field bending or deformation, preventing crack formation and maintaining the integrity of the heat transfer pathway throughout the graphite sheet.
3Ease of operation
If soft material or additive is added to graphite to provide soft property for bending, then ease of bending is improved, but heat transfer performance of pure graphite material is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the graphite sheet, specifically its thickness and curvature radius, to achieve the desired flexibility without adding soft materials. By optimizing these parameters, the graphite sheet becomes sufficiently soft for bending applications while maintaining the pure graphite composition and its excellent heat transfer properties.
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 improves heat radiation efficiency and extends the lifespan of electronic devices by maintaining high thermal conductivity and preventing cracking, even in confined spaces, thereby enhancing the device's performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
forming a polyimide layer on the metal substrate by imidizing the polyamic acid coating layer
Implementation Method 2
forming a graphite layer on the metal substrate by carbonizing the metal substrate in which the polyimide layer is formed
Implementation Method 3
the graphite sheet has excellent thermal conductivity in a transverse direction (horizontal direction), but thermal conductivity in a longitudinal direction (vertical direction) may not be sufficient
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a graphite component comprising a metal substrate; and a graphite layer formed on the metal substrate. The metal substrate has one or more straight portions and one or more bent portions, which preferably forms a zigzag shape, each bent portion has a round shape, and a number of bent portions is two or greater. The graphite component may improve a heat radiation effect, such that lifespan characteristic and performance of an electronic device may be further improved.