Coiled spring heat transfer element
AssigneeMicroelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation
InventorsThomas P. Dolbear, Richard D. Nelson, David A. Gibson, Omkarnath R. Gupta
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A thermally conductive coiled spring laid on its side provides a compliant, high conductive, low force thermal path between a heat source and a heat sink. Each spring contact provides two parallel heat conduction paths via each coil in the spring. The spring can be canted to permit slidable contact with a surface. In one embodiment a plurality of copper springs arranged in parallel can provide a thermal path between an electronic component and a heat sink in close proximity. The springs may be permanently attached to at least one surface at the points of contact.
Claims23
A heat transfer element thermally connecting a heat source and a heat sink comprising:
- a flexible non-toroidal coil spring containing a plurality of canted coils laid on its side between and in heat exchange contact with said heat source and said heat sink,
- said canted coils each comprising first and third adjacent contacts to a first surface and a second contact to a second surface located on a portion of said canted coils between said first and third contacts, so that a surface normal through said second contact on said second surface does not bisect a line segment joining said first and third adjacent contacts on said first surface,
- wherein said coils provide two heat conduction paths at said contacts.
A heat transfer element thermally connecting a heat source and a heat sink comprising:
- a flexible canted coil spring containing a plurality of canted coils laid on its side between and in heat exchange contact with said heat source and said heat sink,
- wherein said canted coils provide two heat conduction paths at said contacts,
- wherein said canted spring engages in sliding contact with at least one surface and provides a wiping action to clean said at least one surface, and
- said at least one surface is prepared to lower the coefficient of friction on said at least one surface.
A heat transfer element thermally connecting a heat source and a heat sink comprising:
- a flexible non-toroidal coil spring containing a plurality of canted coils laid on its side between and in heat exchange contact with said heat source and said heat sink,
- said canted coils each comprising first and third adjacent contacts to a first surface and a second contact to a second surface located on a portion of said canted coils between said first and third contacts, so that a first line segment joining said first contact on said first surface to said second contact on said second surface forms a first angle with a surface normal to said second surface at said second contact, a second line segment joining said third contact on said first surface to said second contact on said second surface forms a second angle with said surface normal, and said second angle is greater than said first angle in the same angular sense,
- wherein said coils provide two heat conduction paths at said contacts.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.