US 7,120,023 B2 · Method of assembly of a wedge thermal interface to allow expansion after assembly

Abstract

A variable-height thermal-interface assembly for transferring heat from a heat source to a heat sink comprises a slidable interface between two contacting surfaces, the slidable interface inclined diagonally relative to the z-axis. The two contacting surfaces slide relative to one another parallel to the incline direction to provide z-axis expansion of the assembly. The assembly further comprises a spring clip, which when released applies a shear force across the slidable interface, causing the two contacting surfaces to slide relative to one another, coupling the sliding to provide z-axis expansion. The assembly further comprises a reversible locking device, which when locked prevents the two contacting surfaces from sliding relative to one another, such that the spring clip remains retracted, and when unlocked allows the two contacting surfaces to slide relative to one another, such that the spring clip is released.

Claims30

Dependent claims

A variable-height thermal-interface assembly for transferring heat from a heat source to a heat sink, said assembly comprising:

a first slidable interface between two contacting surfaces, said slidable interface inclined diagonally relative to a z-axis parallel to the shortest distance between said heat source and said heat sink, said two contacting surfaces operable to slide relative to one another parallel to the direction of said incline to provide z-axis expansion of said thermal interface assembly;
a spring clip mechanically spring loading said slidable interface, said spring clip operable when released to apply a shear force across said slidable interface, said shear force causing said two contacting surfaces to slide relative to one another, coupling said sliding to provide said z-axis expansion;
and
a reversible locking device, operable when in a locked condition to prevent said two contacting surfaces from sliding relative to one another, such that said spring clip remains retracted, and operable when in an unlocked condition to allow said two contacting surfaces to slide relative to one another, such that said spring clip is released.

1 more element

A method of installing a variable-height thermal-interface assembly for transferring heat from a heat source to a heat sink, said method comprising:

providing a first slidable interface between two contacting surfaces, said slidable interface inclined diagonally relative to a z-axis parallel to the shortest distance between said heat source and said heat sink, said two contacting surfaces operable to slide relative to one another parallel to the direction of said incline to provide z-axis expansion of said thermal interface assembly;
spring loading said slidable interface using a spring clip to apply a shear force across said slidable interface;
retracting said spring-loaded slidable interface to its most retracted condition;
locking said retracted spring-loaded slidable interface reversibly in its most retracted condition;
installing said reversibly locked retracted spring-loaded slidable interface relative to said heat source;
and
unlocking said reversibly locked retracted spring-loaded slidable interface, releasing said spring-loaded shear force, causing said two contacting surfaces to slide relative to one another, coupling said sliding to provide z-axis expansion of said thermal interface assembly.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method of assembly of a wedge thermal interface to allow expansion after assembly

Life of this patent

Method of assembly of a wedge thermal interface to allow expansion after assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims30