Patent · US Active

Gimballed attachment for multiple heat exchangers

US7616444B2 · kind B2 · utility

13Cited by
297References
62Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 3, 2007
Grant dateNov 10, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 3, 2027

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01L2924/0002
  • WIPO fieldSemiconductors
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

One or more heat exchangers are coupled to one or more heat sources using a single gimballed joining mechanism. The joining mechanism includes a gimbal plate and a gimbal joint. The gimbal joint enables independent application of a retention force to the heat exchanger as a single-point load. This results in a balanced and centered application of the retaining force over the thermal interface area. The gimbal plate is mounted directly to a circuit board using spring means. The spring means regulate the amount of retention force directed through the gimbal joint to each heat exchanger. Because the gimbal joint is rotation-compliant, the two mating faces making up the thermal interface are forced into a parallel mate. In this manner, a high performance TIM interface is generated.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.