Patent · US Active

System and method for a switchable heat sink

US9704773B2 · kind B2 · utility

5Cited by
10References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 21, 2011
Grant dateJul 11, 2017
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 13, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01L2924/0002
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and system for selectively dissipating thermal energy are provided. The system includes a heat-generating structure, a first heat sink, a second heat sink, and a heat transfer element. The heat-generating structure generates thermal energy. The first heat sink is in thermal communication with the heat-generating structure. The heat transfer element is configured to be selectively positioned between the first heat sink and the second heat sink to establish a path for the transfer of thermal energy between the first heat sink and the second heat sink. Upon positioning the heat transfer element between the first heat sink and the second heat sink, at least a portion of the thermal energy from the heat-generating structure is allowed to travel through the first heat sink and through the heat transfer element to the second heat sink.

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