Cooling a large microprocessor in a small module
First Claim
1. A cooling system adapted to be used in a computer having a CPU, an external case, and a docking bay with a window for receiving a functional module in a first direction, comprising:
- a heat-sink structure adapted to be mounted within the docking bay for contacting and cooling a functional module in docked position; and
translation apparatus connected to the heat-sink structure for moving the heat-sink structure against a module in docked position to accomplish heat absorption from the module;
wherein the translation apparatus moves the heat-sink structure in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A modular computer with docking bays for receiving functional modules and connecting the functional modules to internal computer circuitry has translatable heat-sink structures for contacting docked functional modules to extract waste heat generated by operation of the functional modules. The structures are mechanically actuated to retract to provide clearance for insertion and withdrawal of functional modules, and to advance to contact modules when docked. Heat-sink structures are shaped in some embodiments to securely retain docked modules, and in some instances, the translation of the heat-sink structures is by electrically operable actuators, which may be actuated by signals from a CPU of the modular computer. In these instances, the computer may be configured to require a security code or special input sequence to retract the heat-sink structures allowing a module to be removed.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A cooling system adapted to be used in a computer having a CPU, an external case, and a docking bay with a window for receiving a functional module in a first direction, comprising:
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a heat-sink structure adapted to be mounted within the docking bay for contacting and cooling a functional module in docked position; and translation apparatus connected to the heat-sink structure for moving the heat-sink structure against a module in docked position to accomplish heat absorption from the module; wherein the translation apparatus moves the heat-sink structure in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 15)
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7. A computer system comprising:
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an external case; a CPU connected to an internal communication bus; a docking bay comprising a window in the case for inserting a functional module in a first direction, and a connector to the internal communication bus for engaging an electrical connector of the functional module; a heat-sink structure within the docking bay movable to a position to contact any functional module docked; and translation apparatus attached to the heat-sink structure for moving the heat-sink structure against a module in docked position to accomplish heat absorption from the module; wherein the translation apparatus moves the heat-sink structure in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification