Thermal management system

• US 6,257,329 B1
• Filed: 08/16/1999
• Issued: 07/10/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 08/17/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Alfiero Balzano
• Original Assignee: Alfiero Balzano
• Inventors: Balzano, Alfiero
• Primary Examiner(s): FLANIGAN, ALLEN J
• Application Number:
  US09/375,216
• Time in Patent Office: 694 Days
• Field of Search: 165/185, 361/704, 361/719, 174/252
• US Class Current: 165/185
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/0204 using means for thermal conduction connection in the thickness direction of the substrate H05K1/0207 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/056 the metal substrate being covered by an organic insulating layer
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 2201/0323 Carbon
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/205 Heat-dissipating body thermally connected to heat generating element via thermal paths through printed circuit board [PCB] details of PCBs relating to heat transfer H05K1/0201

Abstract

A thermal management system includes a compressed and heat treated graphite material layer or runs laminated between two layers of thin insulated layers providing an integral construction. Heat generating components are mounted on the insulation layers and openings are selectively placed in the insulation layers immediately adjacent to each heat generating component. Each opening is occupied by graphic material connecting with the runs of graphite material laminated between the insulated layers. Heat generated by the component is carried by the graphite in the openings serving as a connector to the graphite layer or run for transfer and connection away from the component. The graphite material layers serve as thermal bus lines designed into a suitable geometric configuration. The graphite material runs or strips terminate in a remote dissipation device or in a thermal utilization device.

Claims

1. In a thermal management system, a thermal conducting element comprising:

a compressed and heat treated graphite material composed of a molecular crystallization thermal energy conducting substance arranged in a planar geometric pattern;

a pair of outer insulative material layers separated by said graphite material and in laminated securement thereto to provide a unitary sandwich-type construction;

said graphite material having a connection portion exposed from between said pair of outer insulative material layers;

heat utilization means detachably coupled to said connection portion for transferring thermal energy from said graphite material for useful purposes;

at least one of said pair of outer insulative material layers having at least one opening occupied by a section of said graphite material exposed exteriorly of said one layer of outer insulative material whereby heat or thermal energy collected by said section is conducted into said graphite material for distribution along said planar geometric pattern to said connection portion;

a flexible thermal conductor disposed in coupling relationship with said connection portion interconnecting said connection portion with said heat utilization means; and

said flexible thermal conductor having at least one elongated run of said graphite material laminated between a pair of flexible insulation sheets.

2. The thermal management system defined in claim 1 including:

a thermal tap engageable with said graphic material;

said thermal tap having an enclosure surrounding a run of said graphite material and further having a plurality of ports along the length of said enclosure; and

a thermal conducting tap insertably received in said port to contact said enclosed graphite material and conduct thermal energy to said heat utilization means.

3. The thermal management system defined in claim 1 wherein:

said graphite material within said enclosure constitutes a heat reservoir for storaging thermal energy.

4. The thermal management system defined in claim 3 including:

a plurality of heat generating components secured to at least one of said pair of outer insulative material layers immediately adjacent to said opening occupied by said section of said graphite material for inductively receiving heat produced by said component for distribution to said heat utilization means via said graphite material laminated between said pair of outer insulative material layers.

5. The thermal management system defined in claim 4 wherein:

said heat generating component is secured over a selected one of said opening and in direct contact with said section of graphite material.