Abstract
Mechanical screw-actuated assemblies, referred to as load cells, are used to apply force to a thermal interface material (TIM) layer between an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and a thermal solution, such as a heatsink. The force applied by the load cells is crucial for the performance of the thermal interface and the optimal levels of force loading are unknown at the start of a design process. This disclosure describes techniques that enable the tuning of thermal solution retention forces to optimal levels. The uncertainty in loading force is addressed by including a continuously adjustable spool nut within the load cell assembly. The continuously adjustable spool can be used to change compression spring preload forces within a large range. A left-hand threaded nut is provided to retain the load cell to a mounting flange on the thermal solution, enabling rapid disassembly from the thermal solution. The preload can be set at a fixed value, e.g., with the use of a snap-in spacer. Thermal solution retention forces can be tuned to optimal levels during an early prototyping phase with the techniques described herein. The techniques can also be implemented in test fixture development and may have additional applications in arbitrary compliant loading scenarios.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
n/a, "Continuously Adjustable Thermal Solution Load Cell", Technical Disclosure Commons, (September 13, 2024)
https://www.tdcommons.org/dpubs_series/7354