Systems and apparatus for flexible thermal management coupling

According to some embodiments, systems and apparatus for flexible thermal management coupling are provided. For example, an apparatus or system may includes a conduction component to conduct heat to a thermal management device, a flexible component defining a cavity, wherein the flexible component is to couple the conduction component to an electronic device, and a heat transfer component coupled to transfer heat, via the flexible component, from the electronic device to the conduction component.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices are often cooled by utilizing various forms of heat dispersion devices and/or heat removal techniques. Computers or computer servers may, for example, incorporate liquid cooling systems to maintain proper operating temperatures. In high-density electronic systems, such as server farms or blade centers, individual electronics devices (e.g., blade servers and/or other servers) may transfer heat to a centralized thermal management system or device. The centralized thermal management system may, for example, be a liquid cooling system designed or configured to remove heat from a plurality of electronics devices.

In such configurations, it may often be desirable to transfer heat from the electronics devices to the thermal management system without requiring fluid connections between the server and centralized cooling systems. Such coupling must often, however, be capable of compensating for various movements between the two cooling systems and/or devices. Typical methods of movement compensation often involve complex and/or expensive devices that may not be suitable and/or desirable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first toFIG. 1, a block diagram of a system100according to some embodiments is shown. The various systems described herein are depicted for use in explanation, but not limitation, of described embodiments. Different types, layouts, quantities, and configurations of any of the systems described herein may be used without deviating from the scope of some embodiments. Fewer or more components than are shown in relation to the systems described herein may be utilized without deviating from some embodiments.

The system100may comprise, for example, an electronic device110(such as a processor, a computer, a computer server, memory device, a voltage regulator, etc.), a heat transfer component120, a conduction component130, a thermal management device140, and/or a flexible component150. In some embodiments, the electronic device110may generate heat and/or may transfer heat to the heat transfer component120(e.g., as depicted via the wavy lines inFIG. 1). The heat transfer component120may, for example, be coupled to the electronic device110to accept and/or remove heat from the electronic device110. The heat transfer component120may comprise, for example, a passive and/or active cooling solution (e.g., a heat pipe, a thermosyphon, a heat exchanger, and/or any other type of liquid or other cooling system or device) associated with the removal of heat from the electronic device110. In some embodiments, the heat transfer component120may be or include a portion and/or component of the electronic device110.

According to some embodiments, the heat transfer component120may further be coupled to transfer the heat received from the electronic device110to the conduction component130(e.g., as also depicted via the wavy lines inFIG. 1). The conduction component130may, for example, comprise one or more plates, objects, surfaces, and/or other devices configured to conduct heat. In some embodiments, the conduction component130may be coupled to transfer the heat received from the heat transfer component120to the thermal management device140(e.g., as further depicted via the wavy lines inFIG. 1). The conduction component130may, for example, be configured to mate, dock, and/or otherwise couple with and/or to the thermal management device140(and/or a portion thereof) so that heat may be transferred at least via conduction to the thermal management device140. The coupling of the conduction component130and the thermal management device140may, according to some embodiments, be or include a thermal and/or a physical coupling.

In some embodiments, the flexible component150may be utilized in the system100to facilitate accommodation of various movements and/or forces between the electronic device110, the conduction component130, and/or the thermal management device140. In the case that the electronic device110comprises a computer server (such as a blade server) and the thermal management device140comprises a centralized cooling solution (e.g., for removing heat from a plurality of electronic devices110), for example, the conduction component130may be coupled to the electronic device110via the flexible component150(e.g., in addition to being thermally and/or physically coupled to the thermal management devise140). The flexible component150may, according to some embodiments, be configured to compensate, absorb, and/or otherwise accommodate for forces experienced due to movements of the electronic device110and/or the thermal management device140. The coupling of the electronic device110and the thermal management device140(e.g., via the heat transfer component120, the conduction component130, and/or the flexible component150) may, for example, be capable of withstanding movement forces due to the utilization of the flexible component150.

The flexible component150may also or alternatively couple to, contain, and/or otherwise be associated with the heat transfer component120. The heat transfer component120may, for example, pass through and/or include the flexible component150. According to some embodiments, the flexible component150may define one or more portions of the heat transfer component120. In the case that the heat transfer component120comprises tubes, channels, conduits, and/or paths, for example, the flexible component150may define and/or comprise a portion of those tubes, channels, conduits, and/or paths. The flexible component150may, according to some embodiments for example, facilitate the transfer of heat from the electronic device110and/or from the heat transfer component120to the conduction component130.

Turning in more detail toFIG. 2, a partially cut-away perspective diagram of an apparatus200according to some embodiments is shown. The apparatus200may, for example, be similar in configuration and/or functionality to any of the heat transfer component120, the conduction component130, and/or the flexible component150described in conjunction withFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the apparatus200may comprise, for example, a heat transfer component220. The heat transfer component220may, according to some embodiments, comprise an inlet222, and outlet224, and/or flexible portions226. In some embodiments, the apparatus200may also comprise a conduction component230and/or a flexible component250. In some embodiments, fewer or more components than are shown inFIG. 2may be included in the apparatus200.

According to some embodiments, heat transfer component220may comprise a portion of a cooling solution (not shown) associated with an electronic device (such as the electronic device110). The inlet222and the outlet224may, for example, comprise portions of a fluid flow path associated with and/or connected to a fluid cooling system. In some embodiments, the inlet222may provide a heated fluid to the conduction component230, for example, and/or the outlet224may provide the cooled fluid (e.g., due to transfer of heat from the fluid to the conduction component230) back to the fluid cooling system. The inlet222and/or the outlet224may also or alternatively provide heat to the conduction component230via any other means (e.g., other than fluid transport) that is or becomes known or practicable. The inlet222and/or the outlet224may, for example, comprise one or more solid conductive elements such as metal wires, bars, and/or coils.

In some embodiments, the heat transfer component220(and/or the inlet222and/or the outlet224thereof) may comprise the flexible portions226. The flexible portions226may, for example, provide flexibility to the connection with the conduction component230. In the case that the conduction component230moves with respect to the heat transfer portion220(and/or the cooling solution associated therewith), for example, the flexible portions226may allow the connection to be maintained by flexing to accommodate movement forces. In some embodiments, the flexible portions226may comprise substantially all of the inlet222and/or the outlet224. The heat transfer component220may, for example, comprise one or more flexible tubes that define the flexible portions226substantially along the entire length of the flexible tubing.

The conduction component230may, according to some embodiments, comprise one or more plates, surfaces, and/or other objects configured to transfer heat via conduction. As shown inFIG. 2, for example, the conduction component230may comprise and/or define a device within which the heat transfer component220and/or the inlet222and outlet224thereof may at least partially be disposed. The conduction component230may, according to some embodiments, be configured, shaped, and/or designed to mate, dock, be inserted into, and/or otherwise couple to a thermal management device (such as the thermal management device140). In some embodiments, multiple conduction components230may be coupled to receive heat from the heat transfer component220.

According to some embodiments, the flexible component250may couple to the conduction component230. The flexible component250may, for example, be bonded and/or otherwise coupled to flexibly couple to the conduction component230. The flexible component250may also, for example, cover, shield, protect, envelope, contain, and/or otherwise house a portion of the heat transfer component220(e.g., as shown). The flexible component250may, for example, be or include a boot, cover, housing, and/or other flexible device. In some embodiments, the flexible component250may be coupled to the heat transfer component220. A portion of the heat transfer component220(such as the inlet222, the outlet224, and/or the flexible portions226) may, for example, extend through and/or be coupled to the flexible component250. According to some embodiments, the flexible component250may comprise various detents, paths, and/or other features (e.g., molded and/or extruded features) configured to accept, guide, and/or couple to the heat transfer component220.

Referring now toFIG. 3, a partially cut-away perspective diagram of an apparatus300according to some embodiments is shown. The apparatus300may, for example, be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the apparatus200and/or any of the heat transfer component120,220, the conduction component130,230, and/or the flexible component150,250described in conjunction with any ofFIG. 1and/orFIG. 2. In some embodiments, the apparatus300may comprise, for example, a mounting device312and/or a heat transfer component320. The heat transfer component320and/or the mounting device312may, according to some embodiments, comprise an inlet322and/or an outlet324. In some embodiments, the apparatus300may also comprise a conduction component330defining a volume332and/or a flexible component350defining first and second cavities352,354. According to some embodiments, the components320,322,324,330,350of the apparatus300may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the similarly-named components described in conjunction with any ofFIG. 1and/orFIG. 2. In some embodiments, fewer or more components than are shown inFIG. 3may be included in the apparatus300.

In some embodiments, the mounting device312may be or include a portion of a chassis and/or other component of an electronics device (not shown inFIG. 3) such as the electronics device110, and/or may be or include a separate device for coupling various components of the apparatus300. The mounting device312may, for example, be, include, and/or define a portion of the heat transfer component320. In some embodiments, the mounting device312may define, for example, the inlet322and/or the outlet324of the heat transfer component320. According to some embodiments, the mounting device312may comprise a rigid and/or semi-rigid component that defines rigid and/or semi-rigid inlet322and outlet324fluid transfer portions of the heat transfer component320(e.g., as shown). In some embodiments, the heat transfer component320may comprise other tubing, channels, conduits, paths, and/or other components or devices in addition to the inlet322and/or the outlet324. The heat transfer component320may, for example, comprise tubes (e.g., flexible tubing) and/or other devices that connect and/or couple to the inlet322and outlet324portions defined by the mounting device312. In such a manner, for example, the mounting device312(and/or the apparatus300) may be easily and/or quickly connected and/or assembled to mating portions of the heat transfer component320associated with an electronics device cooling solution (such as a liquid cooling system).

In some embodiments, the flexible component350may be configured to facilitate heat transfer (and/or fluid transfer) from the mounting device312(and/or the inlet324) to the conduction component330. The flexible component350may, for example, define the first cavity352that may function as and/or define a portion of the heat transfer component320. According to some embodiments, the flexible component350may couple to the mounting device312, for example, to form a substantially hermetic seal such that fluid flowing from the inlet322may enter the first cavity352without leaking from the apparatus300. The first cavity352may, according to some embodiments, function as a continuation of the fluid flow path associated with the inlet322. The flexible component350may also couple to the conduction component330. The flexible component350may, for example, couple to both the mounting device312and the conduction component330to flexibly couple the conduction component330to the mounting device312.

According to some embodiments, the flexible component350may supply heat and/or heated fluid (e.g., received from the inlet322) to the conduction component330. The conduction component330may, for example, comprise one or more conduction plates that define the volume332. The volume332may be a single continuous space within the conduction component330and/or may comprise various sub-volumes, partitions, channels, paths, and/or otherwise may be segmented and/or defined. In some embodiments, the volume332may, for example, define a fluid flow path that is configured to receive the heated fluid from the first cavity352. The volume332may also or alternatively be configured to promote and/or facilitate heat transfer form the heated fluid to the conduction component330. The volume332may also be configured to provide the cooled fluid to the second cavity354of the flexible component350. The second cavity354defined by the flexible component350may, for example, also define a portion of the heat transfer component320and/or a fluid (and/or heat) flow path associated therewith. Cooled fluid may be received by the second cavity354, according to some embodiments, and may be provided to the outlet354the coupling (and/or hermetic coupling) of the flexible component350to the mounting device312may, for example, allow the cooled fluid to be received by the outlet324without leaking from the apparatus300.

According to some embodiments, the flexible component350may also or alternatively allow, accommodate, and/or facilitate the movement of the conductive component330with respect to the mounting device312. The flexible component350may, for example, be comprised of flexible materials such as rubber, flexible plastic, and/or flexible metals that permit the flexible component350to be pliant in the presence of forces upon the connection between the conduction component330and the mounting device312. In some embodiments, the flexible component350may bend, extend, compress, contract, and/or otherwise alter in shape or orientation to accommodate any of a variety of forces. As shown inFIG. 3, for example, the flexible component350may flex to one side (e.g., the right side as shown) to accommodate a lateral displacement between the conduction component330and the mounting device312. According to some embodiments, the movement and/or displacement forces may be associated with devices coupled to the conduction component330(e.g., a thermal management device140) and/or to the mounting device312(e.g., an electronic device110).

Referring toFIG. 4, for example, a partially cut-away perspective diagram of a system400according to some embodiments is shown. The system400may, for example, be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the system100described in conjunction withFIG. 1herein. In some embodiments, the system400may comprise, for example, a mounting device412, a chassis414, and/or a heat transfer component420. The heat transfer component420and/or the mounting device412may, according to some embodiments, comprise one or more inlets422and/or one or more outlets424. In some embodiments, the system400may also comprise one or more conduction components430and/or a thermal management device440. The thermal management device440may comprise, for example, one or more ports442and/or one or more heat transport devices444. The system400may also comprise one or more flexible components450. According to some embodiments, the components412,420,422,424,430,440,450of the system400may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the similarly-named components described in conjunction with any ofFIG. 1,FIG. 2, and/orFIG. 3. In some embodiments, fewer or more components than are shown inFIG. 4may be included in the system400.

According to some embodiments, the chassis414may be or include a portion of an electronic device (not shown) such as the electronic device110fromFIG. 1. The chassis414may, for example, be a typical cover, container, and/or physical platform associated with a computational device such as a computer server. In some embodiments, the mounting device412may be coupled to the chassis414. According to some embodiments, the mounting device412may be or include a portion of the chassis412. The mounting device412may, for example, be a molded, extruded, welded, and/or otherwise integral, formed, and/or attached portion of the chassis414. In some embodiments, the mounting device412may removably couple to the chassis414.

For example, the mounting device412may comprise and/or define the inlet422and/or outlet424portions of the heat transfer component420. As shown inFIG. 4, multiple inlets422, outlets424, flexible components450, and/or conduction components430may be associated with the system400. In some embodiments, a single mounting device412(as shown) may be utilized to couple the plurality of components422,424,430,450shown. According to some embodiments, multiple mounting device414and/or singular inlets422, outlets424, flexible components450, and/or conduction components430may also or alternatively be utilized. The exemplary configuration shown inFIG. 4utilizes a single mounting device412to couple two sets of inlets422, outlets424, flexible components450, and conduction components430to the chassis414.

In some embodiments, the inlet422and/or outlet424portions of the heat transfer component420may be molded and/or otherwise formed from the same material and/or piece of material that defines the mounting device412. In some embodiments (such as shown inFIG. 4), the inlet422and the outlet424portions may extend and/or protrude into the chassis414. Inside of the chassis414, for example, the inlet422and the outlet424portions may mate and/or couple to other portions (not shown) of the heat transfer component420such as fluid flow devices (e.g., tubes) associated with a cooling system for the electronics device housed by the chassis414. In such a manner, for example, heat from the electronics device (and/or otherwise from within the chassis414) may be transferred via the inlets422, through the mounting device412, and into the flexible component450.

The flexible component450may, as described elsewhere herein for example, flexibly couple the conduction components430to the mounting device412(and thus to the chassis414). In some embodiments, the flexible components450may protect, cover, and/or facilitate conveyance of portions of the heat transfer component420. According to some embodiments (such as described in conjunction withFIG. 3), the flexible components450may also or alternatively define portions of the heat transfer component420. Although two flexible components450are shown inFIG. 4as coupling the conduction components430to the mounting device412, the flexible components450may alternatively comprise a single flexible component450configured to couple and/or facilitate heat transfer, as desired. According to some embodiments, the flexible components450may facilitate the transfer of heat (e.g., via the heat transfer component420) to the conduction components430. In such a manner, for example, the heat from the electronics device and/or otherwise from within the chassis414may be transferred to the conduction components430.

In some embodiments, the flexible components430may be inserted into, docked, and/or otherwise coupled to the ports442of the heat management device440. The heat management device440may, as shown for example, comprise a plurality of ports442for receiving a plurality of conduction components430(e.g., potentially associated with a plurality of electronic devices). Upon coupling to the ports442of the heat management device440, for example, the conduction components430may transfer (e.g., at least via conduction) heat to the thermal management device440. In some embodiments, the thermal management device440may comprise the heat transport devices444that may, for example, receive the conducted heat from the ports442. According to some embodiments, the heat transport devices444(e.g., as shown) may comprise any configuration of tubes, channels, conduits, paths, and/or other heat conveyances that are or become know or practicable. The heat transport devices444may, for example, comprise fluid and/or liquid transport devices for transporting heated fluid and/or liquid away from the ports442and/or for transporting cooled fluid and/or liquid to the ports442(e.g., defining and/or comprising a fluid and/or liquid cooling loop). In such a manner, for example, two cooling systems (e.g., two liquid cooling systems) may be flexibly connected without requiring fluid connections there between (e.g., maintaining each cooling system as a separate closed loop).

Turning toFIG. 5, for example, a partially cut-away perspective diagram of a system500according to some embodiments is shown. The system500may, for example, be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the systems100,400described in conjunction with any ofFIG. 1and/orFIG. 4herein. In some embodiments, the system500may comprise, for example, a mounting device512and/or a heat transfer component520. The heat transfer component520and/or the mounting device512may, according to some embodiments, comprise one or more inlets522, one or more outlets524, one or more flexible portions526, and/or a heat dispersion portion528. In some embodiments, the system500may also comprise one or more conduction components530defining one or more volumes532and/or a thermal management device540. The thermal management device540may comprise, for example, one or more ports542. The system500may also comprise one or more flexible components550. According to some embodiments, the components512,520,522,524,526,530,540,542,550of the system500may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the similarly-named components described in conjunction with any ofFIG. 1,FIG. 2,FIG. 3, and/orFIG. 4. In some embodiments, fewer or more components than are shown inFIG. 5may be included in the system500.

According to some embodiments, the heat transfer component520may comprise any type or configuration of device that is or becomes known or practicable for transferring heat to the conduction components530. In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 5, for example, the heat transfer component520may comprise a fluid and/or liquid flow path between the mounting device512and the conduction components530. The liquid flow path may, according to some embodiments, comprise one or more inlet portions522to provide heated liquid to the mounting device512and/or to the flexible components550and/or to the flexible portions526of the heat transfer component520. The inlet portions522may, in some embodiments, be defined by the mounting device512(such as the molded, extruded, and/or otherwise formed hollow protrusions of the mounting device512, as shown). According to some embodiments, the heat transfer component520may comprise the flexible portions526and/or may utilize the flexible components550(and/or features thereof) to transport the heated liquid into the volume532defined by the conduction components530. In some embodiments, the heat transfer component520may comprise an active and/or passive heat transfer device. The heat transfer component520may comprise active (e.g., pumped) liquid paths, for example, and/or may comprise passive thermosyphon, capillary, conductive, and/or wicking devices.

As shown inFIG. 5, the heat transfer component520may comprise the heat dispersion portion528disposed within the volume532of the conduction components530. The heat dispersion portion528may, according to some embodiments, simply comprise a serpentine and/or otherwise snaked and/or tortuous portion of the fluid and/or liquid flow path of the heat transfer component520. The heat dispersion portion528may, for example, comprise a substantially serpentine portion of tubing (and/or other conduit, channel, or path) that snakes through the volume532of the conduction components530. The serpentine and/or other tortuous configuration may, for example, promote, facilitate, and/or increase heat transfer from the heated liquid (and/or otherwise from the heat transfer component520) to the conduction components530. In some embodiments, the heat dispersion portion528may also or alternatively comprise other dispersion devices such as wick structures, fins, and/or micro-channels. In some embodiments, once heat is dispersed and/or removed from the liquid (e.g., at least in part due to the heat dispersion portion528) the cooled liquid may proceed via a flexible portion526to the outlet524. The outlet524may, for example, provide the cooled liquid to a liquid cooling system associated with an electronic device (not shown inFIG. 5).

According to some embodiments, the flexible components550may allow the conduction components530to be flexibly coupled to the mounting device512. In the case that the conduction components530are inserted into, docked, and/or otherwise coupled with the ports542of the heat management device540, for example, the flexible components550may allow the conduction components530to move with respect to the mounting device512, while maintaining the integrity of the heat transfer component520and/or the connections between components512,520,522,524,526,528,530. As shown inFIG. 5, for example, the flexible components550may flex to the left to accommodate for a lateral movement between the heat management device540(and any conduction component530coupled thereto) and the mounting device512.

Referring in more detail toFIG. 6, for example, a block diagram of a system600according to some embodiments is shown. The system600may, for example, show an overhead and/or top view of a system similar to the systems100,400,500described in conjunction with any ofFIG. 1,FIG. 4, and/orFIG. 5herein. In some embodiments, the system600may comprise, for example, a mounting device612, a chassis614, and/or a heat transfer component620. The heat transfer component620and/or the mounting device612may, according to some embodiments, comprise one or more inlets622(and/or one or more outlets that are not shown inFIG. 6). In some embodiments, the system600may also comprise one or more conduction components630and/or a thermal management device640. The thermal management device640may comprise, for example, one or more ports642and/or one or more heat transport devices644. The system600may also comprise one or more flexible components650. According to some embodiments, the components612,614,620,622,630,640,642,644,650of the system600may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the similarly-named components described in conjunction with any ofFIG. 1,FIG. 2,FIG. 3,FIG. 4, and/orFIG. 5. In some embodiments, fewer or more components than are shown inFIG. 6may be included in the system600.

In some embodiments, the conduction components630may transfer heat to the ports642and/or heat transfer devices644of the heat management device640by coupling thereto as described elsewhere herein. In such a manner, for example, heat may be transferred (e.g., without requiring fluid connections between the heat management device640and any other cooling system) from an electronics device (e.g., disposed within the chassis614, but not shown inFIG. 6) to the heat management device640. According to some embodiments, the flexible components650may provide a flexible connection that accommodates for movements in the system600while potentially reducing part count for the system600, reducing assembly complexity, reducing manufacturing costs, increasing reliability of the system600, and/or otherwise providing advantages over previous systems.

As an example, the chassis614may define and/or be associated with a first axis660. The first axis660may represent, for example, a centerline and/or orientation of the chassis614and/or of an electronics device associated therewith. The thermal management device640and/or the ports642thereof may also or alternatively define a second axis662. The second axis662may, for example, represent the centerline of an opening associated with the port642. In some embodiments, such as in the case that the conduction components630are coupled to the ports642(although shown in an uncoupled orientation inFIG. 6), there may be a distance664between the first and second axis660,662. As shown inFIG. 6, for example, the conduction components630may need to be offset to the left (e.g., by an amount equal to the distance664) of the first axis660in order to attain and/or maintain proper alignment with the port642. The flexible components650may accommodate this offset distance664by flexing, while still being able to maintain the integrity of the various connections coupling the components612,614,650,630,640,642of the system600. In some embodiments, the flexible components650may also or alternatively be capable of and/or configured to accommodate forces from a variety and/or combination of directions (e.g., lateral, sheer, and/or axial forces).

Referring toFIG. 7, for example, a perspective diagram of a system700according to some embodiments is shown. The system700may, for example, be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the systems100,400,500,600described in conjunction with any ofFIG. 1,FIG. 4,FIG. 5, and/orFIG. 6herein. In some embodiments, the system700may comprise an electronics device rack or cabinet such as a server farm or blade center. The system700may comprise, for example, one or more electronics devices710and/or a thermal management device740. According to some embodiments, the components710,740of the system700may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the similarly-named components described in conjunction with any ofFIG. 1,FIG. 2,FIG. 3,FIG. 4, FIG.5, and/orFIG. 6. In some embodiments, fewer or more components than are shown inFIG. 7may be included in the system700.

According to some embodiments, the system700may comprise several electronic devices710such as servers or blade servers, as shown. The electronic devices710may, for example, utilize flexible heat transfer devices (not shown inFIG. 7) such as the apparatus200,300described in conjunction withFIG. 2and/orFIG. 3to transfer heat to the thermal management device740. The thermal management device740may, according to some embodiments, be a centralized cooling system configured and/or coupled to receive heat from a plurality of electronic devices710. The thermal management device740may, for example, be or include a blade center and/or server rack cooling system configured to cool multiple blade servers and/or other servers or electronic devices710. In some embodiments, the flexible heat transfer devices may allow thermal and/or physical connections between the electronic devices710and the thermal management device740to be maintained even in the case that the electronic devices710shift, move, vibrate, and/or are otherwise displaced (momentarily, temporarily, and/or permanently) within the system700(e.g., with respect to the thermal management device740).

Turning toFIG. 8, a block diagram of a system800according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the system800may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the systems100,400,500,600,700described in conjunction with any ofFIG. 1,FIG. 4,FIG. 5,FIG. 6, and/orFIG. 7herein. The system800may comprise, for example, an electronic device810, a processor816, a memory818, a heat transfer component820, a conduction component830, a thermal management device840, and/or a flexible component850. According to some embodiments, the components810,820,830,840,850of the system800may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the similarly-named components described in conjunction with any ofFIG. 1,FIG. 2,FIG. 3,FIG. 4,FIG. 4,FIG. 6, and/orFIG. 7. In some embodiments, fewer or more components than are shown inFIG. 8may be included in the system800.

The processor816may be or include any number of processors, which may be any type or configuration of processor, microprocessor, and/or micro-engine that is or becomes known or available. In some embodiments, other electronic and/or electrical components may be utilized in place of or in addition to the processor816. The processor816may, for example, be or include any device, object, and/or component that generates, stores, and/or requires removal of heat. According to some embodiments, the processor816may be an XScale® Processor such as an Intel® PXA270 XScale® processor. The memory818may be or include, according to some embodiments, one or more magnetic storage devices, such as hard disks, one or more optical storage devices, and/or solid state storage. The memory818may store, for example, applications, programs, procedures, and/or modules that store instructions to be executed by the processor816. The memory818may comprise, according to some embodiments, any type of memory for storing data, such as a single data rate random access memory (SDR-RAM), a double data rate random access memory (DDR-RAM), or a programmable read only memory (PROM).

According to some embodiments, the processor816of the electronics device810may transfer heat to the heat transfer component820(e.g., as represented by the wavy lines inFIG. 8). The heat transfer component820may, for example, comprise a cooling solution and/or system associated with and/or disposed within the electronic device810. In some embodiments, the heat transfer component820may comprise and/or define a portion of such a cooling system. According to some embodiments, the heat transfer portion820may transfer heat to the conduction component830(e.g., also as represented by the wavy lines inFIG. 8). The conduction component830may be coupled, according to some embodiments, to transfer heat (at least via conduction) to the thermal management device840(e.g., as further represented by the wavy lines inFIG. 8).

In some embodiments, the heat transfer component820may be partially and/or substantially fully disposed within the flexible component850and/or the conduction component830(e.g., within cavities and/or volumes defined by the components830,850). In some embodiments, the flexible component850(and/or the conduction component830) may define one or more portions of the heat transfer component820. The flexible component850and/or the conduction component830may, for example, at least partially define one or more fluid flow paths associated with and/or defining the heat transfer portion820.

According to some embodiments, the flexible component850may couple between the electronic device810and the conduction component830to define a flexible connection. In such a manner, for example, in the case that the conduction component830moves with respect to the electronic device810(e.g., due to being coupled to the thermal management device840that is in turn associated with a movement with respect to the electronic device810), the heat transfer of the heat transfer component820may be substantially and/or entirely undisturbed and/or unaffected by the movement. The flexible component850may, for example, accommodate various forces and/or displacements while maintaining the heat transfer connections that ultimately provide remove the heat from the processor816and provide the heat to the thermal management device840.

The several embodiments described herein are solely for the purpose of illustration. Other embodiments may be practiced with modifications and alterations limited only by the claims.