Patent Publication Number: US-2023143361-A1

Title: Carrier device for a thermal pad of an information handling system

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Disclosure 
     The disclosure relates generally to information handling systems, and in particular to a carrier device for a thermal pad in an information handling system. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a disclosed carrier device for a thermal pad of an information handling system includes: a first adhesive surface coupled to the thermal pad, the thermal pad coupled to a first surface of a first component of the information handling system, the thermal pad configured to absorb a heat generated by the first component; a thermal transfer window configured to permit the heat generated by the first component to transfer from the thermal pad to a second surface of a second component of the information handling system; and a second adhesive surface removably coupled to the second surface of the second component. 
     In one or more of the disclosed embodiments, the carrier device further includes: an information tab extending from an edge of the carrier device, the information tab including a label indicating information associated with the first component. 
     In one or more of the disclosed embodiments, the carrier device further includes: an alignment window disposed on the information tab, the alignment window configured to align the carrier device with a device disposed on the second surface of the second component. 
     In one or more of the disclosed embodiments, the carrier device further includes: a conductive core disposed on the first adhesive surface, the conductive core configured to couple a first ground connection of the first component to a second ground connection of the second component. 
     In one or more of the disclosed embodiments, wherein the thermal pad includes: a conductive core window contoured to allow the conductive core to pass through the thermal pad. 
     In one or more of the disclosed embodiments, the thermal pad includes: a hole configured to permit the heat generated by the first component to transfer directly from the first component to the second surface of the second component via the thermal transfer window. 
     In one or more of the disclosed embodiments, the carrier device is comprised of a mylar material. 
     In one or more of the disclosed embodiments, the first component is a solid-state drive (SSD) memory device. 
     In one or more of the disclosed embodiments, the second component is a printed circuit board (PCB). 
     The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other potential features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of a computing environment that includes an information handling system. 
         FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  illustrate a front three-quarter view of selected elements of an embodiment of a thermal pad and a carrier device of an information handling system. 
         FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  illustrate a front three-quarter view of selected elements of an embodiment of a thermal pad and a carrier device that includes a conductive core. 
         FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  illustrate block diagrams of selected elements of an embodiment of a thermal distribution process using one or more thermal pads and one or more device carriers. 
         FIG.  5    is a flowchart depicting selected elements of an embodiment of a method for managing thermal distribution for a component of an information handling system. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENT(S) 
     This document describes a carrier device for a thermal pad of an information handling system that includes: a first adhesive surface coupled to the thermal pad, the thermal pad coupled to a first surface of a first component of the information handling system, the thermal pad configured to absorb a heat generated by the first component; a thermal transfer window configured to permit the heat generated by the first component to transfer from the thermal pad to a second surface of a second component of the information handling system; and a second adhesive surface removably coupled to the second surface of the second component. 
     For the purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system may include an instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize various forms of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personal computer, a PDA, a consumer electronic device, a network storage device, or another suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The information handling system may include memory, one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic. Additional components of the information handling system may include one or more storage devices, one or more communications ports for communicating with external devices as well as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. The information handling system may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communication between the various hardware components. 
     For the purposes of this disclosure, computer-readable media may include an instrumentality or aggregation of instrumentalities that may retain data and/or instructions for a period of time. Computer-readable media may include, without limitation, storage media such as a direct access storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive or floppy disk), a sequential access storage device (e.g., a tape disk drive), compact disk, CD-ROM, DVD, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and/or flash memory (SSD); as well as communications media such wires, optical fibers, microwaves, radio waves, and other electromagnetic and/or optical carriers; and/or any combination of the foregoing. 
     Particular embodiments are best understood by reference to  FIGS.  1 - 5    wherein like numbers are used to indicate like and corresponding parts. 
     Turning now to the drawings,  FIG.  1    is a block diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of a computing environment that includes an information handling system. Specifically,  FIG.  1    illustrates a block diagram depicting selected elements of an information handling system  100  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, information handling system  100  may represent different types of portable information handling systems, such as, display devices, head mounted displays, head mount display systems, smart phones, tablet computers, notebook computers, media players, foldable display systems, digital cameras, 2-in-1 tablet-laptop combination computers, and wireless organizers, or other types of portable information handling systems. In one or more embodiments, information handling system  100  may also represent other types of information handling systems, including desktop computers, server systems, controllers, and microcontroller units, among other types of information handling systems. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  1   , components of information handling system  100  may include, but are not limited to, a processor subsystem  125 , which may comprise one or more processors, and system bus  121  that communicatively couples various system components to processor subsystem  125  including, for example, a memory subsystem  130 , an I/O subsystem  135 , a local storage resource  140 , and a network interface  145 . System bus  121  may represent a variety of suitable types of bus structures (e.g., a memory bus, a peripheral bus, or a local bus) using various bus architectures in selected embodiments. For example, such architectures may include, but are not limited to, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, PCI-Express (PCIe) bus, HyperTransport (HT) bus, and Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus. As shown in  FIG.  1   , information handling system  100  may additionally include one or more carrier devices  105 , one or more thermal pads  110 , one or more components  115 , and one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs)  120 . In other embodiments, computing environment  155  may include additional, fewer, and/or different components than the components shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     In information handling system  100 , processor subsystem  125  may comprise a system, device, or apparatus operable to interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data, and may include a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another digital or analog circuitry configured to interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data. In some embodiments, processor subsystem  125  may interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data stored locally (e.g., in memory subsystem  130  and/or another component of information handling system  100 ). In the same or alternative embodiments, processor subsystem  125  may interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data stored remotely. In one embodiment, processor subsystem  125  may be or include a multi-core processor comprised of one or more processing cores disposed upon an integrated circuit (IC) chip. In other embodiments, processor subsystem  125  may be or include an integrated device (e.g., microcontroller, system on a chip (SoC), and the like) that includes dedicated memory, peripheral interfaces, and/or other components suitable for interpreting and/or executing program instructions and/or processing data. 
     In one embodiment, memory subsystem  130  may comprise a system, device, or apparatus operable to retain and/or retrieve program instructions and/or data for a period of time (e.g., computer-readable media). Memory subsystem  130  may comprise random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a PCMCIA card, flash memory, magnetic storage, opto-magnetic storage, and/or a suitable selection and/or array of volatile or non-volatile memory that retains data after power to its associated information handling system, such as system  100 , is powered down. 
     In one embodiment, I/O subsystem  135  may comprise a system, device, or apparatus generally operable to receive and/or transmit data to, from, and/or within information handling system  100 . I/O subsystem  135  may represent, for example, a variety of communication interfaces, graphics interfaces, video interfaces, user input interfaces, and/or peripheral interfaces. In various embodiments, I/O subsystem  135  may be used to support various peripheral devices, such as a touch panel, a display adapter, a keyboard, an accelerometer, a touch pad, a gyroscope, an IR sensor, a microphone, a sensor, a camera, or another type of peripheral device. 
     In one embodiment, local storage resource  140  may comprise computer-readable media (e.g., hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, CD-ROM, and/or other type of rotating storage media, flash memory, EEPROM, and/or another type of solid state storage media) and may be generally operable to store instructions and/or data. 
     In one embodiment, network interface  145  may be a suitable system, apparatus, or device operable to serve as an interface between information handling system  100  and a network  150 . Network interface  145  may enable information handling system  100  to communicate over network  150  using a suitable transmission protocol and/or standard, including, but not limited to, transmission protocols and/or standards enumerated below with respect to the discussion of network  150 . Network  150  may be a public network or a private (e.g. corporate) network. The network may be implemented as, or may be a part of, a storage area network (SAN), personal area network (PAN), local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a virtual private network (VPN), a Cloud network, an Edge network, an intranet, the Internet or another appropriate architecture or system that facilitates the communication of signals, data and/or messages (generally referred to as data). Network interface  145  may enable wired and/or wireless communications (e.g., NFC or Bluetooth) to and/or from information handling system  100 . 
     In particular embodiments, network  150  may include one or more routers for routing data between client information handling systems  100  and server information handling systems  100 . A device (e.g., a client information handling system  100  or a server information handling system  100 ) on network  150  may be addressed by a corresponding network address including, for example, an Internet protocol (IP) address, an Internet name, a Windows Internet name service (WINS) name, a domain name or other system name. In particular embodiments, network  150  may include one or more logical groupings of network devices such as, for example, one or more sites (e.g. customer sites) or subnets. As an example, a corporate network may include potentially thousands of offices or branches, each with its own subnet (or multiple subnets) having many devices. One or more client information handling systems  100  may communicate with one or more server information handling systems  100  via any suitable connection including, for example, a modem connection, a LAN connection including the Ethernet or a broadband WAN connection including DSL, Cable, Ti, T3, Fiber Optics, Wi-Fi, or a mobile network connection including GSM, GPRS, 3G, or WiMax. 
     In one embodiment, network  150  may transmit data using a desired storage and/or communication protocol, including, but not limited to, Fibre Channel, Frame Relay, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Internet protocol (IP), other packet-based protocol, small computer system interface (SCSI), Internet SCSI (iSCSI), Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) or another transport that operates with the SCSI protocol, advanced technology attachment (ATA), serial ATA (SATA), advanced technology attachment packet interface (ATAPI), serial storage architecture (SSA), integrated drive electronics (IDE), and/or any combination thereof. Network  150  and its various components may be implemented using hardware, software, or any combination thereof. 
     In one embodiment, component  115  may comprise a system, device, or apparatus operable to retain data, and/or retrieve program instructions, for a period of time (e.g., computer-readable media). Specifically, component  115  may be or include a solid-state drive (SSD) memory device (e.g., SATA, NVMe, M.2, and the like) installed within, or otherwise communicably coupled to, information handling system  100  operable to retain data, and/or retrieve program instructions, for a user. In another embodiment, component  115  may be or include a hard disk drive (HDD) memory device. In one embodiment, component  115  may include a grounding connection comprised of a conductive material (e.g., copper, silver, gold-plated alloy, and the like) disposed on a surface of component  115  operable to cause errant current to flow from component  115  into a common point, or grounding connection, of an electrical circuit comprised of component  115  and PCB  120 . In other embodiments, component  115  may be or include a random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a PCMCIA card, flash memory, magnetic storage, opto-magnetic storage, and/or a suitable selection and/or array of volatile or non-volatile memory that retains data after power to information handling system  100  is powered down. 
     In one embodiment, component  115  may be or include a wireless network device operable to provide information handling system  100  with access to a wireless network. In particular, component  115  may be or include a wireless wide area network (WWAN) card installed within, or otherwise communicably coupled to, information handling system  100  (e.g., proximate to a keyboard and/or keyboard support device of information handling system  100 ) operable to provide mobile telecommunication cellular network coverage (e.g., 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, and the like) such that a user of information handling system  100  may access the Internet and/or a virtual private network (VPN) from locations within regional boundaries of the cellular network coverage. In one embodiment, component  115  may include a grounding connection comprised of a conductive material (e.g., copper, silver, gold-plated alloy, and the like) disposed on a surface of component  115  operable to cause errant current to flow from component  115  into a common point, or grounding connection, of an electrical circuit comprised of component  115  and PCB  120 . In other embodiments, component  115  may be or include a network interface card (NIC), a universal serial bus (USB) network adapter, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) network adapter, a virtual network adapter, and/or any other type of wireless and/or wired device suitable for providing access to a wireless network. Component  115  is described in further detail with respect to  FIGS.  2 A- 4 B . 
     In one embodiment, PCB  120  may be a suitable system, apparatus, or device operable to provide a substrate upon which one or more devices of information handling system  100  may be disposed. In particular, PCB  120  may be comprised of conductive and insulating layers operable to provide a structure on which one or more devices (e.g., processor subsystem  125 , memory subsystem  130 , local storage resource  140 , and the like) may be communicably coupled within information handling system  100 . For example, component  115  may be or include a motherboard of information handling system  100  operable to communicably couple one or more devices such that the one or more devices may perform respective computing operations. In one embodiment, PCB  120  may include a grounding connection comprised of a conductive material (e.g., copper, silver, gold-plated alloy, and the like) disposed on a surface of PCB  120  operable to cause errant current to flow from component  115  into a common point, or grounding connection, of an electrical circuit comprised of component  115  and PCB  120 . PCB  120  is described in further detail with respect to  FIGS.  2 A- 4 B . 
     In one embodiment, thermal pad  110  may comprise a system, device, or apparatus operable to conduct heat away from component  115 . In particular, thermal pad  110  may be or include a thermally conductive pad comprised of a soft, or malleable, material (e.g., paraffin wax, silicon rubber, and the like) operable to aid in the conduction of heat away from a component  115  (e.g., component  115  shown in  FIG.  4 A ) and into a PCB  120  (e.g., PCB  120  shown in  FIG.  4 A ). In one embodiment, thermal pad  110  may be used to occupy, or fill, one or more air gaps caused by deviations between smooth surfaces of component  115  and PCB  120  that are otherwise designed to be in thermal contact. In one embodiment, thermal pad  110  may be solid in structure at, or around, room temperature (e.g., 20° C.) but may become soft, or malleable, at as component  115  increases in temperature (e.g., 60° C.) during operation. In another embodiment, thermal pad  110  may be soft, or malleable, at room temperature such that the structural integrity of thermal pad  110  may become compromised when installed, uninstalled, or otherwise handled, by a user (e.g., a consumer, administrator, and/or manufacturer of information handling system  100 ). Thermal pad  110  is described in further detail with respect to  FIGS.  2 A- 4 B . 
     In one embodiment, carrier device  105  may comprise a system, device, or apparatus operable to provide a structure, or substrate, upon which thermal pad  110  may be coupled. Conventionally, a thermal pad may become soft, or malleable, during the operation of a component to which the thermal pad is coupled. In particular, the increased temperature caused by the component may cause internal changes to the molecular structure comprising the thermal pad, causing the thermal pad to transition from a solid structure to a soft, or malleable, structure. Further, a conventional thermal pad may be soft, or malleable, at room temperature prior to coupling to a component. As such, the structural integrity of thermal pads may become compromised when installed, uninstalled, or otherwise handled, by a user (e.g., a consumer, administrator, and/or manufacturer of information handling system). Such compromise of the structural integrity of thermal pads may result in improper placement, or positioning, of the thermal pads when coupled to components. The improper placement, or positioning, of thermal pads in relation to the components may result in excessive temperatures imposed upon the components, potentially causing damage to internal devices within the components and/or data loss, thereby decreasing system reliability and overall user experience. 
     In contrast, carrier device  105  may be comprised of a rigid material (e.g., mylar, plastic, metal, and the like) operable to provide a structure, or substrate, upon which thermal pad  110  may be coupled. In one embodiment, carrier device  105  may include double-sided adhesive surfaces, each comprised of an adhesive material (e.g., glue, epoxy, thermoplastic emulsion, and the like). In particular, carrier device  105  may include a first adhesive surface (e.g., a top surface) coupled to thermal pad  110  and a second adhesive surface (e.g., a bottom surface) removably coupled to PCB  120  and/or component  115 . Here, the adhesive material included on the first adhesive surface may comprise a stronger adhesive material than the adhesive material included on the second adhesive surface. That is, the adhesive material included on the first adhesive surface may require a stronger tensile force to remove the thermal pad  110  from the first adhesive surface of the carrier device  105  than the tensile force required to remove carrier device  105  from the PCB  120  and/or component  115  to which carrier device  105  may be removably coupled. As such, carrier device  105  may be reusable throughout the lifespan of thermal pad  110 . That is, carrier device  105  may be removed from PCB  120  and/or component  115  while maintaining the structural integrity of thermal pad  110  such that carrier device  105  may be removably coupled to a different (e.g., upgraded) PCB  120  and/or component  115  of information handling system  100  without requirement a replacement of thermal pad  110 . Carrier device  105  is describe in further detail with respect to  FIGS.  2 A- 4 B . 
       FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  illustrate a front three-quarter view of selected elements of an embodiment of a thermal pad and a carrier device of an information handling system. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , thermal pad  110  includes a hole  200 , a top surface  210 , a recessed portion  220 , and a bottom surface  230 . Carrier device  105  includes a top adhesive surface  240 , an alignment window  250 , an information tab  260 , a thermal transfer window  270 , and a bottom adhesive surface  280 . In other embodiments, thermal pad  110  and/or carrier device  105  may include additional, fewer, and/or different components than the components shown in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B . 
     In one embodiment, top surface  210  of thermal pad  110  may be coupled to component  115 . In particular, top surface  210  may be coupled to a surface of component  115  such that thermal pad  110  may absorb a heat generated by component  115  during operation via top surface  210 . As described above with respect to  FIG.  1   , thermal pad  110  may be used to occupy, or fill, one or more air gaps caused by deviations between smooth surfaces of component  115  and PCB  120  that are otherwise designed to be in thermal contact. For example, component  115  may be or include an SSD memory device installed, or otherwise communicably coupled, to PCB  120  such that thermal pad  110  (and carrier device  105 ) may be disposed between component  115  and PCB  120 . In one embodiment, hole  200  may permit clearance for one or more devices disposed on a surface of PCB  120  to pass through thermal pad  110 . In another embodiment, hole  200  may permit the heat generated by component  115 , or a portion thereof, to transfer directly from component  115  to a surface of PCB  120  (via thermal transfer window  270  of carrier device  105 ) to further aid in the conduction of heat away from component  115 . Similarly, recessed portion  220  of thermal pad  110  may permit the heat generated by component  115 , or a portion thereof, to transfer directly from component  115  to the surface of PCB  120  (via thermal transfer window  270 ) to further aid in the conduction of heat away from component  115 . As shown in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , recessed portion  220  may be contoured in shape and/or dimension to align with a portion of thermal transfer window  270  disposed proximate to information tab  260 . 
     In one embodiment, top adhesive surface  240  of carrier device  105  may be coupled to thermal pad  110 . Specifically, top adhesive surface  240  may be coupled to bottom surface  230  of thermal pad  110  such that thermal pad  110  is coupled to carrier device  105 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , carrier device  105  may be removably coupled to a surface of PCB  120  via bottom adhesive surface  280 . Here, thermal transfer window  270  may be or include a hole, or window, within carrier device  105  operable to permit the heat generated by component  115  (e.g., absorbed by thermal pad  110 ) to transfer from thermal pad  110  to the surface of PCB  120 . That is, a surface of component  115  may be coupled to top surface  210  of thermal pad  110  such that thermal pad  110  may absorb heat generated by component  115  during operation. Additionally, bottom adhesive surface  280  of carrier device  105  may be removably coupled to a surface of PCB  120 . Top adhesive surface  240  of carrier device  105  may be coupled to bottom surface  230  of thermal pad  110  such that the heat absorbed by thermal pad  110  may be transferred from thermal pad  110  to the surface of PCB  120  via thermal transfer window  270 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , carrier device  105  includes information tab  260  operable to indicate, or otherwise display, information associated with component  115 . Specifically, information tab  260  may extend from an edge of carrier device  105  such that a label of information tab  260  may be visible to a user (e.g., a consumer, administrator, and/or manufacturer of information handling system  100 ) to indicate, or otherwise display information associated with component  115 . Because carrier device  105  may be reusable throughout the lifespan of thermal pad  110  as described above with respect to  FIG.  1   , information tab  260  may be used to indicate information associated with a current component  115  and/or modified to indicate information associated with a different (e.g., upgraded) component  115 . In this way, carrier device  105  may provide information associated with component  115  to a user. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , carrier device  105  includes alignment window  250  disposed on, or proximate to, information tab  260 . In particular, alignment window  250  may be or include a hole, or window, operable to align carrier device  105  with one or more devices disposed on the surface of PCB  120 . For example, alignment window  250  may be contoured in shape and/or dimension to align with a screw, bolt, and/or mechanical fastener disposed on a surface of PCB  120  operable to removably couple component  115  to the surface of PCB  120 . In this way, alignment window  250  may ensure that a user (a consumer, administrator, and/or manufacturer of information handling system  100 ) may properly align carrier device  105  with one or more devices (e.g., port, slots, pins, and the like) disposed on a surface of PCB  120  such that thermal pad  110  may conduct heat away from component  115  in an optimal manner. 
       FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  illustrate a front three-quarter view of selected elements of an embodiment of a thermal pad and a carrier device that includes a conductive core. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , thermal pad  110  includes a conductive core window  300 , a top surface  310 , and a bottom surface  320 . Carrier device  105  includes a top adhesive surface  340 , one or more thermal transfer windows  350 , a conductive core  330 , a grounding transfer window  360 , an alignment window  370 , an information tab  380 , and a bottom adhesive surface  390 . In other embodiments, thermal pad  110  and/or carrier device  105  may include additional, fewer, and/or different components than the components shown in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B . 
     In one embodiment, top surface  310  of thermal pad  110  may be coupled to component  115 . In particular, top surface  310  may be coupled to a surface of component  115  such that thermal pad  110  may absorb a heat generated by component  115  during operation via top surface  310 . As described above with respect to  FIG.  1   , thermal pad  110  may be used to occupy, or fill, one or more air gaps caused by deviations between smooth surfaces of component  115  and PCB  120  that are otherwise designed to be in thermal contact. For example, component  115  may be or include an WWAN device installed, or otherwise communicably coupled, to PCB  120  such that thermal pad  110  (and carrier device  105 ) may be disposed between component  115  and PCB  120 . 
     In one embodiment, top adhesive surface  340  of carrier device  105  may be coupled to thermal pad  110 . Specifically, top adhesive surface  340  may be coupled to bottom surface  320  of thermal pad  110  such that thermal pad  110  is coupled to carrier device  105 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , carrier device  105  may be removably coupled to a surface of PCB  120  via bottom adhesive surface  390 . Here, thermal transfer windows  350  may be or include one or more holes, or windows, within carrier device  105  operable to permit the heat generated by component  115  (e.g., absorbed by thermal pad  110 ) to transfer from thermal pad  110  to the surface of PCB  120 . That is, a surface of component  115  may be coupled to top surface  310  of thermal pad  110  such that thermal pad  110  may absorb heat generated by component  115  during operation. Additionally, bottom adhesive surface  390  of carrier device  105  may be removably coupled to a surface of PCB  120 . Top adhesive surface  340  of carrier device  105  may be coupled to bottom surface  320  of thermal pad  110  such that the heat absorbed by thermal pad  110  may be transferred from thermal pad  110  to the surface of PCB  120  via thermal transfer windows  350 . 
     In one embodiment, carrier device  105  may include information tab  380  operable to indicate, or otherwise display, information associated with component  115 . Specifically, information tab  380  may extend from an edge of carrier device  105  such that a label of information tab  380  may be visible to a user (e.g., a consumer, administrator, and/or manufacturer of information handling system  100 ) to indicate, or otherwise display information associated with component  115 . Because carrier device  105  may be reusable throughout the lifespan of thermal pad  110  as described above with respect to  FIG.  1   , information tab  380  may be used to indicate information associated with a current component  115  and/or modified to indicate information associated with a different (e.g., upgraded) component  115 . In this way, carrier device  105  may provide information associated with component  115  to a user. 
     In one embodiment, carrier device  105  may include alignment window  370  disposed on, or proximate to, information tab  380 . In particular, alignment window  370  may be or include a hole, or window, operable to align carrier device  105  with one or more devices disposed on the surface of PCB  120 . For example, alignment window  370  may be contoured in shape and/or dimension to align with a screw, bolt, and/or mechanical fastener disposed on a surface of PCB  120  operable to removably couple component  115  to the surface of PCB  120 . In this way, alignment window  370  may ensure that a user (e.g., a consumer, administrator, and/or manufacturer of information handling system  100 ) may properly align carrier device  105  with one or more devices (e.g., port, slots, pins, and the like) disposed on a surface of PCB  120  such that thermal pad  110  may conduct heat away from component  115  in an optimal manner. 
     In one embodiment, carrier device  105  may include conductive core  330  (as shown in  FIG.  3 B ). Specifically, conductive core  330  may be disposed on top adhesive surface  340  of carrier device  105  at grounding transfer window  360 . In one embodiment, conductive core  330  may be comprised of a conductive material (e.g., copper, silver, gold-plated alloy, and the like) operable to extend, or serve as a relay for, errant current between a grounding connection disposed on a surface of component  115  and a grounding connection disposed on a surface of PCB  120 . That is, conductive core  330  may be coupled to, both, a grounding connection of component  115  and a grounding connection of PCB  120  such that an errant current may flow from the grounding connection of component  115 , through conductive core  330 , and into the grounding connection of PCB  120  (via grounding transfer window  360 ). As shown in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , thermal pad  110  may include a conductive core window  300  contoured in shape and/or dimension to allow conductive core  330  to pass through thermal pad  110 , thereby coupling to the grounding connection of component  115  above. In this way, conductive core window  300 , conductive core  330 , and grounding transfer window  360  may ensure that a user (a consumer, administrator, and/or manufacturer of information handling system  100 ) may properly install component  115  in relation to PCB  120  such that respective grounding connections between component  115  and PCB  120  align, thereby causing errant current to flow from component  115  in an optimal manner. 
       FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  illustrate block diagrams of selected elements of an embodiment of a thermal distribution process using one or more thermal pads and one or more device carriers. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  4 A , information handling system  100  may include a component  115 , a thermal pad  110 , a carrier device  105 , and a PCB  120  as described above with respect to  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B . Component  115  may be or include an SSD memory device as described above with respect to  FIG.  1   . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  4 B , information handling system  100  may include two components  115 -A and  115 -B, two thermal pads  110 -A and  110 -B, two carrier devices  105 -A and  105 -B, and a PCB  120 . Carrier device  105 -A may include a conductive core  330  and grounding transfer window  360  (not shown in figure) as described above with respect to  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B . In addition, thermal pad  110 -A may include a conductive core window  300  (not shown in figure) as described above with respect to  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B . Component  115 -A may be or include a WWAN card as described above with respect to  FIG.  1   . Component  115 -B may be or include a keyboard, and/or keyboard support device, of information handling system  100  operable to provide textual I/O support for information handling system  100 . In other embodiments, information handling system  100  may include additional, fewer, and/or different components than the components shown in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  4 A , thermal pad  110  may absorb heat generated by component  115 . Specifically, thermal pad  110  may be coupled to a surface of component  115  such that heat generated by component  115  during operation may be absorbed by thermal pad  110  and conducted away from component  115 . This is shown in  FIG.  4 A  where thermal transfer  400  is directed away from component  115  and into thermal pad  110 . Thermal pad  110  may then transfer the heat generated by component  115  to PCB  120 . In particular, thermal pad  110  may transfer the heat generated by component  115 , or a portion thereof, to a surface of PCB  120  via heat transfer window  270  (shown in  FIG.  2 A ) of carrier device  105 . This is shown in  FIG.  4 A  where thermal transfer  400  is directed away from thermal pad  110 , through carrier device  105  (i.e., thermal transfer window  270  of carrier device  105 ), and into PCB  120 . In one embodiment, PCB  120  may dissipate the heat generated by component  115 , or a portion thereof, upon receiving the heat via carrier device  105 , thereby completing the thermal distribution process. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  4 B , thermal pad  110 -A may absorb heat generated by component  115 -A. In particular, thermal pad  110  may be coupled to a surface of component  115 -A such that heat generated by component  115 -A during operation may be absorbed by thermal pad  110 -A and conducted away from component  115 -A. This is shown in  FIG.  4 B  where thermal transfer  400  is directed away from component  115 -A and into thermal pad  110 -A. Thermal pad  110 -A may then transfer the heat generated by component  115 -A to PCB  120 . Specifically, thermal pad  110 -A may transfer the heat generated by component  115 -A, or a portion thereof, to a surface of PCB  120  via thermal transfer windows  350  (shown in  FIG.  3 A ) of carrier device  105 . This is shown in  FIG.  4 B  where thermal transfer  400  is directed away from thermal pad  110 -A, through carrier device  105 -A (i.e., via thermal transfer windows  350 ), and into PCB  120 . In one embodiment, PCB  120  may dissipate the heat generated by component  115 -A, or a portion thereof, upon receiving the heat via carrier device  105 -A. In one embodiment, conductive core  330  may be coupled to, both, a grounding connection of component  115 -A and a grounding connection of PCB  120  such that an errant current may flow from the grounding connection of component  115 -A, through conductive core  330 , and into the grounding connection of PCB  120  (via grounding transfer window  360  shown in  FIG.  3 B ). 
     In one embodiment, thermal pad  110 -B may absorb the heat received by PCB  120 . Specifically, thermal pad  110 -B may be coupled to a surface of PCB  120  such that the heat received by PCB  120 , or a portion thereof, may be absorbed by thermal pad  110 -B and conducted away from PCB  120 . This is shown in  FIG.  4 B  where thermal transfer  400  is directed away from PCB  120  and into thermal pad  110 -B. Thermal pad  110 -B may then transfer the heat received by PCB  120 , or a portion thereof, to a surface of component  115 -B via thermal transfer window  270  (shown in  FIG.  2 A ) of carrier device  105 -B. This is shown in  FIG.  4 B  where thermal transfer  400  is directed away from thermal pad  110 -B, through carrier device  105 -B (i.e., via thermal transfer window  270 ), and into component  115 -B. In one embodiment, component  115 -B may dissipate the heat received by PCB  120 , or a portion thereof, upon receiving the heat via carrier device  105 -B, thereby completing the thermal distribution process. 
       FIG.  5    is a flowchart depicting selected elements of an embodiment of a method for managing thermal distribution for a component of an information handling system. It is noted that certain operations described in method  500  may be optional or may be rearranged in different embodiments. 
     Method  500  may begin at step  510 , where a thermal pad may absorb a heat generated by a first component. The thermal pad may be coupled to a first surface of the first component. For example, thermal pad  110  may be coupled to a surface of component  115  such that heat generated by component  115  during operation may be absorbed by thermal pad  110  and conducted away from component  115  as described above with respect to  FIG.  4 A . At step  520 , the thermal pad may transfer the heat generated by the first component to a second surface of a second component of the information handling system via a heat transfer window of a carrier device of the information handling system. The carrier device may have a first adhesive surface coupled to the thermal pad and a second adhesive surface removably coupled to the second surface of the second component. For example, thermal pad  110  may transfer the heat generated by component  115 , or a portion thereof, to a surface of PCB  120  via heat transfer window  270  (shown in  FIG.  2 A ) of carrier device  105  as described above with respect to  FIG.  4 A . Top adhesive surface  240  of carrier device  105  may be coupled to bottom surface  230  of thermal pad  110  such that thermal pad  110  is coupled to carrier device  105  as described above with respect to  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B . Bottom adhesive surface  280  of carrier device  105  may be removably coupled to a surface of PCB  120  as described above with respect to  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B . 
     The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description. 
     Herein, “or” is inclusive and not exclusive, unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Therefore, herein, “A or B” means “A, B, or both,” unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Moreover, “and” is both joint and several, unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Therefore, herein, “A and B” means “A and B, jointly or severally,” unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated other-wise by context. 
     The scope of this disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodiments described or illustrated herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to the example embodiments described or illustrated herein. Moreover, although this disclosure describes and illustrates respective embodiments herein as including particular components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps, any of these embodiments may include any combination or permutation of any of the components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps described or illustrated anywhere herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. Furthermore, reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses that apparatus, system, component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operative.