Patent Publication Number: US-11035625-B2

Title: Adjustable heat sink fin spacing

Description:
FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to electronic devices and more specifically to removal of heat from the electronic device via a heat sink that includes heat sink fins separated from a heat sink base or heat sink riser by an adjustable spacing. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     An electronic package may include an integrated circuit (IC) chip, semiconductor die, processor, and the like, herein referred to as a heat generating device, packaged onto a carrier or substrate. The heat generating device may be encapsulated by a cover having high thermal conductivity. A heat sink may be thermally connected to the cover to cool the heat generating device during operation of the electronic device where electrical energy is used by the heat generating device which results in the heating of the heat generating device. In some instances, there is no cover and the heat sink is attached directly to the heat generating device. The heat sink generally removes heat from the heat generating device causing the heat generating device to operate at a lower temperature. 
     A typical heat sink includes a metallic base and a plurality of metallic fins connected to an upper side of the base. The lower side of the base is thermally connected to the cover or directly to the heat generating device. The fins increase the surface area of the heat sink and are generally spaced apart from one another. The spacing creates a passage for the cooling fluid, such as air, to flow across the fins. Heat is transferred from the heat generating device, to the cover, to the heat sink base, to the plurality of fins, and to the cooling fluid flowing across the fins. 
     It is known that an optimal spacing between fins may be determined. However, known solutions generally determine optimal fin spacing during electronic system or heat sink design based upon predicted operating conditions such as predicted heat density (power per unit area), predicted cooling capacity (air flow rate, etc.), or the like. Once the optimal fin spacing is determined, the heat sink is fabricated such that the fins are fixed to the base with the prescribed spacing. Since these operating conditions vary during operation of the electronic device and from device to device due to manufacturing variability, the initially optimized fin spacing may no longer remain optimal and the heat sink does not most efficiently cool the heat generating device. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, a heat sink is presented. The heat sink includes a threaded rod. The treaded rod includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first external thread of a first diameter. The second portion includes a second external thread also of the first diameter and of different pitch than the first external thread. 
     These and other embodiments, features, aspects, and advantages will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention are attained and can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. 
       It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  depicts a prior art electronic device including a traditional heat sink. 
         FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  depict an electronic device including an electronic package and a heat sink that includes heat sink fins separated by adjustable spacing, according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a heat sink fin for use in heat sink that includes heat sink fins separated by adjustable spacing, according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  depicts threaded knurls for use in heat sink that includes heat sink fins separated by adjustable spacing, according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a heat sink fin engaged with a threaded knurl for use in heat sink that includes heat sink fins separated by adjustable spacing, according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7 - FIG. 10  depicts heat sinks that include heat sink fins separated by adjustable spacing, according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  depicts a block diagram of an electronic device for dynamically adjusting heat sink fin spacing, according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  depicts a method of installing a heat sink that includes heat sink fins separated by adjustable spacing, according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  depicts a method of adjusting heat sink fin spacing, according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  depicts a method of dynamically adjusting heat sink fin spacing, according to embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merely schematic representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. The drawings are intended to depict only exemplary embodiments of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Since traditional heat sink fin spacing is generally determined during initial design and generally fixed and since operating conditions of the electronic device vary during operation of the electronic device, the initially optimized fin spacing does not remain optimal during the course of operation of the electronic device. 
     As such, embodiments of the present invention are related to techniques of changing or adjusting the spacing between fins of a heat sink. The spacing of the heat sink fins may be dynamically adjusted based upon the current operating conditions of the electronic device to maintain an optimal temperature of the heat generating device during device operation. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a prior art electronic device  100  utilizing electronic package  124  which is cooled by a traditional heat sink  104 . Electronic device  100  may be, for example, a computer, server, mobile device, kiosk, tablet, and the like. Electronic package  124  includes IC chip  102 , carrier  108 , interconnects  122 , underfill  110 , thermal interface material  112 , lid  116 , and adhesive  120 . Chip  102  may be an integrated circuit, semiconductor die, processor, microchip, and the like. Carrier  108  may be an organic carrier or a ceramic carrier and provides mechanical support for chip  102  and electrical paths from the upper surface of carrier  108  to the opposing side of carrier  108 . Interconnects  122  electrically connect chip  102  and the upper side of carrier  108  and may be a wire bond, solder bond, stud, conductive ball, conductive button, and the like. Underfill  110  may be electrically-insulating, may substantially surround interconnects  122 , may electrically isolate individual interconnects  122 , and may provide mechanical support between chip  102  and carrier  108 . Underfill  110  may also prevent damage to individual interconnects  122  due to thermal expansion mismatches between chip  102  and carrier  108 . 
     When chip  102  is seated upon carrier  108 , a reflow process may be performed to join interconnects  122  to electrical contacts of both chip  122  and carrier  108 . After chip  102  is seated to carrier  108  a lid  116  is attached to carrier  108  with adhesive  120  to cover chip  102 . Generally, during operation of electronic device  100 , heat needs to be removed from chip  102 . In this situation, lid  116  is both a cover and a conduit for heat transfer. As such, a thermal interface material  112  may thermally join lid  116  and chip  102 . 
     Electronic package  124  may be connected to a system board  106  via interconnects  114 . System board  106  may be the main printed circuit board of electronic device  100  and includes electronic components, such as a graphics processing unit, memory, and the like, and provides connectors for other peripherals. Interconnects  114  electrically connect the lower side of carrier  108  to system board  106  and may be a wire bond, solder bond, stud, conductive ball, conductive button, and the like. Interconnects  114  may be larger and thus more robust than interconnects  122 . When electronic package  124  is seated upon system board  106  a second reflow process may be performed to join interconnects  114  to electrical contacts of both carrier  108  and motherboard  106 . 
     To assist in the removal of heat from chip  102  a heat sink  104  may be thermally joined to electronic package  124  via thermal interface material  118 . Heat sink  104  may be a passive heat exchanger that cools chip  102  by dissipating heat into the surrounding air. As such, during operation of electronic device  100 , a thermal path exists from chip  102  to heat sink  104  through thermal interface material  112 , lid  116 , and thermal interface material  118 , and the like. Heat sink  104  includes a base  103  and fins  105 . The lower surface of the base  103  may be thermally connected to lid  116  via thermal interface material  118 . Fins  105  are connected to the upper side of base  103  and are generally spaced apart so as to allow air to exist, or flow, between each fin  105 . Generally, the spacing between any neighboring fins  105  upon the heat sink  104  is constant. 
     Heat sink  104  may be connected to system board  106  via one or more connection device  130 . Connection device  130  may include a threaded fastener  132 , standoff  134 , backside stiffener  136 , and fastener  138 . Threaded fastener  132  may extend through heat sink  104 , standoff  134 , and backside stiffener  136  and provides compressive force between heat sink  104  and backside stiffener  136 . The length of standoff  134  may be selected to limit the pressure exerted upon electronic package  124  by heat sink  104  created by the compressive forces. Backside stiffener  136  may mechanically support the compressive forces by distributing the forces across a larger area of motherboard  104 . In other applications, connection device  130  may be a clamp, non-influencing fastener, cam, and the like, system that adequately forces heat sink  104  upon electronic package  124 . 
     Thermally connected, joined, and the like, shall herein mean that elements that which are thermally connected transfer heat there between by at least indirect conduction and wherein air gaps between the elements are reduced. Electrically connected, and the like, shall herein mean that current is able to be intentionally passed from one element to another element (e.g., current flows from a conductor in one element to a conductor in the other element). 
       FIG. 2  depicts an electronic device  200  including an electronic package and a heat sink  230  that includes heat sink fins separated by adjustable spacing. Electronic device  200  includes electronic package  224  which is cooled by heat sink  230 . Electronic device  200  may be a computer, server, mobile device, kiosk, tablet, and the like. Electronic package  224  includes IC chip  202 , carrier  208 , interconnects  222 , underfill  210 , thermal interface material  212 , lid  216 , and adhesive  220 . 
     Chip  202  may be an integrated circuit, semiconductor die, processor, microchip, and the like. Carrier  208  may be an organic carrier or a ceramic carrier and provides mechanical support for chip  202  and electrical paths from the upper surface of carrier  208  to the opposing side of carrier  208 . Interconnects  222  electrically connect chip  202  and the upper side of carrier  208  and may be a wire bond, solder bond, stud, conductive ball, conductive button, and the like. Underfill  210  may be electrically-insulating, may substantially surround interconnects  222 , may electrically isolate individual interconnects  222 , and may provide mechanical support between chip  202  and carrier  208 . Underfill  210  may also prevent damage to individual interconnects  222  due to thermal expansion mismatches between chip  202  and carrier  208 . 
     When chip  202  is seated upon carrier  208 , a reflow process may be performed to join interconnects  222  to electrical contacts of both chip  222  and carrier  208 . After chip  202  is seated to carrier  208 , lid  216  is attached to carrier  208  with adhesive  220  to cover chip  202 . Generally, during operation of electronic device  200 , heat needs to be removed from chip  202 . In this situation, lid  216  is both a cover and a conduit for heat transfer. As such, a thermal interface material  212  may thermally join lid  216  and chip  202 . 
     Electronic package  224  may be connected to a system board  206  via interconnects  214 . System board  206  may be the main printed circuit board of electronic device  200  and includes electronic components, such as a graphics processing unit, memory, and the like, and provides connectors for other peripherals. Interconnects  214  electrically connect the lower side of carrier  208  to system board  206  and may be a wire bond, solder bond, stud, conductive ball, conductive button, and the like. Interconnects  214  may be larger and thus more robust than interconnects  222 . When electronic package  224  is seated upon system board  206  a second reflow process may be performed to join interconnects  214  to electrical contacts of both carrier  208  and system board  206 . 
     To increase the amount of heat removed from chip  202 , heat sink  230  is thermally joined to electronic package  224  via thermal interface material  218 . Heat sink  230  includes heat sink fins  234 ,  236 , and  238  separated by adjustable spacing. Though three heat sink fins  234 ,  236 , and  238  are depicted as included within heat sink  230 , additional heat sink fins may be included. Heat sink  230  also includes a base  232  and threaded rod  240 . Heat sink  230  may also include one or more posts  248 . Threaded rod  240  includes a knurl  242 , knurl  244 , and knurl  246 . Each knurl  242 , knurl  244 , and knurl  246  has a thread of differing thread pitch. 
     The spacing between fins  234 ,  236 , and  238  may be adjusted generally by rotating threaded rod  240 . In embodiments, the degree of threaded rod  240  rotation and result spacing of the heat sink fins may be adjusted based upon the current operating conditions of the electronic device  200  to maintain an optimal temperature of the chip  202  device  200  operation. 
     Heat sink  230  may be a passive heat exchanger that cools chip  202  by dissipating heat into the air surrounding fins  234 ,  236 , and  238 . As such, during operation of electronic device  200 , a thermal path exists from chip  202  to fins  234 ,  236 , and  238 . More specifically, heat may be transferred from chip  202 , to base  232 , to threaded rod  240  and to posts  248 , and to fins  234 ,  236 , and  238 . 
     Base  232  may be a solid slab that is generally larger in dimension than the underlying lid  216 . Base  232  may be fabricated from a material having a high coefficient of heat transfer such as a metal. In a particular embodiment base  232  may be fabricated from copper, aluminum, or the like. The lower surface of the base  232  may be thermally connected to lid  216  via thermal interface material  218 . In another embodiment, base  232  may include known heat transfer apparatus(es), such as one or more heat pipes, etc. Base  232  generally has a width dimension along the x-axis which is greater than a height dimension along the y-axis. 
     Posts  248  are generally fixed to base  232 . Posts  248  may be generally cynical and are generally parallel extending in the y-axis direction from the upper side of base  232 . Post  248  may be alignment pins to properly align fins  234 ,  236 , and  238  to base  232 . In such embodiments, posts  248  may engage with openings, through holes, and the like in associated locations of fins  234 ,  236 , and  238 . The openings may be approximately the same diameter than posts  248  so as to limit rotation of the fins  234 ,  236 , and  238  relative to base  232 . For example, the diameter of the openings may be about 2-4 millimeters larger than the diameter of posts  248 . Posts  248  may be fixed to base  238  by known fastening techniques such as soldering, screwing, and the like. In a particular implementation, there may be a particular post  248  at corresponding edges of base  232 . For example, if base  232  is an octagonal shape, there may be eight posts  248  at each base  232  vertex or edge, if base  232  is an square shape, there may be four posts  248  at each base  232  vertex or edge, etc. Posts  248  may have generally smooth vertical sidewalls to limit frictional forces that oppose movement of fins  234 ,  236 , and  238  against the post  248  vertical sidewalls. Therefore, posts  248  may be fabricated from a material that has a high coefficient of heat transfer that also may be polished to smooth its vertical sidewalls. For example, posts  248  may be fabricated from copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and the like. Posts have a height dimension along with y-axis which is greater than the vertical displacement of fin  238  relative to base  232 . In other words, when fin  238  is located in the maximum position away from base  232 , posts  248  may still be engaged with the openings in fin  238 . The posts  248  can be solid or hollow and may have heat pipes or vapor chambers embedded therewithin. 
     Threaded rod  240  includes knurl  242 , knurl  244 , and knurl  246 . Each knurl  242 , knurl  244 , and knurl  246  has a thread of differing thread pitch. Each knurl  242 , knurl  244 , and knurl  246  may be generally a metallic member that has a height greater than width with a threaded knurled outside surface. In an embodiment, each knurl may have an opening in the y-axis direction. In an embodiment, knurl  242 , knurl  244 , and knurl  246  interlock with its neighboring knurl, respectively, so that knurl  242 , knurl  244 , and knurl  246  rotate about axis  241  together. For example, if a rotating force about axis  241  is applied to knurl  246  or knurl  242 ; knurls  242 , knurl  244 , and knurl  246  rotate about axis  241 . The threaded rod  240 , generally, or one or more knurls  242 ,  244  and  246 , specifically, can be solid or hollow and may have heat pipes or vapor chambers embedded therewithin. 
     Each knurl  242 , knurl  244 , and knurl  246  engages with a respective fin  234 , fin  236 , or fin  238 . For example, fin  234  has a threaded opening with the same thread pitch as knurl  242  so that knurl  242  is able to engage with fin  234 , fin  236  has a threaded opening with the same thread pitch as knurl  244  so that knurl  244  is able to engage with fin  236 , and fin  238  has a threaded opening with the same thread pitch as knurl  246  so that knurl  246  is able to engage with fin  238 . In other words, the threads of knurl  242  engage with the treads of the threaded opening of fin  234 , the threads of knurl  244  engage with the treads of the threaded opening of fin  236 , and the threads of knurl  246  engage with the treads of the threaded opening of fin  238 . 
     Each knurl  242 , knurl  244 , and knurl  246  has a thread of differing thread pitch, and in a particular embodiment, the thread pitch of the knurls increase in proportion to the distance of the knurl away from base  232 . For example, knurl  242  has the smallest thread pitch since it is closest to base  232 , knurl  244  has a larger thread pitch since it is located further away from base  232 , and knurl  246  has the largest thread pitch since it is located furthest away from base  232 . This proportionality allows the fins to be displaced against their respective knurl with a dimension also proportional to the distance away from base  232 . For example, fin  238  is displaced against knurl  246  along axis  241  by the largest dimension, fin  236  is displaced against knurl  244  along axis  241  by a smaller dimension, and fin  234  may displaced against knurl  242  along axis  241  by the smallest dimension. In an embodiment, the height of threaded rod  240  from base  232  is less than the height of posts  248  from base  232 . 
     The term tread, and the like, means a helical ridge used to convert between rotational and linear movement. Therefore, the thread of the knurls is a helical ridge wrapped around the outer surface. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the fin  234 , fin  236 , and fin  238  are parallel with the top surface of base  232  and have approximately the same width in the x-dimension and z-dimension as base  232 . In other words the major surface (i.e. surface of largest area) of the fins is parallel to the major surface of base  232 . Though three fins  234 ,  236 , and  238  are shown more fins may be included within heat sink  230 . In some embodiments, more than one fin may be engaged with a particular knurl. In embodiments, references to particular knurls of threaded rod  240  may be references to particular portions of threaded rod  240 . 
       FIG. 3  depicts electronic device  200  including an electronic package and a heat sink  231  that includes heat sink fins separated by adjustable spacing. Electronic device  200  includes electronic package  224  which is cooled by heat sink  231 . 
     To increase the amount of heat removed from chip  202 , heat sink  231  is thermally joined to electronic package  224  via thermal interface material  218 . Heat sink  231  includes heat sink fins  234 A,  236 B,  238 C separated by adjustable spacing and heat sink fins  234 B,  236 B,  238 B separated by adjustable spacing. Heat sink  231  also includes a base  232 , riser  233 , threaded rod  240 A, and threaded rod  240 B. Heat sink  231  may also include one or more posts  248 A and one or more posts  248 B. Threaded rod  240 A includes a knurl  242 A, knurl  244 A, and knurl  246 A. Threaded rod  240 B includes a knurl  242 B, knurl  244 B, and knurl  246 B. Each knurl  242 A, knurl  244 A, and knurl  246 A has a thread of differing thread pitch. Likewise, each knurl  242 B, knurl  244 B, and knurl  246 B has a thread of differing thread pitch. Knurl  242 A and  242 B may have the same thread pitch, knurl  244 A and  244 B may have the same thread pitch, and knurl  246 A and  246 B may have the same thread pitch. Knurl  242 A and  242 B may have oppositely orientated thread pitches, knurl  244 A and  244 B may have oppositely orientated thread pitches, and knurl  246 A and  246 B may have oppositely orientated thread pitches. 
     The spacing between fins  234 A,  236 A, and  238 A may be adjusted generally by rotating threaded rod  240 A. The spacing between fins  234 B,  236 B, and  238 B may be adjusted generally by rotating threaded rod  240 B. In embodiments, the degree of threaded rod  240 A and/or threaded rod  240 B rotation and result spacing of the heat sink fins may be adjusted based upon the current operating conditions of the electronic device  200  to maintain an optimal temperature of the chip  202  device  200  operation. In some embodiments, threaded rod  240 A may rotate independently from threaded rod  240 B. In other embodiments, threaded rod  240 A and threaded rod  240 B are joined and, therefore, rotate together. 
     Heat sink  231  may be a passive heat exchanger that cools chip  202  by dissipating heat into the air surrounding fins  234 A,  236 A,  238 A,  234 B,  236 B, and  238 B. As such, during operation of electronic device  200 , a thermal path exists from chip  202  to fins  234 A,  236 A,  238 A,  234 B,  236 B, and  238 B. More specifically, heat may be transferred from chip  202 ; to base  232 ; to riser  233 ; to threaded rod  240 A, to threaded rod  240 B, to posts  248 A and posts  248 B; and to fins  234 A,  236 A,  238 A,  234 B,  236 B, and  238 B. 
     Riser  233  may be a solid slab that is generally larger in height dimension in the y-axis than width in the x-axis. Riser  233  may be fabricated from a material having a high coefficient of heat transfer such as a metal. In a particular embodiment riser  233  may be fabricated from copper, aluminum, or the like. The lower surface of the riser  233  may be thermally connected to base  232  either directly or via a thermal interface material. In another embodiment, riser  233  may include known heat transfer apparatus(es), such as one or more heat pipes, etc. 
     Posts  248 A are generally fixed to the left vertical surface of riser  233 . Posts  248 B are generally fixed to the right vertical surface of riser  233 . In embodiments, respective posts  248 A and posts  248 B are a single post  248 , interconnected, etc. Posts  248 A and posts  248 B may be generally cynical and are generally parallel extending in the x-axis direction from sides of riser  233 . Post  248 A and posts  248 B may be alignment pins to properly align fins  234 A,  236 A,  238 A,  234 B,  236 B, and  238 B, respectively. In such embodiments, posts  248 A and posts  248 B may engage with openings, through holes, and the like in associated locations of fins  234 A,  236 A,  238 A,  234 B,  236 B, and  238 B, respectively. The openings may be approximately the same diameter as posts  248 A or posts  248 B so as to limit rotation of the fins  234 A,  236 A,  238 A,  234 B,  236 B, and  238 B about axis  243 , respectively. For example, the diameter of the openings may be about 2-4 millimeters larger than the diameter of posts  248 A and posts  248 B. 
     Posts  248 A and posts  248 B may be fixed to riser  233  by known fastening techniques such as soldering, screwing, and the like. In a particular implementation, there may be a particular post  248 A and/or post  248 B at corresponding edges of riser  233 . For example, if riser  233  is a rectangular shape, there may be four posts  248 A at each riser  233  vertex or edge extending from the left side of riser  233  and there may be four posts  248 B at each riser  233  vertex or edge extending from the right side of riser  232 . Posts  248 A and posts  248 B may have generally smooth vertical sidewalls to limit frictional forces that oppose movement of  234 A,  236 A,  238 A,  234 B,  236 B, and  238 B against the post  248 A or post  248 B vertical sidewalls, respectively. Therefore, posts  248 A and posts  248 B may be fabricated from a material that has a high coefficient of heat transfer that also may be polished to smooth its vertical sidewalls. For example, posts  248 A and posts  248 B may be fabricated from copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and the like. Posts  248 A and posts  248 B have a width dimension along with x-axis which is greater than the vertical displacement of fin  238 A or fin  238 B, respectively, relative to riser  233 . In other words, when fin  238 A is located in the maximum position away from riser  233 , posts  248 A may still be engaged with the openings in fin  238 A and when fin  238 B is located in the maximum position away from riser  233 , posts  248 B may still be engaged with the openings in fin  238 B. The posts  248 A and  248 B may be solid or hollow and may have heat pipes or vapor chambers embedded therewithin. 
     Threaded rod  240 A includes knurl  242 A, knurl  244 A, and knurl  246 A. Each knurl  242 A, knurl  244 A, and knurl  246 A has a thread of differing thread pitch. Each knurl  242 A, knurl  244 A, and knurl  246 A may be generally a metallic member that has a width in the x-axis greater than height in the y-axis with a threaded knurled outside surface. In an embodiment, each knurl  242 A, knurl  244 A, and knurl  246 A may have an opening in the x-axis direction. In an embodiment, knurl  242 A, knurl  244 A, and knurl  246 A interlock with its neighboring knurl, respectively, so that knurl  242 A, knurl  244 A, and knurl  246 A rotate about axis  243  together. For example, if a rotating force about axis  243  is applied to knurl  246 A or knurl  242 A; knurls  242 A, knurl  244 A, and knurl  246 A rotate about axis  243 . 
     Threaded rod  240 B includes knurl  242 B, knurl  244 B, and knurl  246 B. Each knurl  242 B, knurl  244 B, and knurl  246 B has a thread of differing thread pitch. Each knurl  242 B, knurl  244 B, and knurl  246 B may be generally a metallic member that has a width in the x-axis greater than height in the y-axis with a threaded knurled outside surface. In an embodiment, each knurl  242 B, knurl  244 B, and knurl  246 B may have an opening in the x-axis direction. In an embodiment, knurl  242 B, knurl  244 B, and knurl  246 B interlock with its neighboring knurl, respectively, so that knurl  242 B, knurl  244 B, and knurl  246 B rotate about axis  243  together. For example, if a rotating force about axis  243  is applied to knurl  246 B or knurl  242 B; knurls  242 B, knurl  244 B, and knurl  246 B rotate about axis  243 . The threaded rods  240  A,  240 B, generally, or one or more knurls  242 A,  242 B,  244 A,  244 B and  246 A,  246 B, specifically, can be solid or hollow and may have heat pipes or vapor chambers embedded therewithin. 
     Each knurl  242 A, knurl  244 A, and knurl  246 A engages with a respective fin  234 A, fin  236 A, or fin  238 A. For example, fin  234 A has a threaded opening with the same thread pitch as knurl  242 A so that knurl  242 A is able to engage with fin  234 A, fin  236 A has a threaded opening with the same thread pitch as knurl  244 A so that knurl  244 A is able to engage with fin  236 A, and fin  238 A has a threaded opening with the same thread pitch as knurl  246 A so that knurl  246 A is able to engage with fin  238 A. In other words, the threads of knurl  242 A engage with the treads of the threaded opening of fin  234 A, the threads of knurl  244 A engage with the treads of the threaded opening of fin  236 A, and the threads of knurl  246 A engage with the treads of the threaded opening of fin  238 A. 
     Each knurl  242 B, knurl  244 B, and knurl  246 B engages with a respective fin  234 B, fin  236 B, or fin  238 B. For example, fin  234 B has a threaded opening with the same thread pitch as knurl  242 B so that knurl  242 B is able to engage with fin  234 B, fin  236 B has a threaded opening with the same thread pitch as knurl  244 B so that knurl  244 B is able to engage with fin  236 B, and fin  238 B has a threaded opening with the same thread pitch as knurl  246 B so that knurl  246 B is able to engage with fin  238 B. In other words, the threads of knurl  242 B engage with the treads of the threaded opening of fin  234 B, the threads of knurl  244 B engage with the treads of the threaded opening of fin  236 B, and the threads of knurl  246 B engage with the treads of the threaded opening of fin  238 B. 
     Each knurl  242 A, knurl  244 A, and knurl  246 A has a thread of differing thread pitch, and in a particular embodiment, the thread pitch of  242 A, knurl  244 A, and knurl  246 A increase in proportion to the distance of the knurl away from riser  233  along the x-axis. For example, knurl  242 A has the smallest thread pitch since it is closest to riser  233 , knurl  244 A has a larger thread pitch since it is located further away from riser  233 , and knurl  246 A has the largest thread pitch since it is located furthest away from riser  233 . This proportionality allows the fins  234 A,  236 A, and  238 A to be displaced against their respective knurl with a dimension also proportional to the distance away from riser  233 . For example, fin  238 A is displaced against knurl  246 A along axis  243  by the largest dimension, fin  236 A is displaced against knurl  244 A along axis  243  by a smaller dimension, and fin  234 A is displaced against knurl  242 A along axis  243  by the smallest dimension. In an embodiment, the height of threaded rod  240 A from riser  233  is less than the height of posts  248 A from riser  233 . 
     Likewise, each knurl  242 B, knurl  244 B, and knurl  246 B has a thread of differing thread pitch, and in a particular embodiment, the thread pitch of  242 B, knurl  244 B, and knurl  246 B increase in proportion to the distance of the knurl away from riser  233  along the x-axis. For example, knurl  242 B has the smallest thread pitch since it is closest to riser  233 , knurl  244 B has a larger thread pitch since it is located further away from riser  233 , and knurl  246 B has the largest thread pitch since it is located furthest away from riser  233 . This proportionality allows the fins  234 B,  236 B, and  238 B to be displaced against their respective knurl with a dimension also proportional to the distance away from riser  233 . For example, fin  238 B is displaced against knurl  246 B along axis  243  by the largest dimension, fin  236 B is displaced against knurl  244 B along axis  243  by a smaller dimension, and fin  234 B is displaced against knurl  242 B along axis  243  by the smallest dimension. In an embodiment, the height of threaded rod  240 B from riser  233  is less than the height of posts  248 B from riser  233 . 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , the fins are perpendicular with the top surface of base  232  and have approximately the same width in z-dimension as base  232 . In other words the major surface of the fins is perpendicular to the major surface of base  232 . Though six fins are shown, more fins may be included within heat sink  231 . In some embodiments, more than one fin may be engaged with a particular knurl. In embodiments, references to particular knurls of threaded rod  240 A and threaded rod  240 B may be references to particular portions of threaded rod  240 A and threaded rod  240 B, respectively. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a heat sink fin  250  for use in a heat sink that includes heat sink fins separated by adjustable spacing, according to embodiments of the present invention. Heat sink fin  250  is designated herein as a generic or exemplary fin  234 ,  236 ,  238 ,  234 A,  236 A,  238 A,  234 B,  236 B, and/or  238 B. Heat sink fin  250  may be a solid block fabricated of a material having a high degree of thermal conductivity (i.e. copper, aluminum, etc.). In other embodiments, additional heat transfer devices may be included within the fin  250  between the top major surfaces of the fin  250  and the bottom major surface of the fin  250 . The fin  250  includes locating openings  252  and threaded opening  254 . Locating openings  252  are configured to accept posts  248 ,  248 A, or  248 B. Locating openings  252  may be located at the edges or vertices of fin  250 . The diameter of openings is approximately the same (e.g. 2-4 mm larger) as the diameter of posts  248 ,  248 A, or  248 B. When posts  248 ,  248 A, or  248 B are engaged within openings  252 , posts  248 ,  248 A, or  248 B rotation of fin in relation to base  232  or riser  233  is prevented, respectively. The inner surfaces of openings  252  may be smoothed to reduce frictional forces between the fin  250  and posts  248 ,  248 A, or  248 B so as to promote the ability of fin  250  to move along axis  242 ,  243  against posts  248 ,  248 A, or  248 B, respectively. 
     Threaded opening  256  generally engages with a particular knurl such that threaded opening  256  has the appropriate dimension and thread pitch to allow the threads of opening  256  to engage with the threads of the particular knurl. Threaded opening  256  may be centrally located upon the major surfaces of fin  250 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts threaded knurls  258 A and  258 B for use in a heat sink that includes heat sink fins separated by adjustable spacing, according to embodiments of the present invention. Threaded knurls  258 A and  258 B are designated herein as generic or exemplary knurls  242 ,  244 ,  246 ,  242 A,  244 A,  246 A,  242 B,  244 B,  246 B. Knurl  258 A includes a thread  259 A (not depicted) upon the major outer surface thereof. On a first surface (upper or lower) knurl  258 A includes one or more protrusions  260 A extending therefrom. Knurl  258 A may also include a central opening  262 A extending from the upper surface to the lower surface that form an internal surface thereto. In some embodiments, one or more features of the internal surface may engage with a motor or other rotation device to rotate the knurl  258 A. On a second opposing surface (lower or upper) to the first surface, knurl  258 A includes one or more receptacles  260 A extending inward therefrom. Receptacles  260 A generally receive protrusions  260 B of a neighboring knurl  258 B such that knurl  258 A and knurl  258 B rotate together about central axis  265 . 
     Similarly, knurl  258 B includes a thread  259 B (not depicted) upon the major outer surface thereof. On a first surface (upper or lower) knurl  258 B includes one or more protrusions  260 B extending therefrom. Knurl  258 B may also include a central opening  262 B extending from the upper surface to the lower surface that form an internal surface thereto. In some embodiments, one or more features of the internal surface may engage with a motor or other rotation device to rotate the knurl  258 B. On a second opposing surface (lower or upper) to the first surface, knurl  258 B includes one or more receptacles  260 B extending inward therefrom. Receptacles  260 B generally receive protrusions of a neighboring knurl such that knurl  258 B and the neighboring knurl (if present) rotate together about central axis  265 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts heat sink fin  250  engaged with threaded knurl  258  (i.e.  258 A or  258 B) for use in a heat sink that includes heat sink fins separated by adjustable spacing, according to embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, knurl  258  may be engaged with fin  250  to form a heat sink fin assembly. The knurl  258  may be engaged to the fin  250  such that the threads of knurl  258  engage with the threads of the threaded opening of fin  250  so that fin  250  is located with respect to the knurl  258  at a reference location. The reference location may be the middle of the knurl  258  (i.e. the central plan between the top and bottom surfaces there). 
       FIG. 7  depicts heat sink  230  or  231  that includes heat sink fins  250 A- 250 C separated by adjustable spacing, according to embodiments of the present invention. Heat sink fins  250 A- 250 C are distinct instances of heat sink fin  250 . Likewise, knurls  258 A- 258 C are distinct instances of threaded knurl  258 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7 , a motor or other rotation device, herein referred to as motor  274  is connected to knurl  258 C furthest away from base  232  or riser  233 . Motor  274  may be connected to one or more features on the internal surface of knurl  258 C. On the opposing side of threaded rod, which includes knurls  258 A- 258 C, there may be a bearing  270  that allows knurl  258 A to rotate against base  232  or riser  233  about axis  265 . In another embodiment, the threaded rod may extend into a threaded opening of the heat sink base  232  or riser  233  to receive the threaded rod. In this embodiment, to prevent the threaded rod from disengaging from the heat sink base  232  or riser  233 , a motion limit feature may be included upon the threaded rod to limit the rotation of the threaded rod such that the threaded rod does not disengage from the heat sink base  232  or riser  233 . Motor  274  may also be connected to a plate  272  that is connected to heat sink  230  or  231  by posts  248 . Plate  272  may have the same major surface dimensions compared to fin  250 . The motor  272  may be electrically connected via a wired connection or wireless connection to a controller generally located upon system board  206 . In a particular embodiment, motor  272  may be electrically connected to chip  202 . In embodiments, each fin  250  may be associated with a temperature sensor  276 , such as a thermocouple. For example, a temperature sensor  276 A may be attached to the major surface of heat sink fin  250 A, a temperature sensor  276 B may be attached to the major surface of heat sink fin  250 B, and a temperature sensor  276 C may be attached to the major surface of heat sink fin  250 C. Each temperature sensor may be generally located upon the respective fin at an equal dimension away from axis  265 . Each temperature sensor  276  generally measures the temperature of its associated fin. Each temperature sensor  276  may also be electrically connected to the controller. In another embodiment, rather than one or more temperature sensors being mounted to and measuring the temperature of one or more heat sink fins, one or more temperature sensors may be located upon or within and measure the temperature of chip  202 . In an embodiment, the direction and degree of rotation about axis  265  of motor  274  and resultantly upon knurl  258 C is determined by the controller utilizing each respective temperature of the temperature sensors. 
       FIG. 8  depicts heat sink  230  or  231  that includes heat sink fins  250 A- 250 C separated by adjustable spacing, according to embodiments of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, each threaded knurls  258 A- 258 C are distinct instances of threaded knurl  258  and are individually rotatable by an associated motor  274 A,  274 B, and  274 C. Because each threaded knurl  258 A- 258 C may be individually rotated, in the present embodiment, knurls  258 A- 258 C need not have differing thread pitches. Motor  274 A may be connected to one or more features on the internal surface of knurl  258 A, motor  274 AB may be connected to one or more features on the internal surface of knurl  258 B, and motor  274 C may be connected to one or more features on the internal surface of knurl  258 C. 
     Because each threaded knurl  258 A- 258 C may be individually rotated, in the present embodiment, a bearing  270  may separate neighboring knurl  258 A- 258 C to allow the knurls to independently rotate against one another about axis  265 . A bearing  270  may also separate knurl  258 A and base  232  or riser  233 . Further, a bearing  270  may also separate knurl  258 C and plate  272 . Each motor  274 A- 274 C may be electrically connected via a wired connection or wireless connection to a controller generally located upon system board  206 . In a particular embodiment, each motor  274 A- 274 C is electrically connected to chip  202 . In an embodiment, the degree of rotation about axis  265  of each individual motor  274 A- 274 C and resultantly upon the associated knurl  258 A- 258 C is determined by the controller utilizing the respective temperature of the associated temperature sensor  276 A- 276 C upon each respective sink fin  250 A- 250 C. For example, the temperate detected by sensor  276 A is utilized as an input by the controller to determine the direction and degree that motor  274 A independently rotates knurl  258 A about axis  265 . 
       FIG. 9  depicts heat sink  230  or  231  that includes heat sink fins  250 A- 250 C separated by adjustable spacing, according to embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9 , motor  274  is connected to base  232  or riser  233  and is connected to knurl  258 A nearest to base  232  or riser  233  and together rotates knurls  258 A,  258 B, and  258 C. Further,  FIG. 9  depicts the movement of fins  250  or the adjustment of the spacing between fins  250  subsequent to motor  274  rotating the knurls about axis  265  in a counterclockwise direction. 
     When the knurls  258 A,  258 B, and  258 C are rotated in the counterclockwise direction the threads of the knurls interact with the threads of the engaged threaded opening  256  of the respective fin  250  to convert the rotation of the knurls  258 A,  258 B, and  258 C about axis  265  to linear movement toward base  232  or riser  233 . The amount of displacement toward base  232  or riser  233  of each fin  250  is variable due to the differing thread pitches of each knurl  258 A,  258 B, and  258 C. Therefore, fin  250 C is displaced toward base  232  or riser  233  against knurl  258 C by the greatest dimension, fin  250 B is displaced toward base  232  or riser  233  against knurl  258 B by less of a dimension, and fin  250 A is displaced toward base  232  or riser  233  against knurl  258 A by the smallest dimension. In a particular embodiment, the thread pitches of knurls  258 A,  258 B, and  258 C are chosen to result in a first spacing between fin  250 A and  250 B and a second spacing between fin  250 B and fin  250 C to be constant irrespective of the degree of rotation of the knurls about axis  265 . Throughout and subsequent to motor  274  rotating the knurls about axis  265  in a counterclockwise direction, the major surfaces of fins  250  remain parallel to base  232  or riser  233 . 
       FIG. 10  depicts heat sink  230  or  231  that includes heat sink fins  250 A- 250 C separated by adjustable spacing, according to embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 10 , motor  274  is connected to base  232  or riser  233  and is connected to knurl  258 A nearest to base  232  or riser  233  and together rotates knurls  258 A,  258 B, and  258 C. Further,  FIG. 10  depicts the movement of fins  250  or the adjustment of the spacing between fins  250  subsequent to motor  274  rotating the knurls about axis  265  in a clockwise direction. 
     When the knurls  258 A,  258 B, and  258 C are rotated in the clockwise direction the threads of the knurls interact with the threads of the engaged threaded opening  256 B of the respective fin  250  to convert the rotation of the knurls  258 A,  258 B, and  258 C about axis  265  to linear movement away from base  232  or riser  233 . The amount of displacement away from base  232  or riser  233  of each fin  250  is variable due to the differing thread pitches of each knurl  258 A,  258 B, and  258 C. Therefore, fin  250 C is displaced away from base  232  or riser  233  against knurl  258 C by the greatest dimension, fin  250 B is displaced away from base  232  or riser  233  against knurl  258 B by less of a dimension, and fin  250 A is displaced away from base  232  or riser  233  against knurl  258 A by the smallest dimension. Throughout and subsequent to motor  274  rotating the knurls about axis  265  in the clockwise direction, the major surfaces of fins  250  remain parallel to base  232  or riser  233 . 
       FIG. 11  depicts a block diagram of an electronic device  300  for dynamically adjusting heat sink fin spacing, according to embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated that  FIG. 11  provides only an illustration of one implementation of electronic device  300  that utilizes a heat sink  230  or  231  with adjustable fins. 
     Electronic device  300  includes communications bus  312 , which provides communications between controller  302 , memory  304 , persistent storage  310 , communications unit  316 , and input/output (I/O) interface(s)  314 . Controller  302  is a tangible processing device such as chip  202 , a field programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. Controller  302  determines the degree of rotation of motor  274  so as to adjust the spacing between heat sink fins of heat sink  230  or  231 . Controller  302  may call program instructions stored in memory  304  along with one or more inputs from temperature sensors to determine the degree of rotation of motor  274  so as to adjust the spacing between heat sink fins of heat sink  230  or  231 . The temperature sensors can be the temperature sensors mounted on the fins or temperature sensors upon or within the chip  202 , such as a digital or other on-chip temperature sensor. 
     Memory  304  may be, for example, one or more random access memories (RAM)  306 , cache memory  308 , or any other suitable non-volatile or volatile storage device. Persistent storage  310  can include one or more of flash memory, magnetic disk storage device of an internal hard drive, a solid state drive, a semiconductor storage device, read-only memory (ROM), EPROM, or any other computer-readable tangible storage device that is capable of storing program instructions or digital information. 
     The media used by persistent storage  310  may also be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage  310 . Other examples include an optical or magnetic disk that is inserted into a drive for transfer onto another storage device that is also a part of persistent storage  310 , or other removable storage devices such as a thumb drive or smart card. 
     Communications unit  316  provides for communications with other electronic devices. Communications unit  316  includes one or more network interfaces. Communications unit  316  may provide communications through the use of either or both physical and wireless communications links. In other embodiments, electronic device  300  may be devoid of communications unit  316 . Software may be downloaded to persistent storage  310  through communications unit  316 . 
     I/O interface(s)  314  allows for input and output of data with other devices that may be connected to electronic device  300 , such as motor  274  and temperature sensors  276 . I/O  314  interface may further provide a connection to other external devices such as a camera, mouse, keyboard, keypad, touch screen, and/or some other suitable input device. I/O interface(s)  314  may also connect to display  318 . 
     Display  318  provides a mechanism to display data to a user and may be, for example, a computer monitor. Alternatively, display  318  may be integral to electronic device  300  and may also function as a touch screen. 
       FIG. 12  depicts a method  400  of installing a heat sink  230  or  231  that includes heat sink fins  250  separated by adjustable spacing, according to embodiments of the present invention. Method  400  may be exemplarily utilized by a device  300  fabricator, by an assembler of that attaches the heat sink  230  or  231  into device  300 , etc. Method  400  beings at block  402  and continues with engaging a first fin  250 A with a first threaded knurl  258 A that has a first thread pitch (block  404 ). For example the threaded knurl  258 A is screwed, rotated, or the like into threaded opening  256  of fin  250 A, such that the treads of threaded knurl  258 A interact with the treads of threaded opening  256  of fin  250 A. In this manner, a first heat sink fin assembly comprising the first fin  250 A and the threaded knurl  258 A is formed. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor  276 A may also be attached to the fin  250 A. 
     Method  400  may continue with engaging a second fin  250 B with a second threaded knurl  258 B that has a second thread pitch (block  406 ). For example the threaded knurl  258 B is screwed, rotated, or the like into threaded opening  256  of fin  250 B, such that the treads of threaded knurl  258 B interact with the treads of threaded opening  256  of fin  250 B. In this manner, a second heat sink fin assembly comprising the first fin  250 B and the threaded knurl  258 B is formed. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor  276 B may also be attached to the fin  250 B. 
     Method  400  may continue with engaging the first fin  250 A with the heat sink so as to fix the rotation of the first fin  250 A with respect to the heat sink base  232  or riser  233  (block  408 ). For example, the first heat sink fin assembly is engaged with the heat sink base  232  or riser  233  by positioning posts  248  within openings  252  of heat sink fin  250 A such that the posts  248  fix the rotation of the heat sink fin  250 A relative to the heat sink base  232  or riser  233 . 
     Method  400  may continue with engaging the second fin  250 B with the heat sink so as to fix the rotation of the second fin  250 B with respect to the heat sink base  232  or riser  233  (block  410 ). For example, the second heat sink fin assembly is engaged with the heat sink base  232  or riser  233  by positioning posts  248  within openings  252  of heat sink fin  250 B such that the posts  248  fix the rotation of the heat sink fin  250 B relative to the heat sink base  232  or riser  233 . 
     Method  400  may continue with connecting the first threaded knurl  258 A with the second threaded knurl  258 B so that the first threaded knurl  258 A and the second threaded knurl  258 B rotate together about axis  265  which is orthogonal to the major surfaces of heat sink fin  250 A and heat sink fin  250 B (block  412 ). For example, second threaded knurl  258 B is connected to first threaded knurl  258 A such that receptacles  260 A of first threaded knurl  258 A receive protrusions  260 B of knurl  258 B. 
     Method  400  may continue with connecting the first threaded knurl or the second threaded knurl  258 B with motor  274  that rotates the first threaded knurl and the second threaded knurl  258 B together about axis  265  (block  414 ). For example, one or more features of the internal surface of knurl  258 A or  258 B connects with motor  274 . In some embodiments, the motor  270  and temperature sensors  276 A and  276 B are electrically connected to controller  302 . Method  400  ends at block  416 . 
       FIG. 13  depicts a method  415  of adjusting heat sink fin spacing, according to embodiments of the present invention. Method  415  may be exemplary utilized by a device  300  fabricator, by an assembler that attaches the heat sink  230  or  231  into device  300 , etc. and rotates the threaded rod according to a predetermined configuration of the device  300 . The rotation of the threaded rod may be provided by an electronic device such as motor  274 , by a technician using a tool that engages with the treaded rod, or the like, during heat sink  230 ,  231  installation, device  300  serving, etc. 
     Method  415  begins at block  417  and continues with rotating the first threaded knurl  258 A and the second threaded knurl  258 B together about axis  265  which is orthogonal to the major surfaces of the first heat sink fin  250 A and the second heat sink fin  250 B (block  418 ). 
     Method  415  may continue with displacing the first fin  250 A against the first threaded knurl  258 A by a first dimension along axis  265  (block  420 ). For example, the knurls may be rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction such that the threads of the knurl  258 A interact with the threads of the threaded opening  256  of fin  250 A to convert the rotation of the knurls about axis  265  to liner movement toward or away from base  232  or riser  233  along axis  265 . In a particular embodiment, the distance or dimension of relative movement between the fin  250 A against the first threaded knurl  258 A along axis  265  is proportional to the thread pitch of the first threaded knurl  258 A (block  422 ). For example, if the thread pitch of the first threaded knurl  258 A is small, the distance the fin  250 A moves against the first threaded knurl  258 A is small. 
     Method  415  may continue with displacing the second fin  250 B against the second threaded knurl  258 B by a second dimension along axis  265  (block  424 ). For example, the knurls may be rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction such that the threads of the knurl  258 B interact with the threads of the threaded opening  256  of fin  250 B to convert the rotation of the knurls about axis  265  to liner movement toward or away from base  232  or riser  233  along axis  265 . In a particular embodiment, the distance or dimension of relative movement between the fin  250 B against the threaded knurl  258 B along axis  265  is proportional to the tread pitch of the threaded knurl  258 B (block  426 ). For example, if the thread pitch of the threaded knurl  258 B is larger than the thread pitch of knurl  258 A, the distance the fin  250 B moves against the threaded knurl  258 B is larger than the distance the fin  250 A moves against the threaded knurl  258 A. Method  415  ends at block  428 . 
       FIG. 14  depicts a method  550  of dynamically adjusting heat sink fin spacing, according to embodiments of the present invention. Method  550  begins at block  552  and continues with controller  302  receiving a sensed temperature of a first temperature sensor upon a first fin  250 A that is engaged with a first threaded knurl  258 A or within chip  202  that has a first thread pitch (block  554 ). In another embodiment, controller  302  receives a sensed temperature of a temperature sensor within chip  202 . 
     Method  550  may continue with controller  302  receiving a sensed temperature of a second temperature sensor  276 B upon a second fin  250 B that is engaged with a second threaded knurl  258 B that has a second thread pitch (block  556 ). 
     Method  550  may continue with controller  302  comparing the sensed temperature of the first temperature sensor  276 A with a first predetermined temperature and comparing the sensed temperature of the second temperature sensor  276 B with a second predetermined temperature (block  558 ). The first predetermined temperature may be defined as the expected temperature of the first fin  250 A as a result of the chip  202  operating under normal conditions. Likewise, the second predetermined temperature may be defined as the expected temperature of the second fin  250 B as a result of the chip  202  operating under normal conditions. Normal operating conditions are the conditions, such as ambient conditions, input voltage, and output current, which are required for the proper functioning of chip  202 . In another embodiment, controller  302  compares the sensed temperature of the temperature sensor within chip  202  with a third predetermined temperature. The third predetermined temperature may be defined as the expected temperature of the chip  202  operating under normal conditions. 
     Method  550  may continue with rotating the first threaded knurl  258 A and the second threaded knurl  258  to adjust the spacing of the first fin  250 A and the second fin  250 B relative to base  232  or riser  233  if the sensed temperature of the first temperature sensor  276 A differs from the first predetermined temperature by a threshold amount and/or if the sensed temperature of the second temperature sensor  276 B differs from the second predetermined temperature by the threshold amount (block  560 ). For example, if the threshold amount is ten degrees, knurl  258 A is rotated in a first direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) if the sensed temperature of the first temperature sensor  276 A is greater than the first predetermined temperature by ten degrees or more and the knurl  258 A is rotated in a second opposite direction if the sensed temperature of the first temperature sensor  276 A is less than the first predetermined temperature by ten degrees or more. In another embodiment, the first threaded knurl  258 A and the second threaded knurl  258  are rotated to adjust the spacing of the first fin  250 A and the second fin  250 B relative to base  232  or riser  233  if the sensed temperature of the temperature sensor within chip  202  differs from the third predetermined temperature by a predetermined threshold amount. 
     Embodiments of the present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computer program product. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention. The computer readable storage medium is a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire. 
     Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device. 
     Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user&#39;s computer, partly on the user&#39;s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user&#39;s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user&#39;s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention. 
     Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions. These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The flowcharts and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate exemplary architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
     The accompanying figures and this description depicted and described embodiments of the present invention, and features and components thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any particular program nomenclature used in this description was merely for convenience, and thus the invention should not be limited to use solely in any specific application identified and/or implied by such nomenclature. 
     The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiment, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. 
     References herein to terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, and the like, are made by way of example, and not by way of limitation, to establish a frame of reference. The term “horizontal” as used herein is defined as a plane parallel to the conventional plane or surface of the carrier  208 , regardless of the actual spatial orientation of the carrier  208 . The term “vertical” refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal, as just defined. Terms, such as “on”, “above”, “below”, “side” (as in “sidewall”), “higher”, “lower”, “over”, “beneath” and “under”, are defined with respect to the horizontal plane. It is understood that various other frames of reference may be employed for describing the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.