Patent ID: 12255117

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Heatsink performance is improved when turbulent flow occurs between the fins when the fluid flows at the predefined rate. To induce turbulent flow, the planar fins of the heat sink include a set of turbulent structures. The turbulent structures extend from a first planar surface of the fin, e.g., a first side of the fin. Each turbulent structure in the first set of turbulent structures defines a longitudinal axis and has a first edge that is parallel to the longitudinal axis and connected to the first planar surface. Each turbulent structure also has a second edge opposite the first edge and in free space. The second edge defines a periphery that varies in distance from the first edge along the length of the longitudinal axis. For example, the periphery can be saw tooth shaped, straight tooth shaped, or even curved. The periphery of each second edge is further shaped such that turbulent flow of a fluid is induced in the fluid flowing over the second edge at at least a predefined flow rate.

Turbulent structures can also be attached to the other side of the heatsink fin and offset from the structures on the first side of the heatsink fin. In this configuration, the turbulent structures extend into the space between heatsinks from both heatsink surfaces. With higher turbulence, the heat sink realizes a higher heat transfer coefficient h that would otherwise be realized with smooth fins. This leads to better convection cooling capabilities. Thus, the principle of this design is to add turbulence enhancement features on the heatsink fins to increase heat transfer coefficient.

These features and additional features are described in more detail below.

FIG.1is a diagram of an example heat sink100with planar fins110that include turbulent structures132. The heat sink100includes a base102defining a first side104having a base planar surface, and a second side106opposite the first side104. A set of planar fins110(e.g.,110-1. . . . N) extend from the base planar surface in parallel disposition relative to each other. Each planar fin110includes a bottom fin edge112coupled to the base planar surface and running parallel to a longitudinal axis111of the planar fin110. Each planar fin110also is defined by a top fin edge114that is opposite the bottom fin edge112and running parallel to the longitudinal axis111of the planar fin, and is further defined by a leading fin edge116extending from the bottom fin edge112edge to the top fin edge114, and a trailing fin edge118opposite the leading fin edge114and extending from the bottom fin edge112to the top fin edge114.

FIG.2is top view of the planar fins110with turbulent structures132. Each fin110defines a fin body120extending from the bottom fin edge112to the top fin edge114and having a first side122defining a first planar surface and second side124opposite the first side defining a second planar surface. To avoid congestion in the drawings, like elements for all fins110are not labeled.

In some implementations, except for exterior fins110-1and110-N, each planar fin110includes a first set of turbulent structures132-1extending from the first planar surface122, and a second set of turbulent structures132-2extending from the second planar surface124. Exterior fin110-1, however, includes only a first set of turbulent structures132-1on the first planar surface122. Conversely, exterior fin110-N includes only a second set of turbulent structures132-2on the second planar surface124. In other implementations, exterior fins110-1and110-N have turbulent structures132on both of their respective first planar surface122and second planar surface124.

The turbulent structures132are uniformly spaced apart, and each respective set132-1and132-2are offset from each other so as to not overly reduce airflow that would otherwise result if the sets132-1and132-2were not offset.

FIG.3is a side perspective of a turbulent structure132. Each turbulent structure132defines longitudinal axis140and having a first edge142that is parallel to the longitudinal axis140. The first edge142is connected to the planar surface122or124. In some implementations, the turbulent structures132are connected at an acute angle A, as shown inFIG.2. The turbulent structure132includes a second edge144opposite the first edge142. The second edge, as shown inFIG.2, is in free space such that air may flow over the second edge144. The second edge144defines a periphery145(a second edge of which is shown in phantom and offset inFIG.2) that varies in distance from the first edge142along the length of the longitudinal axis140. The periphery145of each second edge144is further shaped such that turbulent flow of a fluid is induced in the fluid flowing over the second edge144at at least a predefined flow rate, e.g., at a flow rate induced by a fan101. As shown inFIG.3, the periphery145varies linearly in distance from the first edge142from a maximum distance of H to a minimum distance of h, with the relative maximum and minimum spaced apart by a distance d. The values of A, H, h and d can be varied to achieve different heat transfer coefficients. Such heat transfer coefficients can be measured empirically, for example.

The triangular shape ofFIG.3is but one example of a periphery that can be used. For example, as shown inFIG.5, a turbulent structure202with a curved periphery pattern204can be used. Other periphery patterns can also be used, such as a saw-tooth pattern, a straight tooth pattern, or still other patterns.

In some implementations, the second edge144has a uniform cross section. In other implementations, however, each second edge144may include terminal nubs146to further increase turbulent flow. As shown inFIG.4, the terminal nub146is pyramidal in shape; however, a variety of other shapes can be used.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system modules and components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

Particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. As one example, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.