Flexible graphite thermal management devices

Abstract

The invention provides to thermal management devices constructed from flexible graphite. In one embodiment, the thermal management device includes a wick structure (16) inside a shell (14). In certain preferred embodiments, the wick structure is composed of a mass of expanded graphite. In another embodiment, the shell of the device includes flexible graphite and an optional wick structure. In certain preferred embodiments, the flexible graphite shell is fluid impermeable. The invention further includes methods of making the aforementioned thermal management devices.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to thermal management devices, and more particularly to such devices containing flexible graphite and methods of making such devices. Background technique [0002] Thermal management devices, such as heat pipes, are well known devices in the art of heat transfer. A heat pipe is basically a heat transfer closed system in which a small amount of liquid in a sealed and evacuated cavity is circulated through evaporation and condensation cycles. Heat entering the cavity at a location on the housing evaporates the liquid at that location, producing vapor that travels to a cooler location on the housing where it condenses. The movement of the vapor is driven by the slight difference in vapor pressure between the evaporator and condenser locations. Heat transfer is achieved where the heat of evaporation from the steam produced essentially travels with the steam to the condenser location where it is released as heat of condensati...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Additionally, the cost of metal casings and sintered cores is a disadvantage in the highly competitive market for portable computers

Furthermore, core components from conventional materials are not corrosion resistant

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