Radiator with pin fins and non-straight constant-volume flow channels

Abstract

The heat sink includes a heat sink body defining a fluid passage for receiving a flow of cooling fluid. The heat sink body includes a channel base and a channel wall extending from the channel base to define a fluid channel, the channel wall having a plurality of wall segments forming a non-straight channel wall profile. An array of pin fins is located within the fluid channel and extends from the channel base, and channel walls are peripherally positioned relative to the array of pin fins. The plurality of wall segments may be configured to form contiguous semi-circular wall segments of a contoured channel wall profile, and / or the pin fins may be cylindrical pin fins having a circular cross-sectional shape, but may also adopt other shape combinations. The channel walls and the array of pin fins are positioned such that a flow area is constant for each row and column of cooling fluid flow throughout the array of pin fins.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 347,666, filed June 1, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 396,329, filed August 9, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application generally relates to fluid-cooled heat sinks, such as those used for cooling electronic circuit components, and more particularly to fluid-cooled heat sinks used in small footprint applications (e.g., electronic motor controllers). Background Art

[0004] Electronic controllers require a cooling solution to dissipate the heat generated by the operation of electronic circuit components, such as electronic transistors. Without such cooling, heat can damage the electronic circuit components, leading to controller malfunction. Heat dissipation is particularly challenging in applications where the electronic controller has a relatively small footprint. For example, electric motor controllers need to be compactly sized to be integrated into the motor structure. The limited space available for heat transfer and dissipation presents a challenge in achieving adequate cooling for such small-space electronic controllers.

[0005] In a conventional configuration, a fluid-cooled heatsink is thermally connected to an electronic package containing heat-generating electronic circuitry. The heatsink includes a body defining a fluid channel having an inlet and an outlet through which cooling fluid flows. The cooling fluid can be water, hydraulic fluid, or other suitable fluids for heat transfer. The cooling fluid flow is introduced into the inlet of the heatsink body, and as the fluid flows from the inlet through the fluid channel to the outlet, it absorbs heat generated by the electronic components. This heat is thus removed from the heatsink body through the outlet fluid flow.

[0006] Many conventional heatsink configurations employ a flat-walled fluid channel running through the radiator body, providing a low-resistance flow path. However, this flat-walled configuration has drawbacks. Due to the flat-walled design, a large or significantly disproportionate portion of the fluid flows closer to the flat-walled region of the fluid channel, providing a less optimized heat transfer path. Conventional flat-channel radiators also lack sufficient surface area within the fluid channel to achieve the necessary heat transfer for space-constrained applications such as motor controllers. Furthermore, conventional flat-channel radiators fail to generate uniform fluid distribution and turbulence within the radiator's fluid channels, and this lack of uniformity and turbulence leads to uneven heat transfer, which is insufficient for adequate cooling. More complex fluid channel designs have been proposed to achieve the desired heat transfer for adequate cooling, but such complex radiator designs increase manufacturing costs and may not be suitable for space-constrained applications. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application describes an enhanced fluid-cooled radiator design, particularly suitable for space-constrained applications, such as cooling of electronic motor controllers. The fluid-cooled radiator includes a radiator body defining a fluid channel having a non-straight channel wall profile combined with an array of protruding needle fins located within at least a portion of the fluid channel. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid-cooled radiator includes a fluid channel configured with a semi-circular corrugated wall channel profile combined with an array of cylindrical needle fins, the semi-circular corrugated wall channel profile having a plurality of adjacent semi-circular wall segments, each needle fin having a circular cross-sectional shape. With this configuration, highly turbulent flow with a uniform flow distribution is achieved, thereby achieving superior heat transfer efficiency compared to conventional configurations within a smaller space.

[0008] Cylindrical pin-fin radiators with semi-circular corrugated channel wall profiles provide efficient cooling for electronic circuit components, such as in electronic motor controllers and other applications, especially in space-constrained applications. In an exemplary embodiment, the channel wall profile of the radiator fluid channels is configured as adjacent semi-circular wall segments surrounding an array of cylindrical pins having a circular cross-sectional shape. The channel wall profile is defined relative to the shape and position of the pins such that the cross-sectional space (area) between the wall and the pins is the same as the space between each of the pins, thereby creating a constant flow area throughout each portion of the pin array. This configuration helps to distribute the fluid evenly across the entire cross-section of the radiator and helps to eliminate the problem of a larger portion of the flow flowing closer to the channel wall. Therefore, with the help of the channel wall profile shape, the flow channel will have a constant volume or constant area at each section of the flow element. The consistent arrangement of the pins, together with the semi-circular corrugated channel wall profile, further provides optimal fluid distribution within the fluid channels and increases the surface area in contact with the cooling fluid for better heat transfer, which allows for a smaller space for the radiator. The needle fins and fluid channel wall sections can also have other suitable regular shapes, as long as the cross-sectional flow area around each needle fin is consistent. For example, diamond, elliptical, square, hexagonal, or other regular shapes of needle fins and / or channel wall sections can also be used.

[0009] The described configuration of the finned and non-flat straight-flow channel wall sections allows for a compact radiator while still achieving the necessary cooling with a smaller pressure drop compared to conventional configurations. The fins can be arranged in different sets of rows and columns with varying numbers of fins and different fin diameters or shapes to enhance the radiator's heat transfer capabilities. The finned and non-flat straight-flow channel walls of the radiator can be manufactured using sand casting or die casting, which helps reduce manufacturing costs and provides a simple configuration with efficient heat transfer.

[0010] An array of needle fins is arranged in multiple rows and columns within a fluid channel and extending from the base of the channel, with the channel walls peripherally positioned relative to the array of needle fins. The channel walls and the array of needle fins are positioned such that a constant flow area is achieved for the cooling fluid to flow through each of the multiple rows and columns. Throughout the array of rows and columns of needle fins, the shortest distance between adjacent needle fins is constant or equal. Similarly, for needle fins positioned adjacent to the channel wall, the shortest distance between this adjacent needle fin and the channel wall is the same as the shortest distance between adjacent needle fins in the rows and columns of the array of needle fins. With this configuration, a constant flow area is achieved for the cooling fluid to flow through each of the multiple rows and columns of the array of needle fins.

[0011] One aspect of the invention is therefore an enhanced heat sink having a non-flat straight-flow channel wall profile and an array of fins in a fluid channel to provide more efficient heat transfer in a small space. In an exemplary embodiment, the heat sink includes a heat sink body having a first port and a second port, and the heat sink body defines a fluid channel between the first port and the second port to receive a cooling fluid flow between the first port and the second port. The heat sink body includes a channel base and a channel wall extending from the channel base to define the fluid channel, the channel wall having a plurality of wall segments forming a non-flat channel wall profile. An array of fins arranged in a plurality of rows and columns is located within the fluid channel and extends from the channel base, the channel wall being positioned peripherally relative to the array of fins. The channel wall and the array of fins are positioned such that a constant flow area is achieved for the cooling fluid flow throughout each of the plurality of rows and columns.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of wall segments are configured to form adjacent semi-circular wall segments that form a wavy channel wall profile, and / or the needle wings are cylindrical needle wings having a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the pins in the array have a uniform arrangement, whereby each pin in the array is equidistant from adjacent pins and / or equidistant from the channel wall.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the needle wing is a rod having a rhomboid cross-sectional shape.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the needle wing is a rod having an elliptical cross-sectional shape.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of wall segments has a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the needle wing.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of wall segments lacks a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the needle wing.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of wall segments include adjacent semi-circular wall segments forming a wavy channel wall profile, and the needle fins are rod-type needle fins having a rhomboid cross-sectional shape.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of wall segments include adjacent semi-rhomboid wall segments forming a rhomboid channel wall profile, and the needle fins are rod-type needle fins having a rhomboid cross-sectional shape.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of wall segments include adjacent semi-elongated wall segments forming an ovular wavy channel wall profile, and the needle wings are rod-shaped needle wings having an elliptical cross-sectional shape.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the needles are arranged in different sets of rows and columns with different numbers of needles.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the channel wall and the needle fins extend vertically from the base of the channel.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the channel wall includes a first wall region and a second wall region opposite to the first wall region, and the plurality of wall segments include opposing wall segments located on the first wall region and the second wall region, respectively.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the first port and the second port are located on the same side of the radiator body, and the fluid channel includes a first channel portion and a second channel portion, in which cooling fluid flows in opposite directions. The first channel portion and the second channel portion are connected by a channel bridge and are further separated by a central body portion of the radiator body.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the first port and the second port are located on opposite sides of the heat sink body.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the shortest distance between adjacent needle wings is constant across the array of rows and columns of needle wings, and for needle wings positioned near the channel wall, the shortest distance between the needle wing positioned near the channel wall and the channel wall is the same as the shortest distance between adjacent needle wings in the array of rows and columns of needle wings.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the radiator further includes a cover plate fixed to the outer surface of the radiator body and covering the expansion of the fluid channel.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the radiator body includes a recessed shelf formed in a stepped manner relative to the outer surface, and the recessed shelf extends along the periphery of the channel wall opposite to the channel base, and a cover plate is received by the recessed shelf.

[0029] Another aspect of the invention is an operational assembly comprising a heat sink according to any embodiment, mounted to an electronic package having heat-generating electronic components. In an exemplary embodiment of the operational assembly, the heat sink includes a first outer surface and a second outer surface opposite to the first outer surface, and a channel base is an inner surface of the heat sink body in thermal communication with the second outer surface, and an array of fins extends from the channel base into a fluid channel in a direction opposite to the second outer surface. A cover plate is fixed to the first outer surface of the heat sink body and covers the extension of the fluid channel. The electronic package is mounted to the second outer surface of the heat sink body, and the electronic components are positioned adjacent to the second outer surface of the heat sink body such that heat generated by the electronic components is transferred to the fluid channel through the channel base and the fins.

[0030] These and other features of the invention will be apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. Specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail in the specification and drawings to indicate some of the ways in which the principles of the invention can be employed, but it is understood that the scope of the invention is not correspondingly limited. Rather, the invention includes all variations, modifications, and equivalents falling within the spirit and terms of the appended claims. Features described and / or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same or similar manner in one or more other embodiments, and / or combined with or replacing features of other embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of an exemplary heat sink according to an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 2 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 1 A top view of an exemplary heat sink.

[0033] Figure 2A It is a drawing showing a close-up of the radiator, illustrating the details within... Figure 2 The changes in configuration and structure are illustrated, and the concept of constant flow area is also shown in the diagram.

[0034] Figure 3 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 1 An isometric view of an exemplary heat sink is also shown, along with additional cover plates and seals.

[0035] Figure 4 It is a drawing, illustrating the combination with electronic packaging. Figure 1-3 A perspective view of an exemplary heat sink, which is mounted to the electronic package.

[0036] Figure 5 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 4 Side view of the combined heat sink and electronic package.

[0037] Figure 6 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 4 and Figure 5 The side sectional view of the combined heat sink and electronic package also shows the pin fin.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of another exemplary heat sink according to an embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 8 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 7 A top view of an exemplary heat sink.

[0040] Figure 9 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 7 An isometric view of an exemplary heat sink is shown, along with an additional cover plate.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of another exemplary heat sink according to an embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 11 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 10 A top view of an exemplary heat sink.

[0043] Figure 12 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 11 A close-up image of a portion of the radiator, also illustrating the... Figure 10 and Figure 11 The concept of a constant flow area using a combination of channel wall / needle fin shapes.

[0044] Figure 13 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 10 An isometric view of an exemplary heat sink is shown, along with an additional cover plate.

[0045] Figure 14 This is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of another exemplary heat sink according to an embodiment of this application.

[0046] Figure 15 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 14 A top view of an exemplary heat sink.

[0047] Figure 16 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 14 A close-up image of a portion of the radiator, also illustrating the... Figure 14 and Figure 15 The concept of a constant flow area using a combination of channel wall / needle fin shapes.

[0048] Figure 17 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 14 An isometric view of an exemplary heat sink is shown, along with an additional cover plate. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals are always used to refer to similar elements. It will be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of an exemplary heat sink 10 according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 1A top view of an exemplary radiator 10. The radiator 10 includes a radiator body 12 defining a fluid passage 14 extending through the radiator body 12. The radiator body 12 includes a first port 16 and a second port 18 in fluid communication with the fluid passage 14. As further detailed below, in operation for heat dissipation, cooling fluid flows through the fluid passage 14 between the first port 16 and the second port 18. Figure 2 In the specific illustration, the first port 16 is the inlet port for the input flow of the cooling fluid, and the second port 18 is the outlet port for the output flow of the cooling fluid. However, the inlet and outlet ports can also be... Figure 2 The illustration is inverted. The material used to manufacture the heat sink 10 can be any material with high thermal conductivity. Suitable examples include copper and aluminum, with aluminum being a particularly cost-effective material choice for many applications.

[0051] Within the defined fluid channel 14, the heat sink body includes a channel base 20 (the channel base 20 is located in...). Figure 2 (Best visible from a top-down view) and the channel wall 22 extending from the channel base 20. The channel wall 22 may extend perpendicularly from the channel base 20. The channel wall 22 has a non-straight channel wall profile in a direction parallel to the plane of the channel base 20. Looking towards Figure 1 and Figure 2 The close-up part in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example illustrated, the channel wall profile includes a first wall region 24 and a second wall region 26 opposite to the first wall region 24. In this example, the non-straight channel wall profile is configured as a semi-circular wavy channel wall profile, wherein each of the wall regions 24 and 26 is configured as an adjacent semi-circular wall segment 28, thereby positioning the semi-circular wall segment 28 of the first wall region 24 relative to the corresponding semi-circular wall segment 28 of the second wall region 26. Furthermore, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example illustrated, to minimize the space required for the heat sink, the first port 16 and the second port 18 are located on the same side of the heat sink body 12. Under this configuration, the fluid channel 14 includes a first channel portion 30 and a second channel portion 32, in which cooling fluid flows in opposite directions. The first channel portion 30 and the second channel portion 32 are connected by a channel bridge 34 and further separated from each other by a central body portion 36 of the heat sink body 12.

[0052] The channel wall 22 is located around the array of needle wings 38 extending from the channel base 20. The needle wings 38 can extend vertically from the channel base 20. Figure 1 and Figure 2In the example, each of the needle wings 38 is a cylindrical needle wing with a circular cross-sectional shape that extends vertically from the channel base 20. The needle wings in the array can have a uniformly distributed arrangement, whereby each needle wing 38 in the array is equidistant from the adjacent needle wings.

[0053] For example, a configuration of non-straight channel wall profiles, including adjacent semi-circular wall segments, enhances turbulence within the fluid channel and thus improves heat transfer efficiency. Further arrangements of the pins, combined with the semi-circular wavy channel wall profile, provide optimal fluid distribution within the fluid channel and increase the surface area in contact with the cooling fluid for better heat transfer. More generally, the channel wall profile is defined relative to the shape and position of the pins such that the cross-sectional space (area) between the channel wall and the pins is the same as the space between each of the pins. This configuration helps to distribute the fluid evenly across the entire cross-section of the radiator and eliminates the problem of a larger portion of the flow flowing closer to the channel wall. Therefore, with the help of the channel wall profile shape, the flow channel will have a constant volume or constant area at each section. The described configuration of the pins and non-straight channel wall segments allows for a compact radiator while still achieving the necessary cooling with a smaller pressure drop compared to conventional configurations. The pins can be arranged in different sets of rows and columns with varying numbers of pins, as seen in... Figure 1 and Figure 2 middle, Figure 1 and Figure 2 Examples of alternating rows of three and four fins are illustrated. The fins can also have different diameters to enhance the heat transfer capacity of the radiator. The fins and non-flat radiator fluid channel walls can be manufactured using sand casting or die casting, which helps reduce manufacturing costs and provides a simple configuration with efficient heat transfer in a small space.

[0054] Accordingly, the array of needles is arranged in multiple rows and columns within the fluid channel and extending from the base of the channel, with the channel wall positioned peripherally relative to the array of needles. The channel wall and the array of needles are positioned such that a constant flow area is achieved for the cooling fluid to flow through each of the multiple rows and columns.

[0055] Figure 2A It is a drawing showing a close-up of the radiator, illustrating the details within... Figure 2 The configuration and structure have changed, and the concept of a constant flow area throughout the heatsink is also illustrated. (See also...) Figure 2A In this array, the shortest distance between adjacent needle wings, as illustrated by the arrows, is constant or identical across the rows and columns of the needle wings. Similarly, for needle wings positioned near the channel wall, such as... Figure 2AThe pins positioned in the first wall region 24 adjacent to the channel wall 22, as further illustrated by the arrows, have a shortest distance between the pins positioned adjacent to the channel wall and the channel wall, which is the same as the shortest distance between adjacent pins in the rows and columns of the pin array. With this configuration, a constant flow area is achieved for the cooling fluid to flow through each of the multiple rows and columns in the pin array employing a circular pin shape and channel wall profile.

[0056] Figure 3 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 1 An isometric view of an exemplary radiator 10 is shown, along with an additional cover plate 40 and a seal 43. The radiator body 12 has a first outer surface 42 and a recessed shelf 44 formed at a step 46 relative to the first outer surface 42. The recessed shelf 44 extends along the periphery of the channel wall 22 opposite to the channel base 20. The recessed shelf 44 is shaped to receive the cover plate 40, whereby the cover plate 40 covers an extended portion of the fluid channel 14, and when the cover plate 40 is received within the recessed shelf 44, the cover plate 40 is flush with the first outer surface 42. After proper positioning, the cover plate 40 is secured to the recessed shelf 44. The cover plate 40 and the recessed shelf 44 may each have aligned fastening holes 47 and 49 for receiving fastening elements 50, which may be bolts, screws, or other suitable fasteners. As another example, the cover plate 40 may also be secured to the recessed shelf 44 using an adhesive or similar material that adheres or binds the cover plate to the recessed shelf. A seal 43 (e.g., an O-ring seal) may also be provided to seal the contact surfaces of the recessed shelf 44 and the cover 40 to prevent fluid leakage from the radiator. The recessed shelf 44 has a channel 45 in which the O-ring seal 43 is positioned.

[0057] Figure 4 It is a drawing illustrating its combination with the electronic package 52. Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary heat sink 10, which is mounted to the electronic package to form a working component 54. Figure 5 It is a drawing, depicting including Figure 4 A side view of the working component 54, which is a combination of the heat sink 10 and the electronic package 52. Figure 6 It is a drawing, depicting including Figure 4 and Figure 5A cross-sectional view of the working package 54, which combines a heat sink and an electronic package, is shown, along with pins positioned relative to the electronic package. The electronic package includes one or more electronic circuit components that generate heat during use. As mentioned above, an example application is an electronic controller for an electric motor, and the electronic controller includes one or more electronic circuit components that generate heat, such as transistors. As further detailed below, the heat sink operates to dissipate the heat generated by the electronic circuit components. Furthermore, although the heat sink 10 is described primarily in relation to dissipating heat from electronic components, it is not limited to applications involving electronic components but can also be used in any application where heat needs to be removed from the system.

[0058] The electronic package 52 is mounted to a second outer surface 56 of the heat sink body 12, the second outer surface 56 being positioned opposite to the first outer surface 42 and the cover plate 40. The electronic package 52 is mounted to the heat sink 10 at the second outer surface 56 using fasteners 58, which may be bolts, screws, or other suitable fasteners. The electronic package 52 includes a support plate 60 to which one or more heat-generating electronic circuit components 62 are attached (see especially...). Figure 5 and Figure 6 As mentioned above, the example application is an electronic controller that includes transistors as electronic circuit components 62 that generate heat; however, as mentioned above, a heat sink 10 can also be used to dissipate heat from any suitable heat-generating device.

[0059] Specific reference Figure 6 In the cross-sectional view, the second outer surface 56 and the channel base 20 are opposite surfaces of the outer portion of the heat sink body 12. With this configuration, the channel base 20 is the inner surface of the heat sink body that is in thermal communication with the second outer surface 56. Fins 38 extend from the channel base 20 into the fluid channel 14 in a direction opposite to that of the second outer surface 56. An electronic package 52 is fixed to the outer surface 56 of the heat sink body 12, and the heat-generating electronic circuit components 62 are positioned against or adjacent to the second outer surface 56 of the heat sink body 12.

[0060] During operation, a cooling fluid (such as water, hydraulic fluid, or other suitable cooling fluid) is introduced into the first port 16 and enters the fluid channel 14, flowing through the fluid channel 14 to the second port 18. When one or more electronic circuit components 62 are operational, heat generated by the electronic circuit components is transferred at the location of the electronic circuit components to the heat sink body 12 via the outer surface 56. Heat is transferred to the channel wall 22 and through the fins 38 to the fluid channel 14. The cooling fluid flowing around the fins absorbs heat, which is removed from the heat sink by means of the output flow of the cooling fluid through the second port 18. As mentioned above, the configuration of the non-straight channel wall profile, including, for example, adjacent wavy semi-circular wall segments, enhances turbulence within the fluid channel and thus improves the efficiency of heat transfer. Further arrangements of the fins, combined with the non-straight channel wall profile, further provide optimal fluid distribution within the fluid channel and increase the surface area in contact with the cooling fluid for better heat transfer. This distribution is enhanced by providing a consistent arrangement of the pins in the array, wherein the pins are arranged in regular rows and / or columns, and / or have a consistent distribution, whereby each pin in the array is equidistant from its adjacent pins and / or equidistant from the channel walls. With such a configuration, a constant flow area is achieved for each of the multiple rows and columns in the array of pins through which the cooling fluid flows.

[0061] The fins and fluid channel wall segments can have other suitable regular shapes, as long as the cross-sectional flow area around each fin is consistent. Rhomboid, square, hexagonal, elliptical, or other regular shapes of fins and / or channel wall segments can be used. As mentioned above, the channel wall profile relative to the shape and position of the fins is defined such that the cross-sectional space (area) between the channel wall and the fins is the same as the space between each of the fins. This configuration helps to distribute the fluid evenly across the entire cross-section of the radiator and eliminates the problem of a larger portion of the flow flowing closer to the channel wall. Therefore, with the help of the channel wall profile shape, the flow channel will have a constant volume or constant area at each section of the flow element.

[0062] Accordingly, any suitable combination of channel wall profile and needle fin cross-sectional shape that meets such standards can be used. For example, Figure 7 This is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of another exemplary heat sink 100 according to an embodiment of this application, and Figure 8 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 7 A top view of an exemplary heat sink 100. Except for the use of a different shaped fin configuration, the configuration of the heat sink 100 is similar to... Figure 1-6The radiator 100 is similar to that of the radiator 100. Accordingly, the radiator 100 includes a radiator body 112 defining a fluid passage 114 extending through the radiator body 112. The radiator body 112 includes a first port 116 and a second port 118 in fluid communication with the fluid passage 114 for cooling fluid flow. In the previous embodiment, the first and second ports were located on the same side of the radiator body. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the variant, the first port 116 and the second port 118 are located on opposite sides of the radiator body 112, and the cooling fluid travels from the first port 116 through the radiator body to the second port 118 (or vice versa).

[0063] Within the defined fluid channel 114, the radiator body 112 includes a channel base 120 (the channel base 120 is located in...). Figure 8 (Best visible from a top-down view) and the channel wall 122 extending from the channel base 120. The channel wall 122 may extend vertically from the channel base 120. Similar to the previous embodiment, in Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the example, the channel wall 122 has a non-straight channel wall profile in a direction parallel to the plane of the channel base 120. This profile is configured as a semi-circular wavy channel wall profile, wherein each of the opposing wall regions 124 and 126 is configured as an adjacent semi-circular wall segment 128, thereby positioning the semi-circular wall segment 128 of the first wall region 124 relative to the corresponding semi-circular wall segment 128 of the second wall region 126.

[0064] The channel wall 122 is located around the array of needle wings 138 extending from the channel base 120. The needle wings 138 can extend vertically from the channel base 120. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the example, each of the pins 138 is a rod-shaped pin with a rhomboid cross-sectional shape extending vertically from the channel base 120. The pins in the array can have a uniformly distributed arrangement, whereby each pin 138 in the array is equidistant from adjacent pins and / or equidistant from the channel wall. The array of pins can also be arranged in rows of varying numbers of pins. In one embodiment, each wall segment forming the channel wall profile has a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the pin, i.e., a combination of a semi-circular wall segment shape and a circular cross-sectional pin, as in... Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the middle, or a combination of a semi-rhomboid wall segment shape and a rhomboid cross-section needle fin. Alternatively, in another embodiment, each wall segment forming the channel wall profile has a shape that lacks shape correspondence with the cross-sectional shape of the needle fin, i.e., a combination of a semi-circular wall segment shape and a rhomboid cross-section needle fin, as in Figure 7 and Figure 8 middle.

[0065] Using this combination of channel wall / fin shapes, similar to the previous embodiments, the shortest distance between adjacent fins is constant or identical across the array of rows and columns of fins. Similarly, for fins positioned adjacent to the channel wall, the shortest distance between such adjacent channel wall-positioned fins and the channel wall is the same as the shortest distance between adjacent fins in the array of fin rows and columns. With this configuration, a constant flow area is achieved for the cooling fluid to flow through each of the multiple rows and columns in the array of fins employing a diamond-shaped fin and a semi-circular channel wall profile.

[0066] Figure 9 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 7 An isometric view of an exemplary heat sink 100 also illustrates an additional cover plate 140. In this example, the heat sink body 112 has a first outer surface 142 shaped to receive the cover plate 140, whereby the cover plate 140 covers an extended portion of the fluid passage 114. In this example, the cover plate 140 is fastened or otherwise directly attached to substantially the entire extended portion of the outer surface 142 (i.e., no recessed rest is used in this embodiment compared to previous embodiments). The cover plate 140 and the outer surface 142 may each have aligned fastening holes 146 and 148 for receiving fastening elements 150, which may be bolts, screws, or other suitable fasteners. As another example, the cover plate 140 may be secured to the outer surface 142 using an adhesive or similar material that adheres or binds the cover plate to the heat sink body. After being assembled with the cover plate, the heat sink 100 may be secured to an electronic package to remove or dissipate heat generated by one or more electronic components of the electronic package, similarly as described above. Figure 4-6 Described.

[0067] This is another example of a combination of needle fin and channel wall profiles constructed with different shape configurations. Figure 10 This is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of another exemplary heat sink 200 according to an embodiment of this application, and Figure 11 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 10 A top view of an exemplary radiator 200. The radiator 200 includes a radiator body 212 defining a fluid passage 214 extending through the radiator body 212. The radiator body 212 includes a first port 216 and a second port 218 in fluid communication with the fluid passage 214 for cooling fluid flow. Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the variant, the first port 216 and the second port 218 are also located on opposite sides of the radiator body 212, and the cooling fluid travels from the first port 216 through the radiator body to the second port 218 (or vice versa).

[0068] Within the defined fluid channel 214, the radiator body 212 includes a channel base 220 (the channel base 220 is located in...). Figure 11 (Best visible from a top-down view) and the channel wall 222 extending from the channel base 220. The channel wall 222 may extend vertically from the channel base 220. Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the example, the channel wall 222 has a non-straight channel wall profile in a direction parallel to the plane of the channel base 220. This profile is configured as a semi-rhomboid channel wall profile, wherein each of the opposing wall regions 224 and 226 is configured as an adjacent semi-rhomboid wall segment 228, thereby positioning the semi-rhomboid wall segment 228 of the first wall region 224 relative to the corresponding semi-rhomboid wall segment 228 of the second wall region 226.

[0069] The channel wall 222 is located around the array of needle wings 238 extending from the channel base 220. The needle wings 238 can extend vertically from the channel base 220. Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the example, each of the needle wings 238 is a rod-shaped needle wing with a rhomboid cross-sectional shape that extends vertically from the channel base 220. The needle wings in the array may have a uniformly distributed arrangement, whereby each needle wing 238 in the array is equidistant from adjacent needle wings and / or equidistant from the channel wall.

[0070] Therefore, similar to the previous embodiments, the array of needles is arranged in multiple rows and columns within the fluid channel and extending from the base of the channel, with the channel wall positioned peripherally relative to the array of needles. The channel wall and the array of needles are positioned such that a constant flow area is achieved for the cooling fluid to flow through each of the multiple rows and columns. Figure 12 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 11 Part of the heatsink, also illustrated for Figure 10 and Figure 11 The concept of a constant flow area using a combination of channel wall / needle-shaped elements. (See also...) Figure 12 In this context, the shortest distance between adjacent needle wings is constant or identical across the array of rows and columns of needle wings. Similarly, for needle wings positioned adjacent to the channel wall, such as... Figure 12 The needle fins shown are positioned adjacent to the first wall region 224 of the channel wall 222. The shortest distance between such adjacent channel wall-positioned needle fins and the channel wall is the same as the shortest distance between adjacent needle fins in the rows and columns of the needle fin array. With this configuration, a constant flow area is achieved for each row and column of the array of needle fins with diamond-shaped needle fins and channel wall profiles, allowing the cooling fluid to flow through it.

[0071] Figure 13 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 10An isometric view of an exemplary heat sink 200 also illustrates an additional cover plate 240. In this example, the heat sink body 212 has a first outer surface 242 shaped to receive the cover plate 240, whereby the cover plate 240 covers an extended portion of the fluid channel 214. In this example, the cover plate 240 is also fastened or otherwise directly attached to substantially the entire extended portion of the outer surface 242. The cover plate 240 and the outer surface 242 may each have aligned fastening holes 246 and 248 for receiving fastening elements 250, which may be bolts, screws, or other suitable fasteners. As another example, the cover plate 240 may be secured to the outer surface 242 using an adhesive or similar material that adheres or binds the cover plate to the heat sink body. After being assembled with the cover plate, the heat sink 200 may be secured to an electronic package to remove or dissipate heat generated by one or more electronic components of the electronic package, similarly as described above. Figure 4-6 Described.

[0072] This is another example of a construction using different shape configurations combining needle fins and channel wall contours. Figure 14 This is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of another exemplary heat sink 300 according to an embodiment of this application, and Figure 15 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 14 A top view of an exemplary radiator 300. The radiator 300 includes a radiator body 312 defining a fluid passage 314 extending through the radiator body 312. The radiator body 312 includes a first port 316 and a second port 318 in fluid communication with the fluid passage 314 for cooling fluid flow. Figure 14 and Figure 15 In the variant, the first port 316 and the second port 318 are also located on opposite sides of the radiator body 312, and the cooling fluid travels from the first port 316 through the radiator body to the second port 318 (or vice versa).

[0073] Within the defined fluid channel 314, the radiator body 312 includes a channel base 320 (the channel base 320 is located in...). Figure 15 (Best visible from a top-down view) and the channel wall 322 extending from the channel base 320. The channel wall 322 may extend vertically from the channel base 320. Figure 14 and Figure 15 In the example, the channel wall 322 has a non-straight channel wall profile in a direction parallel to the plane of the channel base 320. This profile is configured as a semi-elliptical channel wall profile, wherein each of the opposing wall regions 324 and 326 is configured as an adjacent semi-elongated circular wall segment 328, thereby positioning the semi-elongated circular wall segment 328 of the first wall region 324 relative to the corresponding semi-elongated circular wall segment 328 of the second wall region 326.

[0074] The channel wall 322 is located around the array of needle wings 338 extending from the channel base 320. The needle wings 338 can extend vertically from the channel base 320. Figure 14 and Figure 15 In the example, each of the needle wings 338 is a rod-shaped needle wing with an elliptical cross-section that extends vertically from the channel base 320. The needle wings in the array may have a uniformly distributed arrangement, whereby each needle wing 338 in the array is equidistant from adjacent needle wings and / or equidistant from the channel wall.

[0075] Therefore, similar to the previous embodiments, the array of needles is arranged in multiple rows and columns within the fluid channel and extending from the base of the channel, with the channel wall positioned peripherally relative to the array of needles. The channel wall and the array of needles are positioned such that a constant flow area is achieved for the cooling fluid to flow through each of the multiple rows and columns. Figure 16 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 15 Part of the heat sink, and also illustrated for Figure 14 and Figure 15 The concept of a constant flow area using a combination of elongated oval channel walls and needle-fin shapes. (See also...) Figure 16 In this context, the array of rows and columns of needles has a constant or identical shortest distance between adjacent needles. Similarly, for needles positioned near the channel wall, such as... Figure 16 The needle fins shown are positioned in the first wall region 324 adjacent to the channel wall 322. The shortest distance between such adjacent channel wall-positioned needle fins and the channel wall is the same as the shortest distance between adjacent needle fins in the rows and columns of the needle fin array. With this configuration, a constant flow area is achieved for each row and column of the array of needle fins with oblong shapes and wall regions, allowing the cooling fluid to flow through them.

[0076] Figure 17 It is a drawing, depicting Figure 14An isometric view of an exemplary heat sink 300 also illustrates an additional cover plate 340. In this example, the heat sink body 312 has a first outer surface 342 shaped to receive the cover plate 340, whereby the cover plate 340 covers an extended portion of the fluid channel 314. In this example, the cover plate 340 is also fastened or otherwise directly attached to substantially the entire extended portion of the outer surface 342. The cover plate 340 and the outer surface 342 may each have aligned fastening holes 346 and 348 for receiving fastening elements 350, which may be bolts, screws, or other suitable fasteners. As another example, the cover plate 340 may be secured to the outer surface 342 using an adhesive or similar material that adheres or binds the cover plate to the heat sink body. After being assembled with the cover plate, the heat sink 300 may be secured to an electronic package to remove or dissipate heat generated by one or more electronic components of the electronic package, similarly as described above. Figure 4-6 Described.

[0077] Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to one or more specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, upon reading and understanding this specification and the accompanying drawings, that equivalent changes and modifications will occur. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the elements (parts, components, devices, compositions, etc.) described above, unless otherwise indicated, the terminology used to describe these elements (including references to “apparatus / means”) is intended to correspond to any element that performs a specified function (i.e., is functionally equivalent) even if it is not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure that performs that function in one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention illustrated herein. Furthermore, although specific features of the invention may have been described above with respect to only one or more of the illustrated embodiments, such features may also be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, as would be desirable and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

1. A radiator, comprising: a heat sink body having a first port and a second port and defining a fluid passage between the first port and the second port to receive a flow of cooling fluid between the first port and the second port; wherein the heat sink body comprises a channel base and a channel wall, the channel wall extending from the channel base to define the fluid channel, the channel wall comprising a plurality of wall segments forming a non-straight channel wall profile; and an array of pin fins arranged in a plurality of rows and columns located within the fluid channel and extending from a channel base, the channel wall being peripherally positioned relative to the array of pin fins; Wherein the channel walls and the array of pin fins are positioned to provide a constant flow area for the cooling fluid flow throughout each of the plurality of rows and columns.

2. The heat sink according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of wall segments include adjoining semicircular wall segments forming a corrugated channel wall profile.

3. The radiator according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The pin fins are cylindrical pin fins having a circular cross-sectional shape.

4. The radiator according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The pin fins are rods having a diamond cross-sectional shape.

5. The heat sink according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of wall segments has a shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the pin fin.

6. The heat sink according to claim 5, wherein: The plurality of wall segments include contiguous semicircular wall segments forming a corrugated channel wall profile, and the pin fins are cylindrical pin fins having a circular cross-sectional shape.

7. The heat sink according to claim 5, wherein: The plurality of wall segments include adjoining half-rhombus-shaped wall segments forming a rhombus-shaped channel wall profile, and the pin fins are rod-type pin fins having a rhombus-shaped cross-sectional shape.

8. The heat sink according to claim 5, wherein: The plurality of wall segments include contiguous semi-oblong wall segments forming an oblong channel wall profile, and the pin fins are rod-type pin fins having an elliptical cross-sectional shape.

9. The heat sink according to claim 1, wherein: Each wall segment of the plurality of wall segments lacks a shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the pin fin.

10. The heat sink according to claim 9, wherein: The plurality of wall segments include contiguous semicircular wall segments forming a corrugated channel wall profile, and the pin fins are rod-type pin fins having a diamond-shaped cross-sectional shape.

11. The heat sink according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The pin fins in the array have a uniform arrangement whereby each pin fin of the array is equidistantly spaced from adjacent pin fins and / or equidistantly spaced from the channel wall.

12. The heat sink according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The pin fins are arranged in different sets of rows and columns having different numbers of pin fins.

13. The heat sink according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The channel walls and the pin fins extend perpendicularly from the channel base.

14. The heat sink according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The channel wall includes a first wall section and a second wall section opposite to the first wall section, and the plurality of wall segments include opposite wall sections respectively located on the first wall section and the second wall section.

15. The heat sink according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The first port and the second port are located on the same side of the heat sink body, and the fluid channel includes a first channel portion and a second channel portion, in which the cooling fluid flows in opposite directions, the first channel portion and the second channel portion are connected by a channel bridge and are further separated by a central body portion of the heat sink body.

16. The heat sink according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The first port and the second port are located on opposite sides of the heat sink body.

17. The heat sink according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein: The shortest distance between adjacent pin fins is constant throughout the array of rows and columns of pin fins, and for pin fins positioned adjacent to a channel wall, the shortest distance between the pin fins positioned adjacent to the channel wall is the same as the shortest distance between adjacent pin fins in the rows and columns of the array of pin fins.

18. The heat sink according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a cover plate fixed to an outer surface of the heat sink body and covering an extended range of the fluid channel.

19. The heat sink according to claim 18, wherein: The heat sink body includes a recessed shelf formed in a stepped manner relative to the outer surface and extending along a periphery of an edge of the channel wall opposite to the channel base, and the cover plate is received by the recessed shelf.

20. A working assembly comprising: The heat sink according to any one of claims 1 to 17, the heat sink comprising a first outer surface and a second outer surface opposite to the first outer surface, and the channel base is an inner surface of the heat sink body in thermal communication with the second outer surface, and the array of pin-fins extends from the channel base into the fluid channel in a direction opposite to the second outer surface; a cover plate fixed to the first outer surface of the radiator body and covering an extended range of the fluid channel; as well as An electronic package mounted to the second outer surface of the heat sink body includes a heat generating electronic component positioned adjacent the second outer surface of the heat sink body such that heat generated by the electronic component is thermally transferred to the fluid channel through the channel base and the pin fins.

21. The working assembly according to claim 20, wherein: The channel base and the second outer surface are opposing surfaces of an outer portion of the heat sink body.

22. The working assembly according to any one of claims 20-21, wherein: The heat sink body includes a recessed shelf formed in a stepped manner relative to the first outer surface and extending along a periphery of an edge of the channel wall opposite to the channel base, and the cover plate is received by the recessed shelf.

Images