3D Vapor Chamber Pipe Structure for Faster Working Fluid Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D vapor chambers face issues with reduced vapor space due to thick capillary structures, leading to increased resistance against fluid flow, insufficient connection strength between heat pipes and the upper plate, and slow backflow of working fluid, resulting in poor heat dissipation performance and potential detachment during assembly.
Innovation Solution
The 3D vapor chamber design includes trumpet-shaped pipe bodies with channels and expanded open ends that enhance fluid flow and connection strength by overlapping capillary structures, increasing vapor space and ensuring secure attachment to the upper plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thick capillary structure is used in the heat pipe chamber, then the capillary structure can effectively transport working fluid, but the vapor space in the heat pipe chamber is reduced and resistance against fluid flow is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary structure is segmented into two distinct parts: a thick capillary structure on the outer wall for effective fluid transport, and a thin capillary structure on the inner wall to minimize space occupation. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between capillary effectiveness and vapor space volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Different wall thicknesses are applied to different locations of the capillary structure. The outer wall capillary structure has greater thickness for enhanced fluid transport capability, while the inner wall capillary structure has reduced thickness to minimize space occupation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each location's capillary thickness according to its specific functional requirements.
2Device complexity
If a small connection area is used between heat pipe and upper plate, then the assembly is simpler, but the connection strength is insufficient and detachment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure merges multiple functions into a single integrated design: the protrusion from the upper plate simultaneously serves as a mechanical anchor and a surface for adhesion material application. The adhesion material fills the gap between the heat pipe and upper plate while the protrusion provides mechanical interlocking. This merging of mechanical and chemical bonding methods resolves the contradiction by achieving strong connection without increasing assembly complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the capillary structure is spaced from the upper plate capillary structure, then the heat pipe chamber is easier to manufacture, but the working fluid backflow speed is slow and heat dissipation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary structure on the inner wall is extracted to have reduced thickness compared to the outer wall capillary structure. This thinning allows the inner wall capillary structure to be positioned closer to the upper plate capillary structure, enabling direct contact or minimal spacing. This extraction of excess material resolves the contradiction by facilitating faster working fluid backflow while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design improves vapor-liquid circulation efficiency, enhances heat dissipation performance, and prevents detachment by increasing the backflow speed of the working fluid, ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a capillary structure 124 is disposed on an inner wall of the chamber 123
Implementation Method 2
The open end 112 of each heat pipe 11 is plugged into the perforation 1211 of the upper plate 121
Implementation Method 3
the condensed working fluid in the heat pipe chamber 113
Data Source
AI summary
A 3D vapor chamber includes a vapor chamber and at least one pipe body. The vapor chamber has an upper plate and a lower plate mated with each other. The upper plate is formed with at least one perforation. An open end of the pipe body is outward expanded to form a lip section in connection with the upper plate. A closed end of the pipe body passes through the perforation of the upper plate. The closed end and the open end together define a tubular chamber in communication with the open end and the vapor chamber. Multiple channels formed on an inner side of the tubular chamber and an inner side of the lip section are in contact and connect with a capillary structure of the inner side of the upper plate so as to increase back flowing speed of a working fluid and enhance heat dissipation performance.