Heat Dissipation Unit with Annular Support for Fluid Flow-Back
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D vapor chambers have weak structural strength and inefficient working fluid flow-back paths, leading to potential dry burning in the vaporizing zone due to insufficient working fluid.
Innovation Solution
A combination heat dissipation unit comprising a vapor chamber and at least one heat pipe, where the vapor chamber includes annular elements that provide axial support and a shortened path for the working fluid to flow back from the heat pipe to the vaporizing zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the pipe is horizontally fixedly welded to the vapor chamber only at the joint between the ring portion and the open end, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the structural strength is weak and the pipe may separate or bend under vertical impact
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments: the ring portion for horizontal welding, the vertical supporting member for vertical support, and the reinforcing ring for additional strength. This segmentation allows each component to address specific loading directions while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the support structure: the vertical supporting member provides both vertical support against impact and serves as an anchor for the reinforcing ring. The reinforcing ring merges the functions of structural reinforcement and horizontal positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the supporting members are located at a distance from the opening, then the structural arrangement is flexible, but the working fluid has to flow through a considerably long path resulting in low flow-back efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The wick structure is strategically positioned at the opening of the pipe where the working fluid needs to flow back most rapidly. This local concentration of wick material at the critical flow-back location optimizes the flow path without requiring supporting members to be relocated.
Solution Approach 2:
The wick structure acts as an intermediary that facilitates direct contact between the condensed working fluid in the pipe and the vaporizing zone at the opening, eliminating the need for the fluid to travel through long paths along supporting members.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the working fluid flows through a long path to reach the vaporizing zone, then the structural arrangement is flexible, but the vaporizing zone may occur dry burning due to insufficient working fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The wick structure is pre-positioned at the opening of the pipe to establish an immediate flow-back path. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when working fluid condenses in the pipe, it can quickly and directly return to the vaporizing zone without traveling through long paths, preventing dry burning before it occurs.
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
The solution enhances structural strength and improves the efficiency of working fluid flow-back, preventing dry burning and maintaining continuous two-phase heat exchange in the vapor chamber.
Implementation Method 1
a first wick structure 125 and a second wick structure 126 are provided on an inner wall surface of the upper and the lower plate member 121, 122, respectively
Implementation Method 2
the vaporizing zone tends to occur dry burning due to insufficient working fluid therein
Implementation Method 3
When the collected working fluid reaches a predetermined volume, it drops into the vaporizing zone due to gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A combination heat dissipation unit includes a vapor chamber defining an airtight chamber filled with a working fluid and at least one heat pipe having an open end. The vapor chamber is provided at an upper side with at least one through hole communicable with the airtight chamber and on a lower inner side with a first wick structure. At least one annular element is provided in the airtight chamber corresponding to the through hole. The open end of the heat pipe is correspondingly inserted into the through hole to enter the airtight chamber and contact with the annular element to be fixedly supported thereon. With these arrangements, the path and time for the working fluid to flow from the heat pipe back to the vapor chamber are largely shortened, dry burning in the vapor chamber is avoided, and two-phase heat exchange efficiency of the heat dissipation unit is upgraded.