Vapor Chamber Heat Pipe Layout With Annular Return Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D vapor chambers face issues with inefficient working fluid flow-back to the vaporizing zone, leading to dry burning and structural instability due to unsupported heat pipes.
Innovation Solution
A combination heat dissipation structure incorporating a vapor chamber and heat pipe with annular elements that provide axial support and direct fluid flow paths, enhancing structural strength and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the working fluid flows back through a long path from the heat pipe to the vaporizing zone, then the structural arrangement is simple, but the flow-back efficiency is low causing dry burning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the flow-back path into multiple segments by introducing intermediate flow-back zones and multiple flow-back paths. The working fluid can return to the vaporizing zone through direct flow-back paths or indirect paths via intermediate zones, segmenting the long single path into shorter manageable segments that improve flow-back efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate flow-back zones are introduced as mediator structures between the heat pipe condensing zone and the vaporizing zone. These intermediate zones serve as temporary storage and redistribution points for the working fluid, facilitating more efficient return flow through multiple possible paths rather than a single long path.
2Strength
If the heat pipe is not vertically supported, then the device complexity is reduced, but the structural strength and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is merged with the vapor chamber body structure. The vapor chamber is designed with integrated support features that simultaneously serve as structural support for the heat pipe and as part of the vapor chamber's own structural framework, achieving support function without adding separate complex support components.
Solution Approach 2:
The vapor chamber structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the containment vessel for the working fluid, provides thermal management functions, and simultaneously acts as the support structure for the heat pipe. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated support components.
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 structure ensures rapid and stable fluid return to the vaporizing zone, preventing dry burning and improving heat exchange efficiency while maintaining structural integrity.
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. A third wick structure 115 is provided on an inner wall surface of the tubular chamber 114.
Implementation Method 2
The working fluid condensed in the pipe 11 can flow back from the closed end 111 to a vaporizing zone in the vapor chamber 12
Data Source
AI summary
A combination heat dissipation structure includes a vapor chamber and at least one heat pipe. The vapor chamber defines an airtight chamber filled with a working fluid and provided with first and second wick structures. The vapor chamber further includes at least one through hole formed on its upper wall and communicable with the airtight chamber, and annular elements provided in the airtight chamber corresponding to the through hole to contact with the first and second wick structures. The heat pipe has an open end inserted into the airtight chamber to contact with the first wick structure, such that the heat pipe is axially supported and located by the annular elements. With these arrangements, a flow-back path between the vapor chamber and the heat pipe is largely shortened to avoid dry burning in the vapor chamber and upgrade the two-phase heat exchange efficiency of the vapor chamber.