Thermally Conductive Pipe Wick Layout for Longitudinal Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermally conductive pipes, such as those described in JP1999-337279A and JP2017-083138A, do not effectively enhance thermal conduction performance in the longitudinal direction, particularly when the liquid transfer unit is in contact with the entire inner wall surface of the pipe.
Innovation Solution
A thermally conductive pipe design featuring a first liquid transfer unit in contact with the inner wall surface and a second liquid transfer unit non-contacting with the inner wall surface, both formed of metal wire structures, to improve thermal conduction along the longitudinal direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the liquid transfer unit is in contact with the entire inner wall surface of the pipe, then the heat transfer area is increased, but the thermal conduction performance in the longitudinal direction is not effectively enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid transfer unit is divided into two distinct parts: a first liquid transfer unit in contact with the inner wall surface and a second liquid transfer unit not in contact with the inner wall surface. This segmentation allows each part to perform specialized functions - the first unit provides heat transfer area through wall contact, while the second unit enhances longitudinal thermal conduction through the pipe center, resolving the contradiction between maximizing heat transfer area and improving longitudinal thermal performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane liquid transfer unit to a three-dimensional configuration with units at different radial positions within the pipe. The second liquid transfer unit extends toward the pipe center, utilizing the radial dimension to create additional thermal conduction pathways that complement the wall-contacting first unit, thereby enhancing overall thermal performance without sacrificing heat transfer area
2Device complexity
If a single liquid transfer unit contacts the entire inner wall surface, then the structure is simple, but the temperature difference reduction and heat transfer efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the liquid transfer unit into first and second units with different spatial configurations, the invention creates multiple thermal conduction pathways that work synergistically. The first unit maintains structural simplicity through wall contact, while the second unit adds thermal efficiency through central positioning, achieving enhanced heat transfer without excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions within the pipe are utilized with specialized liquid transfer units: the first unit optimizes for heat transfer at the wall interface, while the second unit optimizes for longitudinal thermal conduction in the pipe center. This local quality differentiation allows each region to contribute its optimal performance characteristic, improving overall heat transfer efficiency
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 proposed design enhances thermal conduction performance by reducing temperature differences and improving heat transfer efficiency compared to traditional designs, as demonstrated by the evaluation tests.
Implementation Method 1
a working liquid that is sealed inside the pipe and vaporizes and liquefies
Implementation Method 2
a working liquid that is sealed inside the pipe and vaporizes and liquefies
Implementation Method 3
a liquid transfer unit that exists along a longitudinal direction inside the pipe and transfers the liquefied working liquid at least in the longitudinal direction
Data Source
AI summary
A thermally conductive pipe includes a pipe of which both end portions are closed, a working liquid that is sealed inside the pipe and vaporizes and liquefies, and a liquid transfer unit that exists along a longitudinal direction inside the pipe and transfers the liquefied working liquid at least in the longitudinal direction, in which the liquid transfer unit has, in a case of being viewed in a cross section of the pipe, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, a first liquid transfer unit that is in contact with at least a partial range of an inner wall surface of the pipe and a second liquid transfer unit that is not in contact with the inner wall surface of the pipe and the first liquid transfer unit.