Continuous Wick Structure for Heat Pipe Capillary Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat dissipation apparatuses with discontinuous wick structures suffer from reduced capillary pumping force, leading to decreased heat dissipation efficiency in micro-electronic devices due to ineffective fluid flow and limited heat transferring areas.
Innovation Solution
A two-phase heat exchange device with a continuous wick structure covering the entire inner surface of a main body, integrated with high thermal conductivity materials and manufacturing methods that ensure seamless capillary flow and enhanced heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If discontinuous wick structures are used in heat pipes, then manufacturing is simpler, but capillary pumping force is reduced and heat dissipation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wick structures from both the container and end cap into a single continuous wick structure that spans the entire heat pipe. This continuous structure eliminates the discontinuity problem in conventional designs, maintaining strong capillary pumping force throughout the heat pipe while still allowing for practical manufacturing through sequential formation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent forms the wick structure on the container first, then forms the wick structure on the end cap afterward, creating a continuous wick structure before final assembly. This preliminary action ensures that the wick structures are properly positioned and connected before the heat pipe is sealed, avoiding the need for complex post-assembly adjustments.
2Ease of manufacture
If wick structures are disposed only on the container inner surface, then manufacturing is easier, but heat transferring area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wick structure formation process for both the container and end cap into a unified continuous structure. By forming wick structures on both components and connecting them during assembly, the patent maximizes the heat transferring area across the entire heat pipe inner surface while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a standardized sequential process.
3Ease of manufacture
If separated wick structures are used on container and end cap, then manufacturing is simpler, but capillary pumping force becomes discontinuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously separate wick structures into a continuous wick structure that extends from the container through the end cap. This continuous structure ensures uninterrupted capillary pumping force, allowing the working fluid to flow smoothly throughout the heat pipe without the discontinuities that would occur with separated wick structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes the wick structure on the container first, then adds the wick structure on the end cap in a preliminary manner before final assembly. This sequential formation ensures proper alignment and connection of the wick structures, creating a continuous capillary network that maintains uniform pumping force throughout the heat pipe.
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 continuous wick structure enhances capillary pumping force and heat transfer efficiency, facilitating rapid heat dissipation and stability in electronic devices by ensuring continuous fluid flow and increased thermal conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
preventing reduced capillary pumping force caused by discontinuous conventional wick structures
Implementation Method 2
two-phase heat exchange device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a two-phase heat exchange device is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a container having an opening and a first wick structure disposed on the inner surface thereof, adding a predetermined material into the container, providing an cover and joining the cover with the container to construct a main body of the two-phase heat exchange device, wherein the cover seals the opening to form a closed space within the main body, and forming a second wick structure on the inner surface of the cover, wherein the first and second wick structures form a continuous structure covering the entire inner surface of the main body.