Corrugated Heat Pipe Wick Structure for Deformability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat pipes have poor deformability, which limits their ability to effectively connect with heating elements in densely packed or small spaces, and their heat transportation capability is compromised due to inadequate capillary action and phase separation of the working fluid.
Innovation Solution
A heat pipe with a corrugated portion and a wick structure that includes a vapor channel and a gap portion, allowing for deformation such as bending and twisting while maintaining the deformed shape, and enhancing heat transportation efficiency by separating the channels for gas and liquid phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional heat pipe is used, then the structure is simple, but the deformability is poor and cannot be bent to connect with heating elements in small spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe incorporates a corrugated portion with deep grooves formed on the outer perimeter side, creating a flexible structure that can be bent and deformed. The corrugated configuration with alternating crests and troughs allows the heat pipe to adapt to small spaces and connect with heating elements while maintaining structural integrity through the periodic undulating shape.
2Adaptability or versatility
If deep grooves are formed to enable bending, then deformability is improved, but the working fluid does not flow back sufficiently due to inadequate capillary force
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe features different groove configurations in different regions: deep grooves on the outer perimeter side for deformability, and thin grooves on the inner perimeter side for capillary action. This local differentiation allows the outer surface to bend easily while the inner surface maintains sufficient capillary force to return the working fluid, resolving the contradiction between deformability and heat transportation capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the heat pipe is bent for high density packaging, then adaptability to small spaces is improved, but the heat transportation capability decreases due to poor capillary action
Solution Approach 1:
The corrugated structure with deep outer grooves and thin inner grooves enables the heat pipe to be bent for high density packaging while maintaining heat transportation capability. The deep outer grooves provide flexibility for adaptation to small spaces, while the thin inner grooves ensure sufficient capillary action for efficient heat transport even when the heat pipe is deformed.
4Device complexity
If the channels for liquid and gas phases are not partitioned, then the structure is simple, but drag is produced between opposite flows reducing heat transportation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe cross-section is segmented into distinct regions: an inner region with thin grooves for liquid phase flow and an outer region with deep grooves for gas phase flow. This segmentation separates the channels for liquid and gas phases, preventing drag between opposite flows and improving heat transportation capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 heat pipe achieves improved thermal connectivity and heat dissipation efficiency, even in confined spaces, by allowing deformation and effectively separating fluid phases, thus enhancing cooling capacity and preventing damage from vibrations or impacts.
Implementation Method 1
the wick structure producing a capillary force
Implementation Method 2
the working fluid in a liquid phase vaporizes at the heat input portion, and the heat from the heat source transfers as latent heat to the working fluid. The vapor of the working fluid which has flowed to the heat output portion condenses at the heat output portion and releases latent heat
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pipe includes a container in which a corrugated portion is formed, the container having a hollow portion formed therein that is sealed, a wick structure provided on an inner peripheral surface of the hollow portion and a working fluid enclosed in the hollow portion. The wick structure has a vapor channel penetrating therethrough in a longitudinal direction of the hollow portion, the wick structure producing a capillary force. The wick structure is a sintered body of a powder metal material and projected into a crest portion of the corrugated portion. The wick structure is provided at a region in the crest portion of the corrugated portion and at a position of a trough portion of the corrugated portion.