Flat Heat Column Asymmetry Reduces Airflow Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat dissipating modules with cylindrical heat pipes suffer from high airflow resistance and stagnant zones, leading to reduced efficiency and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for complex heat sinks.
Innovation Solution
A flat heat column with a converging and flat part design, coupled with thermally conductive materials and wick structures, reduces airflow resistance and stagnant zones, and is manufactured using simpler methods like pressing or extrusion, combined with adjustable heat dissipating fins for enhanced heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a cylindrical heat pipe is used, then heat transfer capability is achieved, but airflow resistance increases and stagnant zones are formed reducing heat dissipation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the heat pipe cross-section from a symmetric cylindrical shape to an asymmetric flat shape with a specific profile. The flat heat pipe has a top surface, bottom surface, and side surfaces forming a non-circular cross-section that reduces airflow resistance and eliminates stagnant zones while maintaining effective heat transfer area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional cylindrical shape to a flattened configuration that emphasizes two-dimensional heat transfer surfaces. This dimensional change creates larger top and bottom surfaces for heat exchange while reducing the height dimension, thereby improving airflow characteristics and eliminating stagnant zones without sacrificing heat transfer capability.
2Reliability
If a cylindrical heat pipe with matching heat sink is used, then heat transfer is optimized, but manufacturing cost increases due to complex heat sink requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The flat heat pipe design serves multiple functions: it maintains effective heat transfer capability while providing a standardized shape that can interface with various heat sink configurations. The universal flat geometry allows compatibility with different heat sink types (press-fit, lock-and-plate, extrusion) without requiring custom-matched cylindrical heat sinks, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the heat pipe from cylindrical dimensions (diameter, height) to flat dimensions (length, width, thickness). This parameter transformation enables the use of simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing methods for both the heat pipe and heat sink while maintaining the necessary thermal performance through optimized surface area distribution.
3Ease of manufacture
If the circular sidewall converges from open end toward closed end, then manufacturing simplicity is achieved through pressing, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the circular sidewall into distinct functional zones: a converging portion that transitions from the open end toward the closed end, and a flat portion at the closed end. This segmentation allows each zone to be formed by simple pressing operations rather than complex machining, reducing manufacturing difficulty while the overall flat geometry maintains structural simplicity for assembly.
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 flat heat column design improves heat dissipation efficiency by minimizing stagnant zones and reducing manufacturing costs, while maintaining effective heat transfer through the use of thermally conductive materials and adjustable fins.
Implementation Method 1
the work fluid at the vapor end of the cylindrical heat pipe 11 is transformed to vapor by absorbing heat. The vapor is transported to wick structures at the cooling end by pressure. The vaporized work fluid is transformed to liquid by releasing the latent heat therein.
Implementation Method 2
The liquid work fluid is then transported back to the vapor end by wick structures disposed at the inner wall of the cylindrical heat pipe 11.
Implementation Method 3
The heat at the cooling end is conducted to the heat sink 12 via heat conduction
Implementation Method 4
airflow generated by the fan 13 exhausts the heat to the environment via heat convection
Data Source
AI summary
A heat dissipating module includes a heat dissipating apparatus and a fan. The fan is disposed adjacent to a side of the heat dissipating apparatus. A heat dissipating apparatus includes a flat heat column and a plurality of heat dissipating fins. The heat dissipating fins are disposed at the exterior of the flat heat column. A flat heat column has a pipe-body and a base, and the pipe-body includes a circular sidewall, an open end and a closed end. The base is coupled to the circular sidewall at the open end to form a closed space in the flat heat column, wherein the circular sidewall converges from the open end toward the closed end to form a converging part and a flat part.