Flat Heat Pipe With Non-Uniform Capillary Wick
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat pipes face challenges in effectively utilizing limited inner space for heat dissipation, especially in thin or ultra-thin designs, due to the occupation of capillary structures, which hinders efficient heat exchange and thermal conductivity.
Innovation Solution
A flat heat pipe design featuring a capillary structure with a thin interior and thick exterior, formed by inserting a T-shaped wick into a circular hollow pipe, creating a central portion with lower thickness than edge portions, allowing for a single vapor channel and enhanced heat conduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the heat pipe wall thickness is reduced to make it thin or ultra-thin, then the heat pipe can be integrated into compact electronic products, but the inner space available for working fluid and heat exchange becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary structure is designed with non-uniform thickness: the central portion has smaller thickness to maximize vapor channel space, while the edge portions have larger thickness to maintain structural integrity and capillary function. This local differentiation optimizes the trade-off between space utilization and functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a conventional uniform-thickness capillary structure to a three-dimensionally varied structure with different thickness zones. This dimensional variation allows simultaneous optimization of heat exchange efficiency (thin center) and structural stability (thick edges) within the constrained inner space.
2Ease of manufacture
If a conventional uniform-thickness capillary structure is used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the heat exchange efficiency is reduced due to insufficient vapor channel space
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary structure employs local quality variation with different thickness regions optimized for specific functions: the thinner central area maximizes vapor channel capacity for efficient heat exchange, while the thicker edge areas provide sufficient capillary action and structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary structure breaks the symmetry of uniform thickness by introducing an asymmetric thickness distribution pattern. This asymmetric design creates optimal conditions for heat exchange in the central region while maintaining adequate capillary function at the edges, resolving the contradiction between heat exchange efficiency and manufacturing simplicity.
3Strength
If the capillary structure occupies most of the inner space, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the space available for working fluid phase change is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary structure uses localized thickness variation where the central portion is thinned to create vapor channel space, while the edge portions maintain greater thickness to preserve structural strength and capillary function. This spatial differentiation of material distribution resolves the space-strength contradiction.
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
This design enhances heat exchange cycles and reduces thermal resistance, improving heat conduction and preventing cracking during compression, while maintaining efficient heat dissipation in electronic products.
Implementation Method 1
since the thickness of the central portion of the capillary structure is smaller than the thickness of each of the two edge portions, thermal resistance of the central portion of the capillary structure is lower than that of each of the two edge portions so as to enhance heat conduction
Implementation Method 2
the heat pipe mainly comprises circular heat pipe and flat heat pipe. The flat heat pipe mainly consists of a flat hollow pipe, a capillary structure and a working fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A flat heat pipe includes a flat hollow pipe and a capillary structure. The flat hollow pipe has a first flat portion, a second flat portion and two arc portions, wherein the two arc portions are connected to both sides of the first and second flat portions. The capillary structure is formed in the flat hollow pipe. The capillary structure has a central portion and two edge portions, wherein the central portion is located on an inner wall of the first flat portion, the two edge portions are located on inner walls of the two arc portions respectively, and a thickness of the central portion is smaller than a thickness of each of the two edge portions.