Flat Loop Heat Pipe with Segmented Flow Passage for Non-Coplanar Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat pipes fail to function properly when the evaporator and condenser are not on the same plane, causing the flow passage to narrow and hinder the smooth flow of the working fluid, leading to inadequate heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
A flat loop heat pipe design with an evaporator, condenser, vapor pipe, and liquid pipe, where the condenser includes a flow passage and a second wick exposed in the planar direction, connected to a first wick in the liquid pipe, ensuring smooth fluid flow and capillary force-driven movement of the working fluid, and the heat pipe is bent at a position that supports the condenser to prevent crushing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the heat pipe is bent to connect evaporator and condenser on different planes, then the heat pipe can be mounted on electronic devices with non-coplanar components, but the flow passage narrows and working fluid flow is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe is divided into multiple straight sections connected by bend sections. The flow passage is segmented into straight portions and curved portions, with the curved portions having larger cross-sectional areas to compensate for flow resistance. This segmentation allows the heat pipe to adapt to non-coplanar mounting while maintaining reliable heat transfer function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the heat pipe have different structural characteristics. The straight sections have uniform cross-sections for efficient heat transfer, while the bend sections have enlarged cross-sectional areas to maintain flow capacity. This local quality differentiation ensures that each section performs its specific function optimally while collectively solving the mounting flexibility problem.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the heat pipe is bent, then the evaporator and condenser can be positioned on different planes, but the flow passage may close and hinder smooth fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passage cross-sectional area is increased in the bend sections by utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness). This dimensional change compensates for the flow resistance introduced by the curved path, maintaining smooth fluid flow while enabling spatial flexibility for evaporator and condenser positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional area parameter of the flow passage is changed along its length, with larger areas in bend sections and smaller areas in straight sections. This parameter variation optimizes fluid flow characteristics throughout the heat pipe, ensuring smooth flow despite the necessary bends for spatial configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the heat pipe is bent to accommodate different plane positions, then mounting versatility is improved, but heat transfer efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe is segmented into straight sections for efficient heat transfer and bend sections for spatial adaptation. By separating these functions into different segments, the overall heat transfer efficiency is maintained while achieving mounting versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections have optimized local properties: straight sections maximize heat transfer efficiency with uniform cross-sections, while bend sections prioritize flow capacity with enlarged cross-sections. This local quality optimization ensures that heat transfer efficiency is not compromised by the necessary bends for mounting flexibility.
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 design maintains smooth fluid flow and enhances heat transfer efficiency by allowing the working fluid to vaporize and condense effectively, even when the heat pipe is bent, ensuring proper cooling of heat-generating components.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator that vaporizes a working fluid
Implementation Method 2
a condenser that liquefies the working fluid vaporized by the evaporator
Implementation Method 3
a liquid pipe that connects the condenser to the evaporator and includes a first wick... The second wick is connected to the first wick
Data Source
AI summary
A flat loop heat pipe includes an evaporator that vaporizes a working fluid, a condenser that liquefies the working fluid vaporized by the evaporator, a vapor pipe that connects the evaporator to the condenser, and a liquid pipe that connects the condenser to the evaporator. The liquid pipe includes a first wick. The condenser includes a flow passage and a second wick. The flow passage connects the vapor pipe and the liquid pipe. The second wick is connected to the first wick. The second wick is exposed in the flow passage and extends from the flow passage in a planar direction.