Flexible Heat Pipe Structure for Adaptable Electronics Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat dissipation devices have limited adaptability due to their singular shape, which restricts their effectiveness in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A heat dissipation device comprising a rigid tube with a first capillary structure, a flexible tube with a second capillary structure, and a support ring, allowing for deformability and adaptability through the flexible tube, enabling the device to change shape and position, thereby improving its adaptability and cooling capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid tube structure is used for heat dissipation, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different shapes and positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipation device is divided into multiple segments: a rigid tube portion for structural stability and heat dissipation function, a flexible tube portion for adaptability and positioning, and capillary structures for heat transfer. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function while resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes phase change of the heat dissipation medium (liquid to vapor and back) to transfer heat, and changes in the flexible tube's physical state (flexible to rigid when filled) to achieve both adaptability during installation and structural integrity during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible tube is used to improve adaptability, then adaptability to different shapes and positions is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipation device is divided into multiple segments: a rigid tube portion for structural stability and heat dissipation function, a flexible tube portion for adaptability and positioning, and capillary structures for heat transfer. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function while resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs composite construction combining rigid materials (for the rigid tube and support rings) with flexible materials (for the flexible tube), creating a hybrid structure that exhibits both structural stability and adaptability characteristics of its constituent materials.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the heat dissipation device is made deformable, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into rigid and flexible portions, with the rigid portions manufactured with high precision for heat dissipation functionality, while the flexible portion is designed to accommodate variations through its inherent compliance, thus resolving the conflict between precision manufacturing and deformability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tube acts as a compliant element that can deform to accommodate different configurations without requiring high-precision manufacturing, while the rigid portions maintain precise geometries for effective heat dissipation, resolving the contradiction between deformability and manufacturing precision.
4Stability of the object's composition
If support rings are added to maintain structural integrity, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tube serves as both a structural support element and a functional heat dissipation component, eliminating the need for additional support structures in some configurations. When support rings are used, they are integrated seamlessly into the flexible tube structure, minimizing overall device complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support rings are constructed from the same flexible material as the flexible tube, creating a unified composite structure that maintains integrity without adding significant complexity. The integrated design allows the support rings to be formed simultaneously with the flexible tube during manufacturing.
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 deformable heat dissipation device can effectively adapt to different shapes and positions, enhancing its ability to dissipate heat from multiple heat-generating parts, improving thermal conductivity and ease of assembly/disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a first capillary structure, at least a portion of the first capillary structure being positioned within the first cavity; a second capillary structure, at least a portion of the second capillary structure being positioned within the second cavity
Implementation Method 2
connecting a heat dissipation device to the heat-generating part... enhancing its ability to dissipate heat... improving thermal conductivity
Implementation Method 3
a phase change material, at least a portion of the phase change material being positioned within the heat dissipation device
Data Source
AI summary
A heat dissipation device includes: a rigid tube, including a first cavity; a first capillary structure, at least a portion of the first capillary structure being positioned within the first cavity; a flexible tube, including a second cavity, the flexible tube being more flexible than the rigid tube; and a second capillary structure, at least a portion of the second capillary structure being positioned within the second cavity, wherein the heat dissipation device is deformable via the flexible tube.