Flexible Heat Pipe for Liquid-Cooling Radiator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional water-cooling radiators have limitations in heat dissipation efficiency due to the size of the contact area between the heat pipe and the heat sink, which can be improved by increasing the contact area but may lead to damage from excessive pressure.

Innovation Solution

A liquid-cooling radiator design featuring a flexible heat pipe and a pressure device that presses the heat pipe, allowing part of the heat pipe to protrude from the heat sink and contact an object to be cooled, enhancing heat dissipation efficiency while preventing damage from pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the contact area between the heat pipe and the heat sink is increased to improve heat dissipation efficiency, then the heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but the risk of damage from excessive pressure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoiddamage from excessive pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heat pipe is designed with a flexible pipe body that can protrude from the heat sink contact area and return to its original position. This flexibility allows the heat pipe to adapt to the object being cooled without requiring excessive clamping pressure, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency while preventing damage from over-pressurization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The heat pipe transitions from a static, fixed-position component to a dynamic one that can protrude and retract. During operation, the heat pipe dynamically adjusts its position by protruding from the heat sink to maximize contact with the object being cooled, then returning to its original position when not in use, optimizing heat transfer while minimizing pressure-related damage risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the heat pipe is pressed tightly against the heat sink to improve heat conduction, then the heat conduction effect is improved, but the heat pipe may be damaged due to excessive pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat conduction effectVSAvoidheat pipe damage resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible pipe body of the heat pipe can deform under pressure and then return to its original shape. When clamped, the heat pipe flexibly adapts to the heat sink surface to ensure good thermal contact, but its elastic recovery capability prevents permanent deformation or damage from excessive clamping forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The heat pipe's elastic properties serve as a built-in cushioning mechanism. The flexible material absorbs and distributes clamping pressure, preventing concentration of stress that could lead to damage. This inherent cushioning effect protects the heat pipe while maintaining effective thermal contact with the heat sink.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If part of the heat pipe protrudes from the heat sink to contact the object to be cooled, then the heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible pipe body inherently enables the protrusion function without requiring additional mechanical components such as actuators, guides, or support structures. The simplicity of the flexible membrane design allows the heat pipe to naturally protrude and contact the object being cooled, improving heat dissipation while avoiding increased structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 achieves better heat conduction by ensuring direct contact between the heat pipe and the object to be cooled, while the pressure device acts as a buffer to prevent damage from excessive pressure, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

as heat is transferred between the heat pipe and the heat sink through heat conduction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the part of the pipe body is directly in contact with the surface of the object to be cooled

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal contact: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

A cooling fluid in the heat pipe can take heat away from the heat sink and an object to be cooled

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer through fluid circulation: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20250052524A1Liquid-cooling radiator and heat pipe thereof

Publication Date: 2025.02.13 ACCTON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

AI summary

A liquid-cooling radiator includes a heat sink. The heat sink has a heat pipe opening on a surface of the heat sink and a heat pipe chamber inside the heat sink which communicates with the heat pipe opening. A pressure device is disposed in the heat pipe chamber. A heat pipe is disposed between the heat pipe opening and the pressure device. The heat pipe has a flexible pipe body. The pipe body has a flow channel therein. A part of the pipe body protrudes from the heat pipe opening and is exposed from the surface of the heat sink.