Flexible Heat Pipe Support Member for Vapor Chamber
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat pipe support members are rigid and can damage the capillary structure, impeding fluid flow and reducing heat dissipation efficiency due to their saw tooth-shaped ridges and complex structural features.
Innovation Solution
A heat dissipation device with a flexible support member made of high-temperature resistant materials, featuring parallel support arms that form longitudinal passageways within the heat pipe, allowing for efficient fluid flow and preventing deformation of the tubing during bending, combined with a mesh and ridges in the heat exchange chamber for enhanced heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rigid support members with saw tooth-shaped ridges are used in heat pipes, then the tubing structure is supported and does not collapse, but the capillary structure or tubing is worn and/or damaged, and fluid flow is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is formed from a flexible sheet material that can be bent into various configurations within the heat pipe. This flexibility allows the support member to conform to the tubing walls without creating rigid protrusions that would damage the capillary structure, while still providing adequate structural support to prevent collapse during flattening and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member features curved and rounded surfaces rather than sharp ridges or teeth. The curved configuration provides structural support while minimizing stress concentration points that could damage the delicate capillary wicking material, eliminating the wear and damage problems associated with saw tooth-shaped ridges.
2Strength
If conventional rigid support members are used in heat pipes, then the tubing structure is supported, but the heat pipe is hard to bend
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is constructed from flexible sheet material that can bend and deform along with the heat pipe tubing. This allows the heat pipe to be bent into various shapes for different applications while the support member continues to provide structural reinforcement, resolving the conflict between rigidity for support and flexibility for installation.
3Strength
If support members with complex structural features are disposed in heat pipes, then structural support is provided, but the flow of working fluid is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The curved, ridge-free surface of the support member eliminates obstacles to fluid flow within the heat pipe. The smooth configuration allows working fluid to move freely through the capillary structure without being blocked by complex structural features, maintaining high heat dissipation efficiency while still providing necessary structural support.
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 solution improves heat dissipation efficiency by providing a flexible support structure that maintains smooth surfaces and minimizes fluid flow impedance, while allowing the heat pipe to be bent without crimping, thus enhancing thermal conductivity and reducing space occupation.
Implementation Method 1
a heat dissipation device that includes a first plate, a second plate contacting the first plate, and at least partially defining a heat exchange chamber therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A vapor chamber having a working fluid therein, includes a first and second casing, together forming an evaporator section having a plurality of first support structures therein, a condenser section having a plurality of second support structures therein, and a vapor flow chamber extending from the evaporator section to the condenser section is provided. The evaporator section further includes a plurality of extended heat transfer structures therein, contacting a first inner surface of the evaporator section of the first casing and being perpendicular thereto. The vapor flow chamber includes as least one evaporator vapor flow area. The first inner surface, second inner surface of the first and second casings, plurality of extended heat transfer structures, and at least one of a plurality of first support structures include evenly distributed and substantially the same thickness sintered powdered wick structures thereon. The plurality of first and second support structures supports the first and second casings of the vapor chamber.