Heat Pipe Assembly Press-Fit Mounting Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat pipe assemblies face limitations in heat transfer efficiency due to spaced heat pipes, loose attachment issues without soldering materials, and increased costs associated with excessive soldering material usage.
Innovation Solution
A heat pipe mounting method that involves press-fitting heat pipes into semi-circular grooves with supporting ribs, ensuring tight abutment and secure attachment without soldering, using flattening and abutting portions to prevent displacement and enhance proximity for improved heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If heat pipes are spaced apart in heat pipe grooves, then the heat-transfer block can accommodate heat pipes, but the number of heat pipes is restricted and heat transfer performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-transfer block is divided into multiple heat pipe grooves, each capable of accommodating individual heat pipes. The segmentation allows for flexible arrangement and maximizes the number of heat pipes that can be installed while maintaining proper spacing for heat transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Heat pipes are arranged in a multi-dimensional configuration within the heat-transfer block, utilizing both horizontal and vertical spacing. This dimensional arrangement increases the effective number of heat pipes that can be accommodated while ensuring optimal heat transfer pathways from the heat source.
2Reliability
If soldering material is used to secure heat pipes, then heat pipes are firmly attached, but material costs increase and excessive material overflows
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe grooves are designed with self-retaining features that allow heat pipes to be securely held without requiring additional soldering materials. The groove geometry itself provides the attachment mechanism, eliminating the need for external fastening substances and their associated costs and cleanup requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The soldering material step is completely removed from the assembly process. The design extracts the attachment function from the soldering material and transfers it to the structural design of the heat pipe grooves, simplifying the manufacturing process and eliminating material waste.
3Loss of substance
If solder-less press-fit method is used, then material costs are reduced, but heat pipes may be loosened or forced out of position
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe grooves are pre-designed with specific geometric features that provide inherent retention of heat pipes before any assembly occurs. The preliminary structural design ensures that when heat pipes are pressed into the grooves, they are automatically retained in position without requiring additional fastening materials or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pipe grooves incorporate curved or rounded cross-sectional profiles that complement the shape of the heat pipes. This curvature design creates a snug fit that prevents lateral displacement and accidental loosening, while still allowing for straightforward press-fit assembly without soldering materials.
4Ease of manufacture
If heat pipe grooves have arched or oval cross sections, then heat pipes can be pressed fitted, but heat pipes are forced further apart and cannot be closely arranged
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe grooves feature localized cross-sectional variations, with arched or oval profiles in specific regions to facilitate press-fit assembly, while maintaining tighter overall spacing between adjacent grooves. This local quality approach allows the grooves to provide easy insertion while the global arrangement maximizes heat pipe density on the heat-transfer block.
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 method allows for enhanced heat transfer performance by closely arranging heat pipes and securely attaching them without soldering, reducing material costs and preventing overheating issues.
Implementation Method 1
A heat-transfer block is often used with heat pipes to enhance heat transfer performance
Implementation Method 2
the heat transfer among the heat pipes is unsatisfactory
Implementation Method 3
press-fitting the heat pipes into respective heat pipe grooves; flattening the heat pipes to force the flattened part of one heat pipe into abutment against the flattened part of the other heat pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pipe mounting method and a heat pipe assembly thereof are disclosed. The method includes the step of providing a heat-transfer block and a plurality of heat pipes. A plurality of heat pipe grooves is formed on the heat-transfer block. The heat pipes are then press-fitted to respective heat pipe grooves. During the press-fitting step, the heat pipes are flattened to force the flattened part of one heat pipe into abutment against the flattened part of another heat pipe in a flushed manner. Thereby, the heat pipes are abutted to each other with no separation therebetween. Hence, the heat transfer performance is increased.