Loop Heat Pipe Connecting Part for Non-Coplanar Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In loop heat pipes where the heat generating part and heat sink part do not share the same plane, the bending of pipes leads to constriction, hindering the smooth flow of the working fluid and impeding heat transfer due to the shrinkage of the inner pipe and stretching of the outer pipe.
Innovation Solution
The loop heat pipe design includes integrally formed metal components with a connecting part that allows for arbitrary bending without affecting fluid flow, using a structure with separate vapor and liquid pipes and a connecting part without hollow sections to maintain fluid flow integrity, enabling efficient heat transfer between the heat generating and heat sink parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vapor pipe and liquid pipe are bent to mount the evaporator on the heat generating part and the heat sink part on the condenser, then the heat pipe can be applied when the heat generating part and heat sink part do not exist on the same substrate, but the inner side of the pipe shrinks and the outer side stretches, causing the inside of the bent part to become constricted and preventing smooth flow of the working fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible membrane structure in the connecting part that allows bending without constriction. The membrane can deform elastically to accommodate the bent configuration while maintaining sufficient cross-sectional area for smooth fluid flow, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability to non-coplanar mounting and fluid flow smoothness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hollow pipe is bent, then the pipe can connect components on different planes, but the inner side shrinks and the outer side stretches, making it difficult to transfer heat efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane structure allows the connecting part to bend without significant constriction, maintaining efficient heat transfer capability while connecting components on different planes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting part uses a composite structure combining rigid components for structural integrity and flexible membrane for bending capability, achieving both heat transfer efficiency and adaptability to non-coplanar configurations.
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 design allows for effective heat transfer from the heat generating part to the heat sink part even when they are not on the same plane, ensuring smooth fluid flow and efficient cooling without interference from pipe bending, thus overcoming the constriction issues caused by pipe bending.
Implementation Method 1
The heat pipe is a device that transfers heat by utilizing a phase change of a working fluid
Implementation Method 2
includes an evaporator that vaporizes the working fluid, and a condenser that liquefies the vaporized working fluid
Implementation Method 3
includes an evaporator that vaporizes the working fluid, and a condenser that liquefies the vaporized working fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
A loop heat pipe includes a first loop heat pipe including a first evaporator, a first condenser, a first liquid pipe, and a first vapor pipe forming a first loop together with the first liquid pipe, a second loop heat pipe including a second evaporator, a second condenser, a second liquid pipe, and a second vapor pipe forming a second loop together with the second liquid pipe, and a connecting part to connect the first condenser and the second evaporator. The first loop and the second loop are separate and independent from each other. The first loop heat pipe, the second loop heat pipe, and the connecting part are integrally formed by a metal.