Loop Heat Pipe Evaporator Structural Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing loop-type heat pipes face issues with structural strength at the end portions of the evaporator, leading to deformation under internal pressure, which compromises heat transport efficiency due to gaps formed between the evaporator and the thermally conductive adhesive, resulting in reduced heat transfer performance.
Innovation Solution
The evaporator is designed with layered metal layers, featuring bottomed grooves at the ends of the spaces to enhance structural strength, preventing deformation and maintaining the integrity of the heat transfer interface by distributing pressure uniformly across the metal layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the evaporator is formed with a simple layered metal structure, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the structural strength at the end portions is insufficient leading to deformation under internal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator is divided into multiple metal layers (first outermost metal layer, second outermost metal layer, and inner layers) with specific structural features (bottomed grooves, spaces) at the end portions. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute to overall strength while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized layering processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-layer or simple multi-layer structure to a complex multi-layer structure with features extending in multiple dimensions (bottomed grooves creating depth, spaces creating volume). This dimensional complexity significantly enhances structural strength at the end portions while still using conventional metal layering techniques.
2Ease of manufacture
If the evaporator structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but deformation under internal pressure occurs compromising heat transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator is segmented into multiple metal layers with specific features (bottomed grooves, spaces) positioned at end portions. This segmentation provides structural reinforcement exactly where needed to prevent deformation that would compromise heat transfer, while maintaining ease of manufacture through systematic layering.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex multi-layer structure with bottomed grooves and spaces is applied specifically at the end portions of the evaporator where structural strength is most needed to withstand internal pressure. The rest of the evaporator maintains a simpler structure, optimizing both manufacturing ease and reliability by applying complexity only where necessary.
3Strength
If bottomed grooves are formed in metal layers, then structural strength is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bottomed grooves are implemented as discrete features within specific metal layers rather than continuous complex structures. This segmentation of the structural reinforcement into manageable features within individual layers enhances strength while keeping manufacturing complexity controlled through standardized features.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottomed grooves introduce a depth dimension to the metal layers, creating three-dimensional structural features that significantly enhance strength. While this adds complexity, the grooves are formed using conventional techniques and positioned at specific locations, making the complexity manageable and justified by the strength gains.
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 improves the structural integrity of the evaporator, preventing deformation and maintaining efficient heat transport by ensuring a consistent interface between the evaporator and the thermally conductive adhesive, thus enhancing the overall heat transfer efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the porous member that communicates with the at least one space is provided in the inner layer... the working fluid inside the porous member is vaporized so that vapor is generated
Implementation Method 2
heat given to the evaporator from the outside, the working fluid inside the porous member is vaporized... heat transport efficiency from the heat generating component toward the evaporator
Implementation Method 3
distributing pressure uniformly across the metal layers... preventing deformation and maintaining the integrity of the heat transfer interface
Implementation Method 4
The first metal layer is formed with a first bottomed groove opened to a side of the second metal layer... strength in portions of the metal layers corresponding to the end portions of the space is insufficient
Implementation Method 5
a condenser that liquefies the vaporized working fluid... the condenser that cools and liquefies the vaporized working fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A loop-type heat pipe includes: an evaporator; a condenser; a liquid pipe; and a vapor pipe. The evaporator is formed by layered metal layers that include: a first outermost metal layer; a second outermost metal layer; and an inner layer. The inner layer includes: a first metal layer adjacent to the first outermost metal layer; and a second metal layer adjacent to the second outermost metal layer. At least one space and a porous member are provided in the inner layer. The first metal layer is formed with a first bottomed groove. The second metal layer is formed with a second bottomed groove. One end of the space corresponds to a portion of the first metal layer where the first bottomed groove is formed. The other end of the space corresponds to a portion of the second metal layer where the second bottomed groove is formed.