Loop Heat Pipe Liquid Pipe Groove Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional loop heat pipes face reduced heat transfer performance due to the need for hangers to support metal layers, which restrict design freedom and narrow the flow passage, leading to increased pressure loss and energy loss for the working fluid.
Innovation Solution
A loop heat pipe design featuring a liquid pipe with inner metal layers having flow passages and a porous body, where the flow passages are formed by communicating bottomed grooves in adjacent metal layers, eliminating the need for hangers and enhancing fluid flow by reducing pressure loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a column formed by multiple metal layers is provided within the flow passage to prevent deformation, then structural stability is improved, but the flow passage becomes narrower leading to increased pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the column structure from the flow passage. Instead of having a column formed by multiple metal layers within the flow passage, the patent eliminates this internal support structure entirely, allowing the flow passage to maintain its full cross-sectional area without obstruction, thereby reducing pressure loss while maintaining structural integrity through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from providing structural support within the flow passage (internal dimension) to providing support from the external surroundings (external dimension). The rectangular pipe and external framing structures provide the necessary structural stability without encroaching on the flow passage space, effectively moving the support function to another spatial dimension.
2Strength
If a hanger is provided to provide contact with pipe wall at predetermined position, then structural support is improved, but design freedom of metal layers is restricted and flow passage space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the hanger component entirely from the structure. Instead of using hangers to provide contact and support at predetermined positions, the patent relies on the inherent structural strength of the rectangular pipe and the external framing, removing the constraint that hangers imposed on metal layer design and flow passage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The rectangular pipe structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, defines the flow passage geometry, and eliminates the need for separate hanger components. This multi-functional design approach increases design freedom while maintaining necessary structural support.
3Strength
If the flow passage is narrowed due to column and hanger structures, then structural support is improved, but heat transfer performance deteriorates due to increased pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes both the column and hanger structures that were narrowing the flow passage. By eliminating these internal obstructions, the flow passage maintains its full cross-sectional area, reducing pressure loss and improving working fluid flow characteristics, thereby enhancing heat transfer performance while structural support is provided by external means.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is moved from the internal dimension (within flow passage) to the external dimension (outside flow passage). This allows the flow passage to maintain its full size and shape for optimal heat transfer, while structural support is provided by the external rectangular pipe and framing structures.
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 heat transfer performance by widening the flow passage and reducing pressure loss, thereby stabilizing the heat transfer process and preventing pipe collapse during bonding.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more flow passages include a flow passage formed by the first bottomed groove and the second bottomed groove that are arranged to oppose and communicate with each other in a thickness direction
Implementation Method 2
a porous body communicating with the one or more flow passages
Data Source
AI summary
A loop heat pipe includes a liquid pipe and a vapor pipe that connect an evaporator and a condenser and form a loop-shaped passage. The liquid pipe includes two outermost metal layers, and inner metal layers stacked between the outer metal layers. The inner metal layers include one or more flow passages in which a working fluid flows, and a porous body communicating with the one or more flow passages. One inner metal layer includes a first bottomed groove opening to a side of another inner metal layer adjacent to the one inner metal layer, and the other inner metal layer includes a second bottomed groove opening to a side of the one inner metal layer. The one or more flow passages include a flow passage formed by the first and second bottomed grooves that are arranged to oppose and communicate with each other in a thickness direction.