Loop Heat Pipe Vapor Pipe Inclined Joint Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
The flow rate of vapor in heat pipes with bridges and support posts is decreased, leading to reduced heat transfer efficiency in semiconductor devices.
Innovation Solution
A loop heat pipe design featuring a metal layer stack with inclined joint beams in the vapor pipe, which improves vapor flow rate and heat transfer efficiency by guiding vapor flow along inclined surfaces within the pipe walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If joint beams are added to join pipe walls in the vapor pipe, then structural strength is improved, but vapor flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint beams are designed with locally varied thickness, being thinner at the center portion and thicker at the end portions. This local quality variation allows the beam to provide sufficient structural strength at the connection points (end portions) while minimizing obstruction to vapor flow in the central region where flow velocity is highest.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint beams extend in the thickness direction of the metal layers, creating a three-dimensional structure that joins pipe walls from multiple layers. This dimensional approach provides robust structural connection while the tapered profile (thinner at center, thicker at ends) optimizes the balance between structural function and flow performance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional bridge and support post structures are used, then pipe structural integrity is maintained, but heat transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vapor pipe is segmented into multiple thin metal layers (first through sixth metal layers) joined by joint beams. This segmentation allows for a flatter, more streamlined internal flow passage compared to traditional bridge structures, reducing flow resistance while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed joint beam connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The vapor pipe is constructed as a composite structure of multiple metal layers (including copper and stainless steel layers) bonded together with joint beams. This composite construction provides both structural strength and optimized thermal performance by creating a flat, efficient heat transfer pathway.
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 improved vapor flow rate enhances heat transfer efficiency by maintaining a satisfactory circulation of the working fluid and reducing thermal resistance.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator that vaporizes a working fluid
Implementation Method 2
a condenser that liquefies the working fluid vaporized by the evaporator
Implementation Method 3
A heat pipe is a typical device that transfers heat using phase transition of a working fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A loop heat pipe includes a metal layer stack of outermost metal layers and intermediate metal layers. The metal layer stack includes an evaporator that vaporizes a working fluid, a condenser that liquefies the working fluid vaporized by the evaporator, a vapor pipe connecting the evaporator to the condenser, and a liquid pipe connecting the condenser to the evaporator. The vapor pipe includes two pipe walls defining a flow passage of the vapor pipe and joint beams arranged at different positions along the flow passage. Each of the joint beams joins the two pipe walls to each other. Each of the intermediate metal layers includes one of the joint beams. Each of the joint beams includes a side surface that is inclined.