Loop Heat Pipe Vapor Pipe Segmented Support Column

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Solution Overview

Problem

The loop type heat pipe faces challenges in maintaining efficient heat transport due to increased pressure loss caused by the formation of a support column inside the pipe conduit, which hinders vapor flow and deteriorates heat transport ability.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a vapor pipe with a support column that divides the conduit into two flow paths, featuring first and second opening portions to enhance vapor flow and reduce pressure loss, formed by laminating metal layers with strategically placed connection portions to prevent crushing and ensure integral bonding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a support column is provided inside the pipe conduit to prevent crushing, then the pipe conduit structural integrity is improved, but vapor flow is hindered and pressure loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepipe conduit structural integrityVSAvoidpressure loss
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The support column is divided into multiple segments along its length, with gaps between segments that allow vapor to pass through. This segmentation maintains the structural support function while reducing the obstruction to vapor flow, thereby lowering pressure loss compared to a continuous support column.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support column has varying properties along its length - solid portions provide structural support where needed, while gap portions allow vapor passage. This local variation in structure optimizes both structural integrity and vapor flow characteristics, resolving the contradiction between support function and flow resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If a support column is provided inside the pipe conduit to prevent crushing, then the pipe conduit structural integrity is improved, but heat transport ability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepipe conduit structural integrityVSAvoidheat transport ability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the support column into sections with gaps, the design maintains structural support while minimizing interference with vapor flow. This ensures that heat transport ability remains high as vapor can circulate more freely through the segmented structure compared to a solid continuous column.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Length of stationary object

If thin metal plates are laminated to form the pipe conduit to reduce thickness, then the electronic apparatus thickness is reduced, but the pipe conduit is more susceptible to crushing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepipe conduit thicknessVSAvoidpipe conduit resistance to crushing
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support column is nested inside the pipe conduit, providing internal structural reinforcement. This nested structure strengthens the thin-walled pipe conduit against crushing forces while maintaining the overall thin profile required for mobile electronic apparatus applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe conduit system becomes a composite structure combining the thin metal plate walls with the internal support column. This composite construction provides enhanced mechanical strength and crush resistance while maintaining the thin overall thickness needed for portable devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 configuration reduces pressure loss and improves heat transport efficiency by allowing easier vapor flow through the pipe conduit, effectively suppressing the increase in temperature of heat-generating components.

Implementation Method 1

an evaporator that is configured to evaporate a working fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

The loop type heat pipe is the device that uses phase change of a working fluid to perform the heat transport

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 3

a condenser that is configured to condense the evaporated working fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 4

The loop type heat pipe is the device that uses phase change of a working fluid to perform the heat transport

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 5

The loop type heat pipe is the device that uses phase change of a working fluid to perform the heat transport

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 6

a loop type heat pipe provided as a device for transporting heat generated by a mobile type electronic apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transport: Heat Pipe

Data Source

PatentEP3531056B1Loop type heat pipe
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 SHINKO ELECTRIC IND CO LTD
  • EP3531056B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3531056B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3531056B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A loop type heat pipe includes: an evaporator configured to evaporate a working fluid; a condenser configured to condense the evaporated working fluid; a vapor pipe provided between the evaporator and the condenser; and a liquid pipe provided between the evaporator and the condenser. The vapor pipe includes: a lower-side metal layer; an intermediate metal layer disposed on the lower-side metal layer; an upper-side metal layer disposed on the intermediate metal layer; a pipe conduit formed by the lower-side metal layer, the intermediate metal layer and the upper-side metal layer; and a support column that is provided inside the pipe conduit, wherein the support column divides the pipe conduit into a first flow path and a second flow path. The pipe conduit has a first opening portion that communicates with the first flow path and the second flow path.