Magnetic Fluid Heat Pipe for Switchable Heat Transfer Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat management systems in electronic devices are limited in their ability to selectively move heat from a heat-generating component to a heat-receiving component, and cannot efficiently manage heat distribution to maintain target temperatures or apply heat for thermal annealing processes.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a heat pipe with a switchable magnetic device that magnetically couples to the fluid path, allowing for the activation and deactivation of magnetic fluid flow, thereby controlling heat transfer between regions of higher and lower temperatures, using magnetic fluids and switchable magnetic elements to block or allow capillary flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional heat management systems are used, then heat transfer occurs continuously between regions, but the system cannot selectively control heat transfer to maintain target temperatures or apply heat for thermal annealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the heat transfer fluid by controlling its magnetic properties. By applying magnetic fields to alter the fluid's viscosity and flow characteristics, the system achieves selective heat transfer control without mechanical moving parts, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control mechanisms (valves, pumps, moving parts) with magnetic field control of ferrofluid. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical structures while achieving versatile heat transfer control, directly addressing the technical contradiction
2Reliability
If magnetic fluid flow is activated to transfer heat, then heat transfer efficiency increases, but the ability to block heat transfer when needed is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of heat transfer by continuously adjusting magnetic field strength to modulate ferrofluid flow. The system can transition between blocked and active states, providing both reliable heat transfer when needed and blocking capability when required, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If a switchable magnetic device is added to control magnetic fluid flow, then selective heat transfer is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generation system serves multiple functions: it can block heat transfer, enable heat transfer, and modulate flow rates. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, achieving selective heat transfer control without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 solution enables selective heat transfer, allowing for the maintenance of target temperatures and application of heat for thermal annealing, effectively extending the life of NAND flash memory cells and optimizing energy usage by dynamically managing heat distribution within electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
A difference between the higher temperature and the lower temperature induces a flow of a magnetic fluid in the fluid path
Implementation Method 2
A switchable magnetic device is magnetically coupled to the fluid path. Activation of the switchable magnetic device reduces the flow of the magnetic fluid in the fluid path
Implementation Method 3
A difference between the higher temperature and the lower temperature induces a flow of a magnetic fluid in the fluid path
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a heat pipe with a fluid path. A first part of the fluid path is thermally coupled to a first region of a higher temperature and a second part of the fluid path thermally is coupled to a second region of a lower temperature. A difference between the higher temperature and the lower temperature induces a flow of a magnetic fluid in the fluid path. A switchable magnetic device is magnetically coupled to the fluid path. Activation of the switchable magnetic device reduces the flow of the magnetic fluid in the fluid path, which reduces heat transfer from the first region to the second region.