Multi-Channel Cooling Tube for Electronic Device Heat Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing liquid cooling systems for electronic devices require a large number of coolant carrying tubes, leading to increased material and labor costs, as well as space constraints, especially when multiple electronic subsystems are housed in a single enclosure.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system configuration that includes a first module, a second module positioned in the depth direction, and a third module positioned in the width direction, with an upstream tube, a downstream tube, and a branch tube to efficiently distribute a cooling medium, reducing the overall number of tubes needed and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of coolant carrying channels increases to cool multiple electronic subsystems, then the cooling coverage is improved, but the number of tubes increases leading to increased material cost and labor for assembling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple coolant carrying channels into a single integrated tube structure. The one tube carries multiple coolant flows by forming multiple coolant carrying channels within its interior, allowing the tube to serve multiple cooling functions simultaneously. This reduces the total number of tubes needed while maintaining adequate cooling coverage for multiple electronic subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The single tube is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating multiple coolant carrying channels that can independently or simultaneously cool different electronic subsystems. The tube structure serves as both a structural support element and a multi-channel coolant distribution system, reducing the need for separate cooling components.
2Reliability
If the number of tubes forming coolant carrying channels increases, then the cooling capacity for multiple subsystems is improved, but the material cost and labor for assembling are further increased
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple coolant carrying channels are merged into a single tube structure, reducing material costs associated with purchasing and installing multiple separate tubes. The manufacturing process is simplified as fewer tube components need to be handled, transported, and installed, directly reducing labor costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The single tube is segmented into multiple functional channels within its structure. This segmentation allows independent coolant flows for different subsystems while maintaining a unified external tube structure, simplifying installation while providing differentiated cooling paths.
3Reliability
If a great number of tubes are provided to cool multiple electronic subsystems, then the cooling coverage is improved, but it may be difficult to secure the space for providing the tubes
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple coolant carrying functions are merged into a single tube, dramatically reducing the volume occupied by tube infrastructure. The consolidated tube structure fits within the limited space of the housing without requiring the extensive tube routing that would be needed if separate tubes were used for each coolant channel.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple coolant carrying channels are nested within the single tube structure. The channels are arranged concentrically or in nested configurations, allowing multiple cooling paths to coexist within the volume of a single tube, maximizing space utilization within the housing.
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 the number of tubes required, lowering material and labor costs while simplifying the installation and ensuring sufficient space for the cooling system, effectively addressing the challenges of tube proliferation and space constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling member configured to cool the first heat generating member
Implementation Method 2
an upstream side tube configured to supply a cooling medium to the cooling member of the first module, a downstream side tube configured to supply the cooling medium passed through the cooling member of the first module to the cooling member of the second module
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system includes a first module, a second module provided at a different position in a depth direction of a housing with respect to the first module, a third module provided at a different position in a width direction of the housing with respect to the first module and the second module, an upstream side tube configured to supply a cooling medium to a cooling member of the first module, a downstream side tube configured to supply the cooling medium passed through the cooling member of the first module to a cooling member of the second module, and a branch tube configured to branch from the downstream side tube and supply the cooling medium to a cooling member of the third module.