Vapor Chamber With Sandwiched Upper Wick for Liquid Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The wick structure in the upper plate of related-art vapor chambers is prone to being affected by vaporized working fluid, making it difficult for the fluid to flow back effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vapor chamber design with a sandwiched upper wick, featuring a double-plate structure that includes an outer and inner plate with a sandwiched wick layer between them, facilitating the backflow of liquid working fluid through a connecting edge and optional tube wick structure for enhanced fluid circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wick structure is placed in the upper plate of the vapor chamber, then the working fluid can be guided for phase change and heat transfer, but the wick structure is easily affected by vaporized working fluid making it difficult to flow back
Solution Approach 1:
The upper plate is divided into an outer plate and an inner plate, creating a segmented structure. The wick layer is sandwiched between these two plates, separating the wick from direct exposure to vaporized working fluid while maintaining its function. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by protecting the wick structure from vapor interference while preserving fluid circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner plate acts as an intermediary between the wick layer and the vaporized working fluid. By placing the wick between the outer and inner plates, the inner plate mediates the interaction, preventing direct contact between the wick and harmful vapor while still allowing the wick to perform its fluid transport function.
2Device complexity
If the wick structure is exposed to vaporized working fluid, then the phase change process can occur, but the wick becomes difficult to flow back due to vapor interference
Solution Approach 1:
The upper plate is segmented into outer and inner plates with the wick sandwiched between them. This segmentation creates a protected pathway for fluid circulation while maintaining the necessary phase change process, resolving the apparent contradiction between structural complexity and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The wick layer is nested between the outer and inner plates, creating a layered configuration. This nesting arrangement allows the wick to function within a protected environment while still enabling fluid circulation through the connected edges, balancing structural complexity with operational effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If the wick layer is sandwiched between plates, then backflow is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper plate is segmented into two functional components (outer and inner plates) that work together to improve backflow. While this increases structural complexity, it provides the dual benefit of protecting the wick and enhancing backflow efficiency through the connected edge design.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer plate, inner plate, and wick layer are merged into an integrated sandwich structure. This combining of components creates a unified system that improves backflow efficiency while consolidating multiple functions into a single structural arrangement, partially offsetting the increase in 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
The design ensures efficient backflow of liquid working fluid, enhancing heat transfer efficiency by stabilizing the wick structure and improving fluid circulation within the chamber.
Implementation Method 1
the sandwiched wick layer is formed with a connecting edge corresponding to a periphery of the inner plate and projecting from the periphery of the inner plate. The connecting edge is in contact with the lower wick structure
Implementation Method 2
the vaporized working fluid returns to a liquid state after condensation through the upper plate
Implementation Method 3
the working fluid inside the vapor chamber generates a vapor phase change when heated
Implementation Method 4
the working fluid inside the vapor chamber generates a vapor phase change when heated, thereby transferring the heat from the heated lower plate rapidly to the upper plate through heat conduction
Implementation Method 5
transferring the heat from the heated lower plate rapidly to the upper plate through heat conduction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A vapor chamber with a sandwiched upper wick includes a lower plate (1) and an upper plate (2). The upper plate (2) covers the lower plate (1) to form a chamber (A) between the lower plate (1) and the upper plate (2). The upper plate (2) includes an outer plate (20), at least one inner plate (21) superposed with the outer plate (20) and located in the chamber (A) and at least one sandwiched wick layer (22) sandwiched between the outer plate (20) and the inner plate (21). The lower plate (1) is disposed with a lower wick structure (10) located in the chamber (A). The sandwiched wick layer (22) is formed with a connecting edge (22a) corresponding to a periphery of the inner plate (21) and projecting from the periphery of the inner plate (21). The connecting edge (22a) is in contact with the lower wick structure (10). The upper plate (2) uses the outer plate (20) and the inner plate (21) to make the sandwiched wick layer (22) able to guarantee backflow of the liquid working fluid.