Segmented Capillary Heat Pipe for Anti-Gravity Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flat-plate heat pipes face issues with capillary structure damage during compression, leading to reduced heat transfer efficiency and vapor passage blockage due to insufficient capillary attraction and narrowed internal passages, which compromises anti-gravity performance and heat transfer capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The heat pipe structure features a main body with a chamber having two capillary structures on opposite sides, where the first capillary structure has a radial extension range of at least half the chamber's circumference, connected with the second capillary structure, enhancing vapor-liquid circulation and heat transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the flat-plate heat pipe is thinned to meet miniaturization requirements, then the heat pipe achieves the object of thinning and reduced size, but the capillary structure on two sides of the compressed faces is squeezed and damaged, causing it to peel off from the inner wall face and deteriorate heat transfer performance
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary structure is segmented into multiple independent layers (first capillary structure layer and second capillary structure layer) positioned at opposite sides of the heat pipe. This segmentation allows each layer to independently bear compression forces without affecting the other, preventing the peeling damage that occurs in conventional single-layer structures when the heat pipe is thinned.
2Length of stationary object
If the flat-plate heat pipe is thinned, then the heat pipe achieves miniaturization, but the internal capillary structure has insufficient capillary attraction, causing the working fluid to block the vapor passage
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary structures at the first and second sides are designed with different radial extension ranges, creating local quality differences. The first capillary structure has a larger radial extension range to provide stronger capillary attraction for working fluid circulation, while the second side is optimized for its specific function. This local optimization ensures sufficient capillary attraction even in thinned heat pipes, preventing vapor passage blockage.
3Length of stationary object
If the flat-plate heat pipe is thinned and flattened, then the heat pipe achieves miniaturization, but the central section becomes recessed, narrowing or blocking the vapor passage and reducing maximum heat transfer amount
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: capillary structure layers at the sides for fluid circulation, a vapor passage for vapor transport, and a liquid passage for liquid return. This segmentation ensures that the vapor passage remains open and functional even when the heat pipe is thinned and flattened, maintaining the maximum heat transfer amount by preventing central section recession from blocking the vapor path.
4Ease of manufacture
If metal powder is sintered to form a capillary structure layer fully coated on the inner wall face, then the heat pipe can conduct heat, but the capillary structure is likely to be squeezed and damaged during compression, deteriorating heat transfer performance
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forming a single continuous capillary structure layer that is vulnerable to compression, the invention segments it into multiple independent layers at opposite sides. Each layer is partially coated on the inner wall face rather than fully coated, which reduces the overall stress on any single layer during compression. This segmented approach maintains capillary structure integrity while preserving heat conduction capability.
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 design improves anti-gravity performance, increases maximum heat transfer efficiency, and reduces interface thermal resistance, allowing the heat pipe to handle greater thermal power per unit area and maintain effective heat transfer.
Implementation Method 1
the internal capillary structure of the flat-plate heat pipe will have insufficient capillary attraction
Implementation Method 2
the working fluid will block the vapor passage
Implementation Method 3
at the other end of the main body opposite to the end at which the heat source is positioned
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pipe structure includes a main body having a chamber. The chamber has a first side and a second side. A first capillary structure and a second capillary structure are respectively disposed on the first and second sides. A working fluid is filled in the chamber. The first capillary structure has a radial extension range larger than or equal to one half of a circumference of inner wall face of the chamber and larger than a radial extension range of the second capillary structure. The first and second capillary structures are connected with each other. The first and second capillary structures and the inner wall face of the chamber together define at least one vapor passage. By means of the heat pipe structure, the amount of transferred heat is increased and the heat transfer efficiency is greatly enhanced.