Serpentine Chimney Cooler Layout for Rugged Compact Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat transfer devices, such as radiating fins, are prone to breaking and require excessive space to effectively remove heat from electronic devices, especially in non-stationary environments.
Innovation Solution
A chimney cooler design featuring a housing with serpentine flow paths in its sidewalls that receive fluid coolant, promoting inertial flow and maximizing surface area for heat transfer while minimizing footprint and weight, enhancing durability and heat removal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If radiating fins are used for heat transfer, then heat removal capability is improved, but the device becomes susceptible to breaking in non-stationary environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs serpentine (curved) flow paths within the heat transfer channels instead of straight linear paths. This curvature allows the coolant to follow a winding route that increases the effective heat transfer surface area while maintaining structural integrity. The curved geometry distributes mechanical stresses more evenly throughout the structure, preventing the brittle failure modes associated with conventional fin designs in rugged environments.
2Productivity
If radiating fins are used for heat transfer, then heat removal capability is improved, but the device requires excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested heat transfer channels where multiple flow paths are arranged concentrically or in closely packed configurations. The serpentine channels are positioned to maximize surface area density, with inner and outer channels nested relative to each other. This nesting approach allows the heat transfer surfaces to be packed efficiently within a compact volume, dramatically increasing the heat removal capability per unit footprint compared to conventional fin arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional fin surfaces to three-dimensional serpentine flow paths that extend through the volume of the heat sink. By utilizing the third dimension (depth/volume) rather than relying solely on extended surface area in two dimensions, the design achieves superior heat transfer performance within a compact footprint. The serpentine channels create a volumetric heat transfer approach that maximizes surface area without proportionally increasing external dimensions.
3Productivity
If serpentine flow paths are implemented, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple heat transfer channels and flow paths into an integrated monolithic structure. Rather than manufacturing separate components and assembling them, the serpentine channels are formed as a single unified piece, likely through additive manufacturing or other monolithic fabrication techniques. This merging of functions into a single structure simplifies the overall manufacturing process despite the complex internal geometry, as it eliminates multiple assembly steps and potential leakage points between components.
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 chimney cooler design achieves rugged maximum free convection heat transfer with a minimal footprint, increasing heat transfer efficiency and durability, and reducing the risk of damage from environmental stressors.
Implementation Method 1
An inlet for each channel may be contoured to promote inertial flow of the fluid coolant into the serpentine flow path defined by the channel. An outlet for each channel may be contoured to promote inertial flow of the fluid coolant exiting the serpentine flow path defined by the channel.
Implementation Method 2
chimney cooler design for rugged maximum free convection heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a chimney cooler having a housing. The housing includes a base and sidewalls. The base is configured to support one or more heat-generating components. The sidewalls extend from the base, and each sidewall includes multiple channels. Each channel defines a serpentine flow path configured to receive a fluid coolant. The sidewalls may be lofted away from the heat-generating component(s) as the sidewalls extend from the base. An inlet for each channel may be contoured to promote inertial flow of the fluid coolant into the serpentine flow path. An outlet for each channel may be contoured to promote inertial flow of the fluid coolant exiting the serpentine flow path. Channels at and adjacent to primary objective surfaces of the housing may share a common inlet. The channels at the primary objective surfaces of the housing may have larger outlets relative to the channels adjacent to the primary objective surfaces of the housing.