Sliding Heat Pipe Mounting on Radiator Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of heat pipes made of metal, such as aluminum, on radiator panels with different thermal expansion coefficients, like carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP), leads to thermal stresses that can cause detachment and failure in space systems due to temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
A space system design where the heat pipes are mounted to slide axially on the radiator panel and secured by brackets made of the same material as the panel, with a heat-conducting layer and sliding layers to manage thermal expansion, ensuring continuous contact and heat dissipation without mechanical fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heat pipes are rigidly connected to the radiator panel using screw or adhesive fastening, then good heat transfer contact is achieved, but thermal stresses build up due to different thermal expansion coefficients causing detachment and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe is designed to be movable relative to the radiator panel, allowing it to expand and contract independently in the axial direction. This dynamic capability eliminates rigid constraints that would otherwise build up thermal stresses, while brackets maintain sufficient contact pressure for effective heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
Brackets serve as intermediary elements between the heat pipe and radiator panel. These brackets are made of the same material as the radiator panel and provide a compliant connection that accommodates thermal expansion differences while maintaining mechanical attachment and heat transfer contact.
2Reliability
If heat pipes are allowed to slide freely on the radiator panel, then thermal stress is reduced, but contact pressure decreases leading to poor heat transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Brackets act as intermediary elements that simultaneously provide sliding capability and maintaining contact pressure. The brackets are attached to the radiator panel and engage with the heat pipe, allowing axial movement while preventing complete separation and maintaining sufficient pressure for heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact pressure is maintained within an optimal range through the bracket design, which allows the heat pipe to slide while preventing excessive separation. The brackets transform the contact pressure parameter to remain effective despite the sliding motion, ensuring continuous thermal contact.
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 effectively reduces thermal stresses and maintains heat transfer efficiency across varying temperatures, allowing for the use of metal heat pipes on diverse radiator panel materials without the need for expensive alternative metals, while minimizing weight and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one heat pipe lies on the radiator plate so that it can slide in the axial direction and is fixed to the radiator plate by a number of brackets, which are fastened to it in such a way that the at least one heat pipe is pressed against the radiator plate at least with a given thermal expansion
Implementation Method 2
the radiator panel and the at least one heat pipe being made of materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention describes a spacecraft system (1) with a radiator plate (2) on which at least one heat pipe (3) is arranged for heat dissipation. The radiator plate (2) and the at least one heat pipe (3) are made of materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion. The spacecraft system (1) according to the invention is characterized in that the at least one heat pipe (3) rests on the radiator plate (2) in a sliding manner in the axial direction and is fixed to the radiator plate (2) by means of a number of brackets (4; 4a, 4b, 4c) attached to the radiator plate (2) such that the at least one heat pipe (2) is pressed against the radiator plate (2), at least under a given thermal expansion.