Surface-Tension Refrigerant Flow Paths for Higher Cooling Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooling devices face limitations in increasing cooling capacity due to the difficulty in arranging flow paths at high density within thick transport pipes, which restricts the efficient transport of refrigerant from a condensing part to an evaporating part.
Innovation Solution
The cooling device incorporates a plate-shaped or block-shaped flow path member with multiple flow paths that utilize surface tension to transport refrigerant from the condensing part to the evaporating part, allowing for a high-density arrangement of flow paths and enhanced cooling capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thick transport pipes are used to transport refrigerant, then the structural strength and sealing are improved, but the flow paths cannot be arranged at high density
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single thick transport pipe into multiple thin flow paths within a plate-shaped flow path member. This segmentation allows multiple refrigerant flow channels to be arranged in parallel (high-density arrangement) while each individual flow path maintains sufficient cooling effectiveness, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural strength and cooling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional single pipe structure to a two-dimensional plate-shaped structure with multiple flow paths arranged in parallel. This dimensional change enables high-density arrangement of flow paths within the same spatial footprint, increasing cooling capacity without requiring thicker pipes.
2Productivity
If multiple flow paths are arranged at high density, then the cooling capacity is improved, but the flow paths become difficult to arrange in thick transport pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The plate-shaped flow path member segments the cooling function into multiple independent thin flow paths that can be easily arranged in parallel. This segmentation simplifies the design and manufacturing process compared to trying to fit multiple paths into a single thick pipe, as each flow path can be independently formed and positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path member utilizes a plate structure with multiple through-holes or channels, creating a porous-like configuration that allows high-density arrangement of flow paths. This structure simplifies the arrangement process compared to traditional thick-walled pipe designs, as the plate geometry naturally accommodates multiple parallel channels.
3Productivity
If water cooling systems are used to achieve high cooling capacity, then the cooling performance is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow paths utilize surface tension forces to automatically transport liquid refrigerant from the condensing part to the evaporating part without requiring external pumps or complex circulation systems. This self-service mechanism simplifies the overall system compared to water cooling systems that require pumps, valves, and complex fluid management infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical pumping systems (required in water cooling) with surface tension-based passive transport. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical components like pumps and motors, thereby reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining high cooling capacity through efficient phase-change heat transfer.
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 improves cooling capacity by efficiently transporting refrigerant, effectively suppressing temperature rises in heat-generating elements and reducing the need for high blowing capacities, while also simplifying the system and reducing costs compared to water cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of flow paths configured to transport the refrigerant in a liquid phase from the condensing part to the evaporating part by surface tension inside the container is formed in parallel
Implementation Method 2
an evaporating part that evaporates the refrigerant in a liquid phase by heat reception inside the container
Implementation Method 3
an evaporating part that evaporates the refrigerant in a liquid phase by heat reception inside the container
Implementation Method 4
a condensing part that condenses the refrigerant in a gas phase by heat dissipation inside the container
Implementation Method 5
a condensing part that condenses the refrigerant in a gas phase by heat dissipation inside the container
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling device includes: a container in which a refrigerant is sealed; an evaporating part that evaporates the refrigerant in a liquid phase by heat reception inside the container; a condensing part that condenses the refrigerant in a gas phase by heat dissipation inside the container; and a plate-shaped or block-shaped flow path member in which a plurality of flow paths configured to transport the refrigerant in a liquid phase from the condensing part to the evaporating part by surface tension inside the container is formed in parallel.