Tapered Heat Pipe with Variable Fin Stack for Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal modules with heat pipes and fin stacks face inefficiencies in heat transfer due to constant cross-section thickness, leading to uneven heat distribution and higher temperatures across the fin stack, which limits cooling effectiveness in information handling systems.
Innovation Solution
A thermal module design featuring a heat pipe with a tapered section and a fin stack with varying fin heights, where the combined heat pipe cross-section thickness and fin height remain constant over the width, enhancing heat transfer efficiency and accommodating design and space limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a heat pipe with constant cross-section thickness is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the heat transfer efficiency is reduced due to uneven heat distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe transitions from uniform thickness to variable thickness, with the distal end having reduced thickness compared to the proximal end. This local variation in geometry optimizes heat distribution across the fin stack, allowing better thermal contact and more uniform heat transfer to different regions of the fins.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-section thickness parameter of the heat pipe is changed along its length, creating a tapered profile. This parameter change enables the heat pipe to adapt its thermal conduction characteristics to match the heat distribution requirements of the fin stack, improving overall heat transfer efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If fins of uniform height are used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the heat transfer effectiveness is limited due to uneven heat distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The fin stack transitions from uniform height to variable height, with fins at the distal end being shorter than those at the proximal end. This local variation in fin height corresponds to the heat pipe thickness variation, creating optimal thermal contact across the entire interface and improving heat distribution effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The fin stack employs asymmetric fin heights rather than uniform heights. The distal fins are deliberately made shorter to match the reduced heat pipe thickness in that region, creating an asymmetric configuration that optimizes thermal contact and heat transfer across the variable-thickness heat pipe interface.
3Reliability
If the heat pipe cross-section thickness is reduced at the distal end, then the heat distribution becomes more uniform, but the structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe cross-section thickness parameter is gradually reduced from proximal to distal end, creating a tapered profile. This controlled parameter change achieves uniform heat distribution while minimizing stress concentration that would occur with abrupt thickness changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pipe employs a curved or tapered transition in thickness rather than abrupt changes. This curved geometry distributes mechanical stresses more evenly throughout the structure, maintaining structural integrity while achieving the desired variable thickness profile for optimal heat distribution.
4Reliability
If the fin height is varied to match heat pipe thickness, then the heat transfer efficiency increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fin stack is designed with local variations in height that correspond to the heat pipe thickness profile. Each region of the fin stack has optimized fin height tailored to the local heat pipe dimensions, maximizing thermal contact and heat transfer efficiency at each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The fin stack can be viewed as segmented into regions with different fin heights, with proximal fins being taller and distal fins being shorter. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each region's heat transfer characteristics while maintaining overall system efficiency.
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 increases the total open space and fin surface area, reducing airflow impedance and temperature, and allows for more effective heat transfer, resulting in improved cooling performance and lower temperatures within the chassis.
Implementation Method 1
heat is transferred from the set of components through the heat conducting material to the two-phase fluid
Implementation Method 2
Heat applied to the two-phase fluid causes the fluid to transition from a liquid to a vapor
Implementation Method 3
When the vapor condenses, the wicking material transports the liquid back to the first end
Implementation Method 4
the wicking material transports the liquid back to the first end
Implementation Method 5
a fan for generating an airflow out a fan outlet in the direction of a vent
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal module with a heat pipe configured on a first portion having a constant cross-section thickness and a tapered second end configured for contact with a fin stack. The heat pipe is tapered along a length of the second portion such that the cross-section thickness of the heat pipe decreases toward the end of the heat pipe. A fin stack coupled to the tapered portion comprises a plurality of fins of different heights, wherein the fin heights increase such that the combined fin height and heat pipe cross-section thickness remains approximately constant over the width of the fin stack. The tapered heat pipe and fin stack with fins with increasing fin heights provide increased cooling and decreased airflow impedance through the fin stack.