Thin Vapor Chamber With Segmented Wick Micro-Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vapor-chamber structures face performance issues due to vapor-liquid interference, which affects wicking power and leads to droplet scattering in the extremely small chamber space, reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A thin vapor-chamber structure with clustered patterns on two covers forming a wick with micro-channels, where protruding stripes on the covers are arranged in different directions to create a meandering micro-channel, reducing interference between vapor-phase and liquid-phase fluids and providing adjustable wicking power through control of stripe height, width, and spacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the vapor chamber is made thinner to reduce size, then the chamber volume is reduced, but the vapor-phase fluid and liquid-phase fluid interfere with each other more, causing droplet scattering and reduced performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single chamber into two separate chambers: a vapor chamber for vapor-phase fluid and a liquid chamber for liquid-phase fluid. This segmentation eliminates the interference between vapor and liquid flows, allowing the vapor chamber to be made thinner without causing droplet scattering or performance degradation. The wick structure with micro-channels is positioned in the liquid chamber to facilitate liquid transport.
2Length of stationary object
If the chamber space is reduced to make the vapor chamber thinner, then the device becomes more compact, but the mutual interference area between vapor-phase and liquid-phase fluid increases relative to the chamber volume
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the chamber into separate vapor and liquid regions, the patent eliminates the harmful vapor-liquid interference that occurs in thin conventional designs. The wick structure with micro-channels is confined to the liquid chamber, preventing liquid droplets from scattering into the vapor chamber while maintaining a thin overall profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The wick structure with micro-channels acts as an intermediary element that facilitates liquid transport from the condensation zone back to the evaporation zone without allowing liquid to enter the vapor chamber. This mediator enables thin chamber design while preventing vapor-liquid interference.
3Device complexity
If conventional copper mesh is used to generate capillary force, then the structure is simple, but the liquid-phase fluid is interfered with by vapor-phase fluid, reducing wicking power effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wick structure into a micro-channel network formed by protruding stripes on the first cover and corresponding recesses on the second cover. This segmented design confines liquid flow to specific micro-channels, preventing vapor interference and enhancing wicking power effectiveness while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wick structure utilizes a porous-like micro-channel network formed by the protruding stripes and recesses, which provides capillary forces for liquid transport. This porous structure enables effective wicking power while preventing vapor-liquid interference through the enclosed micro-channel design.
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 structure effectively eliminates vapor-liquid interference, enhances recirculation efficiency, and prevents droplet scattering, allowing smooth fluid flow and improved heat transfer performance by separating vapor and liquid flows through distinct channels.
Implementation Method 1
the clustered patterns on two covers are in contact connection to form a wick having at least one micro-channel, so as to provide a required wicking power for the liquid-phase fluid to flow back from the condensation zone to the evaporation zone
Implementation Method 2
the working fluid in the conventional vapor-chamber structure is driven to circulate through evaporation and condensation
Implementation Method 3
the working fluid in the conventional vapor-chamber structure is driven to circulate through evaporation and condensation
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a thin vapor-chamber structure including a first cover and a second cover. The first cover has a first surface and a first clustered pattern. The first clustered pattern is disposed on the first surface, and has a plurality of first protruding stripes spaced apart from each other and extended along a first direction. The second cover has a second surface and a second clustered pattern. The first surface faces the second surface. The second clustered pattern is disposed on the second surface, and has a plurality of second protruding stripes spaced apart from each other and extended along a second direction. The first clustered pattern and the second clustered pattern are partially contacted with each other to form a wick. The lateral walls of the first protruding stripes and the second protruding stripes form a micro-channel meandering between the first surface and the second surface.