Vapor Chamber Flow Path Geometry for Thin Heat Spreading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vapor chambers face challenges in maintaining strength and heat transport capability while being slimmed, and are prone to oxide film formation on inner surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A vapor chamber design with varying cross-sectional areas in flow paths and a laminated structure, featuring grooves and layers with specific area ratios and curved parts, to enhance strength and heat transport, and prevent oxide film formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the vapor chamber is slimmed to reduce thickness, then the device becomes more compact and suitable for portable terminals, but the strength of the vapor chamber deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vapor chamber is divided into multiple layers (first layer, second layer, third layer) with flow paths formed between them. This segmentation allows each layer to be thinner while collectively providing the required strength, resolving the contradiction between slimmed thickness and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The vapor chamber uses a composite structure with multiple layers made of different materials or configurations. The first layer has grooves forming flow paths, while the second and third layers provide structural support, creating a composite that achieves both thinness and strength.
2Length of moving object
If the flow path cross-sectional area is reduced to slim the vapor chamber, then the thickness is reduced, but the heat transport capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow paths have different cross-sectional areas in different regions: smaller cross-sectional areas in linear parts to reduce overall thickness, and larger cross-sectional areas in curved parts to maintain heat transport capability during phase change. This local variation in geometry resolves the contradiction between slimmed thickness and heat transport power.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional area parameter of the flow paths is changed along the flow direction - reduced in linear sections and increased in curved sections. This parameter variation allows the vapor chamber to be slimmed overall while preserving heat transport capability where needed.
3Length of moving object
If the vapor chamber is slimmed with reduced flow path dimensions, then the thickness is reduced, but the heat transport capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow paths are designed with locally optimized cross-sectional areas - smaller in linear parts for thinness and larger in curved parts for enhanced heat transport. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between reduced thickness and maintained productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow paths include curved parts with larger cross-sectional areas that facilitate efficient heat transport during phase change. The curved geometry with expanded cross-section in these critical regions maintains heat transport capability while the overall chamber remains slimmed.
4Power
If the inner surface area of flow paths is increased to improve heat transport, then heat transport capability is improved, but oxide film formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner surfaces of the flow paths are selectively treated with oxide film prevention in critical regions where heat transport occurs, while other areas maintain normal characteristics. This local treatment reduces overall oxide film formation while preserving heat transport capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vapor chamber uses composite materials or coatings on the inner surfaces of the flow paths that provide oxide film prevention properties. The second and third layers may include materials that protect against oxide formation, resolving the contradiction between heat transport power and oxide film generation.
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 design improves the strength and heat transport capability of vapor chambers, even when slimmed, while reducing oxide film formation on inner surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the working fluid receives heat from the heat source near the heat source, vaporizes, and moves in the flow path in a gas (vapor) phase
Implementation Method 2
the heat from the heat source is smoothly transported to a place apart from the heat source
Implementation Method 3
the working fluid in a gas phase, which has transported the heat from the heat source, moves to a place apart from the heat source, and the heat thereof is absorbed by its surroundings, so that the working fluid is cooled and condenses and the phase thereof changes to a liquid phase
Implementation Method 4
the heat thereof is absorbed by its surroundings
Implementation Method 5
a layer including grooves constituting a plurality of first flow paths and a plurality of second flow paths; and a layer laminated on insides of the grooves, and constituting inner surfaces of the first flow paths and the second flow paths
Implementation Method 6
a vapor chamber having thereinside a sealed space where a working fluid is enclosed, the vapor chamber comprising: a layer including grooves constituting a plurality of first flow paths and a plurality of second flow paths; and a layer laminated on insides of the grooves, and constituting inner surfaces of the first flow paths and the second flow paths
Data Source
AI summary
Included are a plurality of first flow paths, and second flow paths arranged between adjacent ones of the first flow paths; and a layer including grooves constituting the first flow paths and the second flow paths, and a layer laminated on the insides of the grooves, and constituting inner surfaces of the first flow paths and the second flow paths.