Vapor Chamber Joint Geometry and Support Spacing for Thermal Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The reliability of vapor chambers with a housing formed by two sheets and a support between them is poor due to insufficient heat transfer, necessitating an improvement in their design to enhance thermal management in compact devices like smartphones and tablets.
Innovation Solution
Adjusting the angle between the two sheets near the joint, ensuring a specific ratio of distances (0.02≤b/a≤0.3) between the outer edge of the support and the joint, and incorporating projections on the sheets to increase capillary action and heat transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the housing is formed by two sheets with a support between them, then the interior space is ensured, but the reliability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adjusting the angle between the two sheets specifically at the joint region near the support, rather than changing the entire structure. This localized geometric modification (ensuring the angle is greater than 90 degrees) improves reliability at the critical joint area while maintaining the overall interior space and structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the angle between sheets near the joint is not adjusted, then manufacturing is simpler, but heat transfer efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameter (angle between sheets) at the joint region. By ensuring the angle is greater than 90 degrees, the heat transfer path is improved without requiring complex manufacturing processes. This single parameter adjustment optimizes thermal performance while keeping manufacturing simple.
3Ease of manufacture
If the distance ratio b/a is not controlled, then manufacturing is easier, but the vapor chamber reliability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the distance ratio b/a between the support and the joint. By ensuring this ratio falls within the range 0.02≤b/a≤0.3, the structural reliability is improved. This parameter control is straightforward to implement during manufacturing and directly enhances the vapor chamber's reliability.
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 adjusted vapor chamber design achieves high reliability and efficient heat dissipation, allowing for effective thermal management in compact electronic devices with improved manufacturing ease.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic fluid absorbs heat from a heating element at an evaporation portion at which the heat from the heating element is absorbed, evaporates in the vapor chamber
Implementation Method 2
the vapor chamber, which has no external power, is able to operate independently and diffuse heat two-dimensionally at high speed by using the latent heat of evaporation
Implementation Method 3
moves to a condensation portion, and turns back into the liquid phase by being cooled
Implementation Method 4
diffuse heat two-dimensionally at high speed by using the latent heat of evaporation and the latent heat of condensation of the hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 5
The vapor chamber is provided with a wick for transferring a hydraulic fluid by capillary action in a housing
Data Source
AI summary
A vapor chamber includes a housing including first and second sheets that face each other and that include respective outer edge portions joined to each other, supports that support the first and second sheets from inside and that are disposed therebetween, and a hydraulic fluid enclosed in the housing. The first and second sheets do not include an angled portion having an angle of about 90° or less between a joint and a support nearest to the joint. The expression 0.02≤b/a≤0.3 is satisfied, where a is a distance from an outer edge of the outermost support to an inner edge of the joint between the first and second sheets, and b is a distance between the first and second sheets at the outer edge of the outermost support.