Irregular Vapor Chamber Wick Layout for Vertical Fluid Return

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vapor chambers face challenges in heat dissipation efficiency due to fluid flow stagnation in reduced dimension portions, which inhibits cooling fluid circulation against gravity, especially in vertically oriented designs with irregular shapes.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates multiple longitudinally extending wick structures with varying lengths and orientations within the vapor chamber, strategically placed between supporting structures to enhance fluid circulation and reduce the distance cooling fluid needs to travel, improving heat dissipation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the vapor chamber is designed with reduced dimensions in certain portions to accommodate nearby electrical components, then the adaptability of the vapor chamber is improved, but the cross-sectional area of the wick structure is reduced which causes fluid flow stagnation and inhibits cooling fluid circulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of vapor chamber shapeVSAvoidcooling fluid circulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wick structure is divided into multiple segments with different cross-sectional areas corresponding to different portions of the vapor chamber. The first wick structure has a first cross-sectional area in the first portion, while the second wick structure has a second cross-sectional area in the second portion. This segmentation allows each wick segment to be optimized for its specific location, maintaining adequate flow capacity even in reduced dimension portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the wick structure are given different local properties. The wick structure has varying cross-sectional areas at different locations along its length, with larger cross-sectional areas in portions where the vapor chamber has larger dimensions and smaller cross-sectional areas in portions where the vapor chamber is reduced. This local quality variation ensures optimal fluid circulation throughout the entire vapor chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Volume of moving object

If the vapor chamber is oriented vertically with heat source in the upper portion, then the compactness of the device is improved, but the cooling fluid must circulate against gravity which causes flow stagnation in reduced dimension portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompactness of vapor chamberVSAvoidcooling fluid circulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wick structure is designed with dynamically varying cross-sectional area along its length, rather than a uniform cross-section. This dynamic design allows the wick to adapt to the gravitational challenge by providing adequate flow capacity in vertical portions while maintaining compatibility with the reduced horizontal dimensions of the vapor chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cross-sectional area parameter of the wick structure is changed along its length to optimize fluid circulation. By varying this geometric parameter, the wick structure compensates for the gravitational opposition to flow in vertical orientations while accommodating the compact vertical design of the vapor chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively improves the heat dissipation efficiency by ensuring continuous fluid circulation and reducing temperature differences between different sections of the vapor chamber, enhancing the overall performance of the vapor chamber in dissipating heat generated by a heat source.

Implementation Method 1

the cooling fluid is evaporated into gaseous state in the evaporation section, and then turns into liquid state in the condensation section and is carried back to the section area by the wick structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

The cooling fluid is evaporated into gaseous state in the evaporation section, and then turns into liquid state in the condensation section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

The cooling fluid is evaporated into gaseous state in the evaporation section, and then turns into liquid state in the condensation section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentEP3671095B1Heat dissipation device having irregular shape
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 COOLER MASTER CO LTD
  • EP3671095B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3671095B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3671095B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C

AI summary

A heat dissipation device includes a first casing and a second casing coupled to the first casing. The second casing includes a body having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and a first portion and a second portion, each of the first and second portions having a different cross-sectional area. The heat dissipation device further includes a plurality of columns on the inner surface, and a first wick structure disposed on the inner surface and in the first portion and the second portion.