Vapor Chamber Wick Sheet With Branched Liquid Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vapor chambers face challenges in efficiently dissipating heat in thin, low-profile mobile terminals due to limitations in the design of heat dissipation members, which restrict the circulation and distribution of working fluids, leading to reduced heat transfer efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A wick sheet for vapor chambers is designed with progressively separating liquid channels and branched vapor passages, allowing for a wide distribution of working vapor and liquid, enhancing heat transfer by optimizing the flow paths and increasing the surface area for heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional heat pipe structures are used, then heat dissipation function is provided, but the profile thickness cannot be reduced further
Solution Approach 1:
The vapor chamber is segmented into multiple functional layers including a vaporization region, condensation region, and multiple wick sheets with different liquid channel configurations. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specific heat dissipation functions while maintaining a thin overall profile, resolving the contradiction between reduced thickness and maintained heat dissipation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional one-dimensional heat pipe structures to two-dimensional vapor chamber structures with extensive liquid channel networks. This dimensional change enables heat dissipation across a larger surface area within a thin profile, simultaneously achieving both thinness and effective heat dissipation
2Area of stationary object
If liquid channels are arranged in parallel, then liquid flow is simplified, but working vapor cannot circulate in a wide region
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid channel system is divided into multiple separate wick sheets (first wick sheet, second wick sheet, third wick sheet) each with distinct channel patterns. This segmentation allows the vapor to circulate across a wide region by accessing multiple channel networks, while each individual wick sheet maintains a relatively simple parallel channel structure, thus resolving the contradiction between wide vapor circulation and simple liquid channel configuration
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple wick sheets with different liquid channel arrangements are combined within a single vapor chamber structure. The first wick sheet with parallel channels, second wick sheet with branched channels, and third wick sheet with progressively separating channels work together to enable comprehensive vapor circulation across the entire vapor chamber area, achieving wide vapor circulation region while distributing structural complexity across multiple components
3Reliability
If single liquid channel structure is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but heat transfer efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer function is segmented across multiple wick sheets, each optimized for specific flow patterns. The first wick sheet handles uniform distribution, the second wick sheet provides branched flow paths, and the third wick sheet offers progressively separating channels. This segmentation enables high heat transfer efficiency through diverse flow patterns while keeping each individual wick sheet structure relatively simple for manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the vapor chamber are served by wick sheets with locally optimized liquid channel configurations. The first wick sheet provides uniform parallel channels for general heat distribution, while the second and third wick sheets provide branched and progressively separating channels in specific regions to enhance local heat transfer efficiency. This local optimization achieves high overall heat transfer efficiency while maintaining manufacturability of individual components
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 wick sheet configuration enables efficient heat dissipation by allowing working vapor to circulate over a wide region, effectively transferring heat from the heat source to the condensation area, thereby improving the thermal performance of vapor chambers in mobile terminals.
Implementation Method 1
a working fluid in the vapor chamber receives heat from a device at a part proximate to the device (vaporizing portion) to vaporize into vapor (working vapor)
Implementation Method 2
The working vapor diffuses in a direction away from the vaporizing portion in a vapor channel to be cooled and condensed into liquid
Implementation Method 3
A liquid channel serving as a capillary structure (wick) is provided in the vapor chamber. A working fluid (working liquid) condensed into liquid enters the liquid channel from the vapor channel, flows through the liquid channel, and is transferred toward the vaporizing portion
Data Source
AI summary
A wick sheet for a vapor chamber includes a plurality of vapor passages through which vapor of a working fluid passes, and a plurality of liquid channels through which liquid of the working fluid passes. The plurality of liquid channels progressively separates from one side toward the other side in extension directions of the liquid channels. The liquid channel is branched to a plurality of first branched liquid channels at a first branched part located midway in the extension direction of the liquid channel.