Sheet-Shaped Wick Manufacturing via Sintering and Rolling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods face difficulties in forming sheet-shaped wicks for heat conduction members like heat pipes and vapor chambers, which are essential for managing increased heat generation in electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the supply of metal powder onto a base, followed by heating to form a sintered compact, which is then rolled and processed to create a sheet-shaped wick with controlled void ratio and surface features like steam passages and protrusions, facilitating efficient heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional sintering methods using containers or molds are used, then wicks can be manufactured, but forming sheet-shaped wicks becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct stages: forming a flat-packed sintered compact from metal powder, then separately forming the sheet shape by rolling. This segmentation allows the sintering process to occur without the constraints of traditional molds, enabling subsequent sheet formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal powder is first sintered into a flat-packed compact before sheet shaping is performed. This preliminary sintering action creates a stable base structure that can then be rolled into the desired sheet shape without compromising structural integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If metal powder is sintered in containers or molds, then wicks with capillary structure are formed, but control over void ratio and thickness becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The void ratio and thickness parameters are controlled by adjusting sintering conditions (temperature, time, atmosphere) and rolling parameters rather than being constrained by fixed mold dimensions. This allows precise control over the final product properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process transitions from static mold-based formation to a dynamic rolling process that can continuously adjust thickness and void ratio parameters, providing greater flexibility and precision in controlling the sheet-shaped wick properties.
3Productivity
If external heating of containers is used for sintering, then wicks are formed, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional external heating method is replaced with direct heating of the metal powder on a sintering plate. This substitution eliminates the need for container-based heat transfer, reducing energy loss and improving manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
A sintering plate serves as an intermediary medium that directly contacts and heats the metal powder, enabling more efficient heat transfer compared to external container heating. This intermediary approach reduces energy consumption while achieving the required sintering temperature.
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 method enables the formation of sheet-shaped wicks with optimized capillarity and thickness, enhancing heat dissipation in electronic devices by promoting the circulation of working fluids within heat conduction members.
Implementation Method 1
a step of heating the raw material on the base to obtain a sintered compact
Implementation Method 2
capillarity of a wick having a capillary structure produces the circulation of the working fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for manufacturing a wick, which facilitates control over capillarity of the wick. A method for manufacturing a wick according to the present invention includes: a step of supplying material powder containing metal powder onto a base; a step of heating the material powder on the base to obtain a sintered compact; and a step of rolling the sintered compact. In this situation, when the material powder supplied onto the base is heated to form the sintered compact, the sheet-shaped sintered compact can be formed. Further, when the sintered compact is rolled, a void ratio of the sintered compact can be controlled after forming the sintered compact, thereby controlling the capillarity of the wick 1.