US 2004/0163799 A1 · Deformable end cap for heat pipe

Abstract

A heat pipe is provided having a vessel with a closed first end, a second end, and a wick on an inner surface that defines a passageway. A convex wall is positioned at the second end so as to block the passageway. The convex wall is deformable so as to move from a first position wherein a portion of the wall is convex to a second position wherein the portion of the wall is concave. The convex wall may include at least one stress concentrator so that upon an application of a force to the convex wall, the stress concentrator causes the convex wall to buckle. A method for forming a heat pipe is also provided comprising coating the interior surface of the vessel with a wicking material and partially saturating the wick with a working fluid. The vessel is then partially evacuated. A portion of the vessel is pinched-off so as to seal the vessel. Then, the pinched-off portion of the vessel is pressed so as to move it from a first position wherein the portion is convex to a second position wherein the portion is concave.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A heat pipe comprising:

a vessel having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface defining a passageway wherein said first end is closed;
a wick disposed on a portion of said inner surface;
and
a convex wall positioned at said second end and blocking said passageway, said wall being deformable so as to move from a first position wherein a portion of said wall is convex to a second position wherein said portion of said wall is concave.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Deformable end cap for heat pipe

Life of this patent

Deformable end cap for heat pipe

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17