摘要 |
<p>A heat pipe which is flexible and thus conformable to the space in which it is to be deployed consists of two or three layers, namely, a relatively thin, highly conductive plate as a bottom layer, a plastic sheet as a top layer and wicking as an optional middle layer. The bottom plate has a relatively high modulus of elasticity and it is stiff, yet ductile. It is preferably made of metal, such as aluminum, or a plastic sheet or plate. To manufacture the heat pipe, the bottom and top layers are aligned, with the wicking between them, and sealed together around three edges. Liquid coolant is then added and the fourth edge is sealed. The sealing is preferably performed by heat sealing. The heat pipe may include heat-dissipating fins or ridges on the end of the pipe that operates as a condenser. The opposing end of the pipe, which acts as the evaporator, is positioned proximate to a heat-generating component. In an alternative embodiment, additional layers of plastic and optional wicking are attached to an otherwise exposed surface of the bottom plate. The heat pipe is narrow and can thus be installed in existing space proximate to a heat generating component, flexing and/or elastically deforming as necessary to facilitate installation. Further, the heat pipe can be bent, to conform to the shape of the component.</p> |