/Oscillating Heat Pipes Operable Within High Gravity Force Equivalent (g-force) Environments
Abstract

An oscillating heat pipe that can maintain efficient heat transfer even in a high gravity force equivalent environment is provided. The heat pipe can comprise a condenser region having a first plurality of bends, an evaporator region having a second plurality of bends, and a plurality of intermediate portions. The plurality of intermediate portions can extend between the first plurality of bends and the second plurality of bends. The plurality of intermediate portions can include a first intermediate portion and a second intermediate portion. A cross-sectional area of the first intermediate portion can be larger than a cross-sectional area of the second intermediate portion in a plane at a first distance from the evaporator region. The cross-sectional area of at least one of the first or second intermediate portions can increase from the condenser region towards the evaporator region.

Full Text

What is claimed is:

An oscillating heat pipe that can maintain efficient heat transfer even in a high gravity force equivalent environment is provided. The heat pipe can comprise a condenser region having a first plurality of bends, an evaporator region having a second plurality of bends, and a plurality of intermediate portions. The plurality of intermediate portions can extend between the first plurality of bends and the second plurality of bends. The plurality of intermediate portions can include a first intermediate portion and a second intermediate portion. A cross-sectional area of the first intermediate portion can be larger than a cross-sectional area of the second intermediate portion in a plane at a first distance from the evaporator region. The cross-sectional area of at least one of the first or second intermediate portions can increase from the condenser region towards the evaporator region.
Timeline
Filed
06/02/2026
Published
09/24/2026
Granted
Not Available
IPC Codes(3)
F28D 15/04:with tubes having a capillary structure
F28D 15/02:in which the medium condenses and evaporates, e.g. heat-pipes
H05K 7/20:Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating