Performance testing apparatus for heat pipes

Abstract

A performance testing apparatus for a heat pipe includes an immovable portion having a cooling structure defined therein for cooling the heat pipe. A movable portion is capable of moving relative to the immovable portion and has a cooling structure defined therein for cooling the heat pipe. A receiving structure is defined between the immovable portion and the movable portion for receiving the heat pipe therein. A concavo-convex cooperating structure is defined in the immovable portion and the movable portion to ensure the receiving structure being capable of precisely receiving the heat pipe. Temperature sensors are attached to the immovable portion and the movable portion to detect a temperature of the heat pipe. An enclosure encloses the immovable portion and the movable portions therein, and defines a space for movement of the movable portion relative to the immovable portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present apparatus can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present apparatus. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is an assembled view of a performance testing apparatus for heat pipes in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded, isometric view of the testing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A shows a movable portion of the testing apparatus of FIG. 2, viewed from a different aspect;

FIG. 3B shows an immovable portion of the testing apparatus of FIG. 2, viewed from a different aspect;

FIG. 4 is an exploded, isometric view of a performance testing apparatus in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A shows a movable portion of the performance testing apparatus of FIG. 4, viewed from a different aspect;

FIG. 5B shows an immovable portion of the testing apparatus of FIG. 4, viewed from a different aspect; and

FIG. 6 is a performance testing apparatus for heat pipes in accordance with related art.

Claims

1. A performance testing apparatus for a heat pipe comprising: an immovable portion having a cooling structure defined therein for cooling the heat pipe requiring test;a movable portion capable of moving relative to the immovable portion and having a cooling structure defined therein for cooling the heat pipe;a receiving structure being located between the immovable portion and the movable portion for receiving the heat pipe therein;a concavo-convex cooperating structure defined in the immovable portion and the movable portion for avoiding the movable portion from deviating from the immovable portion to ensure the receiving structure being capable of receiving the heat pipe precisely;at least a temperature sensor being attached to at least one of the immovable portion and the movable portion for thermally contacting the heat pipe in the receiving structure for detecting temperature of the heat pipe; andan enclosure enclosing the immovable portion and the movable portions therein, and defining a space for movement of the movable portion relative to the immovable portion.

2. The testing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the receiving structure is a channel defined between the immovable portion and the movable portion.

3. The testing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the channel is cooperatively defined by a cooling groove in a face of the immovable portion and a cooling groove in a face of the movable portion confronting the immovable portion.

4. The testing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the concavo-convex cooperating structure is a plurality of holes defined in the immovable portion and a plurality of posts extending from the movable portion toward the immovable portion, the posts being slidably received in corresponding holes.

5. The testing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the posts are evenly located at two opposite sides of the channel.

6. The testing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the concavo-convex cooperating structure is two slots defined in the movable portion and two boards extending from the immovable portion toward the movable portion, the boards being slidably received in corresponding slots.

7. The testing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the boards are located at two opposite sides of the channel.

8. The testing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least a temperature sensor has a portion thereof exposed to the channel.

9. The testing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the enclosure has two opposite sidewalls thereof extending a plurality of ribs abutting against the immovable portion.

10. The testing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the enclosure has a bottom thereof extending a plurality of ribs supporting the immovable portion thereon.

11. The testing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the enclosure has a sidewall defines an opening corresponding to the receiving structure for extension of the heat pipe into the receiving structure via the opening.

12. The testing apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a seat for positioning the testing apparatus at a required position.

13. The testing apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a driving device mounted on a top wall of the enclosure, the driving device connecting with the movable portion and capable of driving the movable portion to move away and towards the immovable portion.

14. The testing apparatus of claim 13, wherein the driving device connects with the movable portion via a bolt engaged with the movable portion, the driving device has a shaft extending through the top wall of the enclosure and engaging with the bolt.

15. The testing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cooling structure of the immovable portion comprises a coolant passageway defined in the immovable portion and inlet and outlet adapted for fludically communicating a coolant circulating device with the coolant passageway in the immovable portion.

16. The testing apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cooling structure of the movable portion comprises a coolant passageway defined in the movable portion and inlet and outlet adapted for fludically communicating a coolant circulating device with the coolant passageway in the movable portion.

17. The testing apparatus of claim 16, wherein the enclosure defines an entrance for extension of the inlets and outlets of the cooling structures.