PERFORMANCE TESTING APPARATUS FOR HEAT PIPES

Abstract

A performance testing apparatus for a heat pipe includes an immovable portion having a first heating member located therein for heating an evaporating section of a heat pipe requiring testing. A movable portion is capable of moving relative to the immovable portion and has a second heating member located therein for heating the evaporating section of the heat pipe. A receiving structure is defined between the immovable portion and the movable portion for receiving the evaporating section of the heat pipe therein. Temperature sensors are attached to the immovable portion and the movable portion for detecting temperature of the heat pipe. An enclosure encloses the immovable portion and the movable portion therein and has sidewalls thereof slidably contacting at least one of the immovable portion and the movable 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. 3 is an assembled view of a performance testing apparatus for heat pipes in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows the testing apparatus of FIG. 3 from another aspect, wherein a door board of the testing apparatus is removed;

FIG. 5 is an exploded, isometric view of the testing apparatus of FIG. 3; 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 first heating member located therein for heating an evaporating section of the heat pipe;a movable portion capable of moving relative to the immovable portion and having a second heating member located therein for heating the evaporating section of the heat pipe;a receiving structure being defined between the immovable portion and the movable portion for receiving the evaporating section of the heat pipe therein;at least one temperature sensor being attached to at least one of the immovable portion and the movable portion for thermally contacting the evaporating section of heat pipe in the receiving structure for detecting temperature of the evaporating section of the heat pipe; andan enclosure enclosing the immovable portion and the movable portion therein and having sidewalls thereof slidably contacting at least one of the immovable portion and the movable portion.

2. The testing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the receiving structure is a channel defined between the immovable portion and the movable portion, and wherein the at least one temperature sensor has a portion thereof exposed to the channel to detect the temperature of the heat pipe.

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

4. The testing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the enclosure has at least one of the sidewalls thereof defining an opening corresponding to the channel for disposing the heat pipe into the channel therefrom.

5. The testing apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a supporting frame having a seat for locating the testing apparatus at a required position.

6. The testing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the seat has a first plate to have the immovable portion located thereon, and wherein the supporting frame comprises a second plate located above the movable portion and supported by a plurality rods extending from the first plate.

7. The testing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the enclosure is located between the first and second plates of the supporting frame, and has a top wall thereof connecting the movable portion together via a plurality of columns engaging with the top wall and the movable portion.

8. The testing apparatus of claim 7, wherein the enclosure has the sidewalls thereof slidably contacting side faces of the immovable portion.

9. The testing apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a driving device for driving the movable portion to move away and toward the immovable portion, wherein the driving device is mounted on the second plate of the supporting frame and connects with the movable portion and the top wall of the enclosure via a bolt.

10. The testing apparatus of claim 7, wherein an insulating plate is sandwiched between the immovable portion and the first plate of the supporting frame.

11. The testing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the enclosure has a bottom wall sitting on the seat of the supporting frame, and a top wall thereof positioned over the movable portion.

12. The testing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the enclosure has a door board removably attached thereto for facilitating the movable portion and the immovable portion entering and exiting the enclosure, the door board defining an opening corresponding to the channel for disposing the heat pipe into the channel therefrom.

13. The testing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the movable portion has a board positioned thereover and connects the board together via a plurality of columns engaging with the board and the movable portion.

14. The testing apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a driving device located on a top wall of the enclosure, wherein the driving device engages with a bolt secured to the board of the movable portion, and wherein a space is left between the top wall and the board for movement of the movable portion.

15. The testing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first heating member of the immovable portion is accommodated in a hole defined in the immovable portion, and extends two wires to connect with a power supply.

16. The testing apparatus of claim 15, wherein immovable portion sits on a bottom of the enclosure, the two wires of the first heating member extending through the bottom of the enclosure.