Composite molded antenna assembly

• US 6,377,219 B2
• Filed: 01/10/2001
• Issued: 04/23/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/11/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ticona Polymers, Inc. (Celanese Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Cool Options, Inc.
• Inventors: Smith, Lyle James
• Primary Examiner(s): PHAN, THO GIA
• Application Number:
  US09/757,720
• Publication Number:
  US 20010048397A1
• Time in Patent Office: 468 Days
• Field of Search: 343/702, 623/31, 624/80, 624/97, 165/166, 165/170, 165/182, 361/704, 361/705, 174/16.3, 174/52.4, 257/702, 257/704
• US Class Current: 343/702
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/02 Arrangements for de-icing; Arrangements for drying-out ; Arrangements for cooling; Arrangements for preventing corrosion
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/242 specially adapted for hand-held use
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/44 using equipment having another main function to serve additionally as an antenna , e.g. means for giving an antenna an aesthetic aspectH01Q1/27 - H01Q1/34 take precedence

Abstract

A net-shape molded composite heat exchanger is provided which includes a plurality of thermally conductive fins overmolded onto one end of a metallic heat pipe for use both as an antenna in a cellular telephone and a heat exchanger to dissipate the heat generated within the device. The heat exchanger is formed by net-shape molding the fins over one end of the heat pipe, from a thermally conductive composition, such as a polymer composition. The molded heat exchanger is freely convecting through the part, which makes it more efficient and has an optimal thermal configuration. In addition, the metallic heat pipe serves the additional function of conducting radio frequency waves to and from the cellular telephone device.

Claims

1. A net-shape composite molded heat exchanger, comprising:

a thermally conductive heat pipe, having a first end and a second end; and

a thermally conductive polymer main body and a plurality of net shape molded thermally conductive polymer fins integrally molded onto said heat pipe covering a portion of said first end of said heat pipe.

2. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein said thermally conductive polymer further comprises a polymer base matrix and a thermally conductive filler material therein.

3. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein said heat pipe is metallic and capable of transmission and reception of radio frequency waves.

4. A method of net-shape molding a composite heat exchanger, comprising the steps of:

providing a heat pipe having a first end and a second end opposite said first end;

overmolding a main body and a plurality of fins connected to said main body over a portion of said first end of said heat pipe from a thermally conductive composition comprising a polymer base matrix and a thermally conductive filler therein.

5. A cellular phone construction, comprising:

a cellular phone body;

a heat generating component disposed in said cellular phone body;

a metallic heat pipe, loaded with a phase change media, having a first end and a second end opposite said first end, capable of transmitting and receiving radio frequency waves;

a plurality of thermally conductive fins overmolded on said first end of said heat pipe;

said second end of said metallic heat pipe being in thermal communication with said heat generating component.

6. The heat exchanger of claim 5, wherein said thermally conductive fins are net shape molded from a thermally conductive polymer composition.

7. The heat exchanger of claim 6, wherein said thermally conductive polymer further comprises a polymer base matrix and a thermally conductive filler material therein.