Mechanical fastener

Abstract

A mechanical fastener includes an elongated body having an outer surface, and inner surface, a first closed end, and a second closed end, and a mechanical fastener interface provided on the outer surface, such that the mechanical fastener transfers heat away from at least one of the first or second ends.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A mechanical fastener, comprising
 an elongated body having an outer surface, an inner surface defining a fluid reservoir, a first closed end, and a second closed end;   a mechanical fastener interface provided on the outer surface; and   a phase change material provided within the fluid reservoir;   wherein the phase change material provided within the elongated body functions to transfer heat away from at least one of the first or second ends.   
     
     
         2 . The mechanical fastener of  claim 1  wherein the mechanical fastener interface is threaded. 
     
     
         3 . The mechanical fastener of  claim 2  wherein the mechanical fastener is at least one of a bolt or screw. 
     
     
         4 . The mechanical fastener of  claim 2  wherein the threaded screw is configured to be receivably coupled with a corresponding threaded opening. 
     
     
         5 . The mechanical fastener of  claim 4  wherein the threaded opening is complementary to the threaded mechanical fastener interface. 
     
     
         6 . The mechanical fastener of  claim 2  further comprising a thermally conductive material on the outer surface of the threaded mechanical fastener interface. 
     
     
         7 . The mechanical fastener of  claim 1  further comprising a thermally conductive material on the outer surface. 
     
     
         8 . The mechanical fastener of  claim 1  wherein at least a portion of the inner surface comprises capillary walls to provide for capillary action along the elongated shape. 
     
     
         9 . The mechanical fastener of  claim 8  wherein the elongated body defines a body axis and the capillary walls extend along the body axis. 
     
     
         10 . The mechanical fastener of  claim 8  wherein the capillary walls of the inner surface negate gravitational effects on the phase change material so that elongated body functions to transfer heat away from at least one end in any orientation. 
     
     
         11 . The mechanical fastener of  claim 8  wherein the capillary walls comprise at least a portion of sidewall pattern comprising at least one of a semi-circular, a circular, a square, a triangular, or an elliptical cross section. 
     
     
         12 . The mechanical fastener of  claim 1  wherein the pressure within the body is less than the standard atmosphere (1 atm). 
     
     
         13 . The mechanical fastener of  claim 1  wherein the mechanical fastener interface is configured to be removably coupled with a corresponding mechanical interface. 
     
     
         14 . The mechanical fastener of  claim 1  wherein the cross section of the elongated body is at least one of circular, square, or elliptical. 
     
     
         15 . The mechanical fastener of  claim 1  further comprising a heat pipe.