Multifunctional pressure pads for induction welding
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsFrancis J. Samalot, Pedro P. Martin, Yannick Buser
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A compression load distributor includes a support layer and a heat spreading layer. The support layer includes a flexible carrier configured to distribute a load from a compression load applying device. The heat spreading layer is coupled to and carried on the support layer, the heat spreading layer comprising a heat sink configured to transfer heat throughout the compression load distributor. The heat sink is thermally conductive and electrically non-conductive.
Claims25
A compression load distributor for use in induction welding, the compression load distributor comprising:
- a support layer comprising a flexible carrier, wherein the support layer is configured to distribute a load from a compression load applying device;
- a heat spreading layer coupled to the support layer, the heat spreading layer comprising a heat sink, wherein the heat sink is configured to transfer heat throughout the compression load distributor, wherein the heat sink comprises a plurality of ceramic tiles with gaps between adjacent ceramic tiles to maintain flexibility of the compression load distributor, and wherein the heat sink is thermally conductive and electrically non-conductive;
- and
- a polyimide film covering the heat spreading layer, wherein the polyimide film is configured to contact a component during induction welding and to prevent deformation of the flexible carrier and imprinting on the component when the load is applied.
A compression load distributor for use in induction welding, the compression load distributor comprising:
- a support layer comprising a flexible carrier, wherein the support layer is configured to distribute a load from a compression load applying device;
- a heat spreading layer coupled to the support layer and comprising a heat sink, wherein the heat sink is configured to transfer heat throughout the compression load distributor, wherein the heat sink is thermally conductive and electrically non-conductive;
- a polyimide film covering the heat spreading layer, wherein the polyimide film is configured to contact a component during induction welding;
- and
- a silicone rubber layer covering the support layer opposite the heat spreading layer, wherein the silicone rubber layer is configured to contact the compression load applying device during induction welding, wherein the support layer is positioned between the heat spreading layer and the silicone rubber layer, and wherein the silicone rubber layer is less rigid than the support layer.
An induction welding system comprising:
- an induction welding coil;
- a compression load applying device;
- and
- a compression load distributor positioned between the induction welding coil and the compression load applying device and comprising:
- a support layer comprising a flexible carrier, wherein the support layer is configured to distribute a load from the compression load applying device;
- a heat spreading layer coupled to the support layer and comprising a heat sink, wherein the heat sink is configured to transfer heat throughout the compression load distributor, wherein the heat sink comprises a plurality of ceramic tiles with gaps between adjacent ceramic tiles to maintain flexibility of the compression load distributor, and wherein the heat sink is thermally conductive and electrically non-conductive;
- and
- a polyimide film covering the heat spreading layer, wherein the polyimide film is configured to contact a component during induction welding and to prevent deformation of the flexible carrier and imprinting on the component when the load is applied.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.