US 2025/0146716 A1 · Additively Manufactured Vascular Networks

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for additively manufactured vascular networks that can allow for large areas of a plate or structure to be maintained at a constant and even temperature throughout a wide range of applied heat loads, even if the heat load is applied only on portions of the surface. An additively manufactured vascular network in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is a cost effective way of adding this thermal management solution over other more labor intensive options or methods with higher initial costs. Applications for additively manufactured vascular networks in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure can be found in a wide range of land, sea, air, and space environments.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for creating a vascular network structure, the method comprising:

receiving a design for a one-piece continuous vascular network structure, wherein the design defines an internal cavity that can be circular, ob-round, or ellipsoidal, and wherein the design defines varying wall thickness throughout the one-piece continuous vascular network structure;
three dimensionally (3D) printing the one-piece continuous vascular network structure based on the design, wherein the continuous vascular network structure defines at least one fluid channel extending through the continuous vascular network structure and at least one channel opening;
flushing uncured resin from the at least one channel;
and
performing a flow test with a fluid to determine whether the fluid can flow through the entirety of the at least one fluid channel.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Additively Manufactured Vascular Networks

Life of this patent

Additively Manufactured Vascular Networks

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20