Smart Susceptor Induction Roller
AssigneeNorthrop Grumman Systems Corporation
InventorsMatthew Toth, Michael T. Tueller, Nathan Nyman, Vernon M. Benson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A roller assembly including a support structure, a roller rotatably coupled to the support structure and having a core with a central bore, where the core is made of a smart susceptor alloy that is designed to be heated to and held at a predetermined temperature range, and an induction coil positioned within the central bore and being stationarily fixed to the support structure, where the induction coil provides the energy that heats the core. In some embodiments, the roller has an outer elastomer layer that can be a silicone layer and/or is doped with a material that makes the layer more inductive and/or is doped with a material that makes the layer more conducive to heating.
Claims20
A roller assembly comprising:
- a support structure;
- a roller rotatably coupled to the support structure and including a core having a central bore, said core being made of a smart susceptor alloy that is designed to be heated to and held at a predetermined temperature range;
- and
- an induction coil positioned within the central bore and being stationarily fixed to the support structure, said induction coil providing the energy that heats the roller.
A roller assembly comprising:
- a support structure;
- a roller rotatable coupled to the support structure, said roller including a core having a central bore;
- and
- an induction coil positioned within the central bore and being stationarily fixed to the support structure, said induction coil providing energy to heat the roller.
A manufacturing system that makes a laminate structure, said manufacturing system including a roller assembly that applies heat and pressure to the laminate structure as it is being laminated and formed, said roller assembly comprising:
- a support structure including a base plate and opposing support arms extending therefrom, each support arm having an opening and an annular collar formed around the opening and facing the other support arm;
- a bearing mounted to each of the collars;
- a roller including a core having an annular slot at each end of the core and a central bore therebetween, said core being made of a smart susceptor alloy that is designed to be heated to and held at a predetermined temperature range, said roller being positioned so that one of the bearings is positioned within each annular slot and the roller is rotatable on the bearings;
- and
- an induction coil positioned within the central bore and being stationarily fixed to the support arms, said induction coil providing the energy that heats the core.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.