A method for embedding an elongated susceptor in a thermoplastic body, and a system for carrying out the method.

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for embedding an elongated susceptor in a thermoplastic body, and a system for carrying out said method. [Solution] The method includes extending the elongated susceptor 154 such that the extended portion 156 of the elongated susceptor 154 extends between the guide structure 110 and the body contact structure 120. It also includes heating a segment 163 of the elongated susceptor 154 to form a heated portion 164 of the elongated susceptor 154. It also includes pressing the leading region 166 of the heated portion 164 of the elongated susceptor 154 to press the leading region 166 into the thermoplastic body 40 via the body surface 42 of the thermoplastic body 40. It also includes functionally translating at least one of the guide structure 110, the body contact structure 120, and the mounting tool 100, which includes the guide structure 110 and the body contact structure 120, along the embedding path 60 of the elongated susceptor 154.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a method for embedding elongate susceptors in a thermoplastic body and / or a system for performing the method.

Background Art

[0002] Thermoplastic patch panels can be joined to a substrate for assembling the substrate such as an aircraft and / or for repairing damaged areas of the substrate. Thermoplastic patch panels often include a thermoplastic body and a plurality of elongate susceptors embedded in the thermoplastic body. By inductively heating the plurality of elongate susceptors to at least partially soften and melt the thermoplastic body, the thermoplastic body can be attached to the substrate. When the thermoplastic body is cooled, the thermoplastic body is joined to the substrate, thereby performing assembly and / or repair.

[0003] In some applications, it may be desirable to utilize a relatively thin thermoplastic patch panel. In some such examples, the thickness of the thermoplastic body is similar to or only slightly larger than a characteristic cross-sectional length such as the diameter of the plurality of elongate susceptors. In some such examples, the thermoplastic body may have very high potential stress or may deform upon heating.

[0004] In the above examples, conventional methods for producing thermoplastic patch panels may be ineffective, may deform the thermoplastic body unacceptably, or may damage the thermoplastic body. Therefore, there is a need for improvement in a method for embedding elongate susceptors in a thermoplastic body and / or a system for performing the method.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] This specification discloses a method for embedding an elongated susceptor in a thermoplastic body and a system for carrying out the method. The method includes extending the elongated susceptor from a guide structure of a mounting tool to a body contact structure of the mounting tool, such that the extended portion of the elongated susceptor extends between the guide structure and the body contact structure. The method also includes heating a segment of the elongated susceptor to form a heated portion of the elongated susceptor. The heating includes using a heating structure of the mounting tool to heat the segment to a temperature exceeding the melting temperature of the thermoplastic body. The method also includes pressing a leading region of the heated portion of the elongated susceptor to press the leading region into the thermoplastic body via the body surface of the thermoplastic body. The pressing includes using the body contact structure. The method also includes functionally translating at least one of the body contact structure and the mounting tool along an embedding path of the elongated susceptor defined along the body surface. The functional translation is performed simultaneously with the pressing and stretching and includes smoothing the body surface using the body contact structure.

[0006] The above system includes a mounting tool, a translational structure, and a controller. The mounting tool includes a guide structure configured to guide the elongated susceptor, a body contact structure configured to contact the body surface of the thermoplastic body, and a heating structure configured to heat the segments of the elongated susceptor. The translational structure is configured to functionally translate the mounting tool and the thermoplastic body relative to each other along the burial path of the elongated susceptor. The controller controls the mounting tool according to the above method. It is programmed to control the operation of the rod and the translational structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1]This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an aircraft-type basic structure that can be used with thermoplastic patch panels as described in this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a thermoplastic repair system that can be used with thermoplastic patch panels as disclosed herein. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is another schematic diagram illustrating the thermoplastic repair system. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a system for embedding a single elongated susceptor in a thermoplastic body, as disclosed herein. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a system for embedding a single elongated susceptor in a thermoplastic body, as disclosed herein. [Figure 6] These are schematic cross-sectional views along line AA shown in Figures 4 and 5. [Figure 7] Figures 4 and 5 show schematic cross-sectional views along line BB. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows a method for embedding an elongated susceptor in a thermoplastic body according to the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Figures 1–8 illustrate exemplary and non-exclusive examples of the foundation structure 80, thermoplastic repair system 68, system 10 for embedding a single elongated susceptor in a thermoplastic body, and / or method 200 as provided herein. Elements serving similar or at least substantially similar purposes are denoted by the same reference numerals in Figures 1–8, and these elements are not described in detail herein with reference to all of Figures 1–8. Similarly, not all elements are denoted in Figures 1–8, but the reference numerals associated with these elements are used consistently herein. Elements, components, and / or singularities described herein with reference to one or more of Figures 1–8 can be incorporated into and / or utilized in any of Figures 1–8 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0009] Generally, elements that are likely to be included in a given embodiment (i.e., a particular embodiment) are shown with solid lines, and elements that are optional in a given embodiment are shown with dashed lines. However, elements shown with solid lines are not necessarily required in all embodiments, and it is possible to omit elements shown with solid lines from a particular embodiment without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a basic structure 80 in the form of an aircraft 82 that can be used with a thermoplastic patch panel 90 according to the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the aircraft 82 includes one or more thermoplastic patch panels 90, which are attached, joined, and / or associated with any suitable component and / or structure of the aircraft 82. In a specific example, one or more thermoplastic patch panels 90 are attached, joined, and / or associated with the fuselage, wings, engines, stabilizers, and / or tail of the aircraft.

[0011] Figures 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a thermoplastic repair system 68 available for use with a thermoplastic patch panel 90 that can be formed using the system and / or method of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the thermoplastic repair system 68 includes an induction heating assembly 70 configured to induction heat the thermoplastic patch panel 90. In a specific example, the induction heating assembly 70 includes an electromagnet 72 and a power supply 74. The power supply 74 may be configured to supply alternating current or high-frequency alternating current to the electromagnet 72. As shown in Figure 2, the electromagnet 72 can receive the alternating current to generate a magnetic field, i.e., a high-frequency magnetic field 76. The magnetic field 76 heats the thermoplastic patch panel by inducing current into a plurality of elongated susceptors 168 embedded in the thermoplastic body 40 of the thermoplastic patch panel 90. It is possible.

[0012] Subsequently, as shown by the transition from the configuration in Figure 2 to the configuration in Figure 3, the thermoplastic patch panel 90 is attached to or in contact with the base structure 80. Once cooled, the thermoplastic patch panel 90 bonds and / or adheres to the base structure 80. In some examples, the base structure 80 may include a damaged area 84, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 2. In some such examples, the thermoplastic patch panel 90 may be used to cover or repair the damaged area 84, as shown in Figure 3.

[0013] Figures 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams showing an example of a system 10 for embedding a single elongated susceptor 154 in a thermoplastic body 40 according to the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the system 10 includes a mounting tool 100, a translational structure 20, and a controller 30. The mounting tool 100 includes a guide structure 110 configured to guide the elongated susceptor 154. The mounting tool 100 also includes a body contact structure 120 configured to contact the body surface 42 of the thermoplastic body 40. The mounting tool 100 further includes a heating structure 130, which is configured to heat a segment 163 of the elongated susceptor to form and / or generate a heated portion 164 of the elongated susceptor 154, for example.

[0014] The translational structure 20 is configured to functionally translate the mounting tool 100 and the thermoplastic body 40 relative to each other and / or along the buried path 60 of the elongated susceptor 154. The controller 30 is adapted, configured, designed, and / or programmed to control the operation of at least some of the systems 10. For example, the controller 30 may be programmed to control the operation of the mounting tool 100 and / or the translational structure 20. This may include controlling some of the operations of the systems 10 by following and / or utilizing any suitable steps in method 200 detailed herein.

[0015] During the operation of system 10, the elongated susceptor 154 may be extended from the guide structure 110 and / or toward the body contact structure 120, as detailed herein with reference to method 200 in Figure 8, and as shown in Figures 4 and 5, so that the extended portion 156 of the elongated susceptor extends between the guide structure and the body contact structure. Furthermore, the heating structure 130 can heat a segment 163 of the elongated susceptor 154 to form and / or generate a heated portion 164 of the elongated susceptor. The segment 163 and the heated portion 164 are part of the extended portion 156. In other words, the heating structure 130 can be configured to heat at least a portion of the extended portion 156. Furthermore, the body contact structure 120 can push the leading region 166 of the heated portion 164 into the thermoplastic body 40 via the body surface 42 of the thermoplastic body.

[0016] The heated portion 164 can be heated to a segment temperature higher than the melting temperature of the thermoplastic body 40. As a result, thermal energy is transferred from the heated portion 164 to the thermoplastic body through contact between the heated portion 164 and the thermoplastic body 40, and as a result, the molten region 44 of the thermoplastic body is melted.

[0017] Simultaneously, the guide structure 110, the body contact structure 120, and / or the mounting tool 100 are functionally translated relative to the thermoplastic body 40 and / or along the burial path 60 of the elongated susceptor 154. This process buries a single elongated susceptor 154 within the thermoplastic body 40 and / or along the burial path 60. In other words, while the guide structure 110, the body contact structure 120, and / or the mounting tool 100 are functionally translated relative to the thermoplastic body 40, the elongated susceptor 154 is continuously extended from the guide structure 110 and / or the body contact structure 120 and heated by the heating structure 130, thereby burying a single elongated susceptor 168 along the burial path 60. It is then embedded in the thermoplastic body 40.

[0018] As shown in Figure 6, a schematic cross-sectional view along line AA in Figures 4 and 5, displacement portions 50 of the thermoplastic material 48 are formed and / or generated by pressing the elongated susceptor 154 through the body surface 42 and / or into the thermoplastic body 40. The displacement portions 50 may cause unacceptable roughness and / or irregularities on the body surface 42 of the thermoplastic body 40. Taking this into consideration, as shown by the transition from the configuration shown in Figure 6 to the configuration shown in Figure 7, a schematic cross-sectional view along line BB in Figures 4 and 5, the body contact structure 120 can smooth the body surface 42 while functionally translating over the body surface.

[0019] Referring again to Figures 4 and 5 for a more general overview, the guide structure 110 may include any suitable structure adapted, configured, designed, and / or constructed to guide and / or direct the elongated susceptors 154 toward the body contact structure 120 and / or along the embedding path 60. This may include enabling and / or facilitating the precise embedding of multiple elongated susceptors 168 in the thermoplastic body 40 by precisely guiding the elongated susceptors 154 toward and / or into contact with the body surface 42. Examples of the guide structure 110 include tubes 112 and / or channels 114.

[0020] The body contact structure 120 may include any suitable structure adapted, configured, designed, and / or constructed to contact the body surface 42, press the elongated susceptors 154 into the thermoplastic body 40 via the body surface 42, or smooth the body surface 42. This may include enabling and / or facilitating the precise guidance of the elongated susceptors 154 via the body surface 42 to precisely embed multiple elongated susceptors 154 into the thermoplastic body 40. Examples of the body contact structure 120 include body contact surfaces, smooth surfaces, arcuate surfaces, and / or rollers. In some examples, the body contact surface 120 may include grooves 126 that can be configured to receive and / or guide the elongated susceptors 154. In some such examples, the body contact structure 120 may include grooved body contact surfaces, grooved smooth surfaces, grooved arcuate surfaces, and / or grooved rollers.

[0021] In some examples of the attachment tool 100, as shown in FIG. 4, the body contact structure 120 may include a single body contact structure 120. The single body contact structure 120 can be configured to receive the extending portion 156 of the elongate susceptor 154 from the guide structure 110 and to push the leading region 166 through the body surface 42 and to smooth the body surface 42.

[0022] In some examples of the attachment tool 100, as shown in FIG. 5, the body contact structure 120 includes a leading body contact structure 122 and a rear body contact structure 124 spaced apart from the leading body contact structure. In some such examples, the guide structure 110 may include the leading body contact structure.

[0023] In some such examples, the guide structure 110 may be separated, distinguished, and / or spaced apart from the leading body contact structure 122. In these examples, the leading region 160 of the extending portion 156 of the elongate susceptor 154 may extend between the guide structure 110 and the leading body contact structure 122, and the rear region 162 of the extending portion 156 of the elongate susceptor 154 may extend between the leading body contact structure 122 and the rear body contact structure 124. In these examples, the leading body contact structure 122 may push the elongate susceptor 154 through the body surface 42 and / or into the thermoplastic body 40, and the rear body contact structure 124 may smooth the body surface 42.

[0024] The heating structure 13 would heat a segment 163 of the elongate susceptor 154 or the elongate suscept It may include any suitable structure adapted, configured, designed and / or constructed to form and / or generate the heated portion 164 of the protruding susceptor 154. In some examples, the heating structure 130 may be configured to electrically heat the segment 163 of the elongated susceptor 154. For example, the heating structure 130 may include a power source 132 configured to supply a current 134 to the segment 163 of the elongated susceptor 154 in order to resistively heat the segment 163 of the elongated susceptor. In some such examples, the current 134 flows within the elongated susceptor 154 between the guide structure 110 and the body contact structure 120, between the guide structure 110 and the front body contact structure 122, and / or between the front body contact structure 122 and the rear body contact structure 124.

[0025] In some examples, the heating structure 130 is configured to inductively heat the segments 163 of the elongated susceptor 154. For example, the heating structure 130 may include an electromagnet 136 and a high-frequency AC power supply 140. In such an example, the high-frequency AC power supply 140 may be configured to supply a high-frequency AC current to the electromagnet 136, which may receive the high-frequency AC current to generate a high-frequency electromagnetic field 138. The high-frequency electromagnetic field can heat the segments of the elongated susceptor 154 by inducing a current within the segments 163 of the elongated susceptor 154.

[0026] As shown by dashed lines in Figures 4 and 5, the mounting tool 100 may include or be associated with a long susceptor source 150. If a long susceptor source 150 is provided, it can be configured to supply a long susceptor 154 to the guide structure 110. An example of a long susceptor source 150 includes a spool 152 of long susceptor material.

[0027] The translational structure 20 may include any suitable structure adapted, configured, designed, and / or constructed to functionally translate, move, and / or rotate the mounting tool 100 and the thermoplastic body 40 relative to each other. This may include the functional translation, movement, and / or rotation of the mounting tool 100 relative to the thermoplastic body 40, or the functional translation, movement, and / or rotation of the thermoplastic body 40 relative to the mounting tool 100. Examples of the translational structure 20 include motors, electric motors, stepper motors, gear assemblies, linear actuators, rotary actuators, translation stages, two-dimensional translation stages, and / or Alternatively, it may include a three-dimensional translation stage.

[0028] The controller 30 may include any suitable structure adapted, configured, designed, and / or programmed to control the operation of at least one other component in the system 10, such as the mounting tool 100 and / or the translational structure 20. This may include controlling at least one other component of the system 10 according to any suitable step in method 200 detailed herein. Examples of the controller 30 include electronic controllers, dedicated controllers, special-purpose controllers, personal computers, special-purpose computers, display devices, logic devices, memory devices, and / or memory devices having computer-readable storage media.

[0029] Where a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the medium is also referred to herein as a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium. This non-temporary computer-readable storage medium may contain, define, store, and / or save computer-executable instructions, programs, and / or code, which may instruct the system 10 to execute any appropriate part or set of instructions in Method 200. Examples of such non-temporary computer-readable storage media include CD-ROMs, disks, hard drives, flash memory, and the like. In this specification, storage, memory, devices, and / or media having computer-executable instructions, as well as the information provided herein, Computer-operated and other methods are considered to fall within the scope of what is patentable under Section 101 of the United States Patent Act.

[0030] The thermoplastic body 40 may include any suitable structure and / or material capable of receiving a plurality of elongated susceptors 154 and / or usable for a thermoplastic patch panel 90. An example of the thermoplastic body 40 is a sheet of thermoplastic material 48. The thermoplastic body 40 may include or be formed from any suitable thermoplastic material 48, examples of such thermoplastic materials include polymer materials and polyether ether ketones.

[0031] In some examples, the thickness of the thermoplastic body 40 is relatively thin when measured perpendicular to the body surface 42. For example, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the thickness 52 of the thermoplastic body 40 may be at least 0.01 mm, at least 0.02 mm, at least 0.03 mm, at least 0.04 mm, at least 0.05 mm, at least 0.075 mm, at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.3 mm, at least 0.4 mm, at least 0.5 mm, up to 2.5 mm, up to 2 mm, up to 1.5 mm, up to 1 mm, up to 0.9 mm, up to 0.8 mm, up to 0.7 mm, up to 0.6 mm, up to 0.5 mm, up to 0.4 mm, up to 0.3 mm, up to 0.2 mm, up to 0.1 mm, and / or up to 0.05 mm.

[0032] In some examples, the thickness 52 may be less than a threshold multiple of the maximum susceptor cross-sectional length 158, such as the diameter of the elongated susceptor 154. Examples of threshold multiples include 10x, 8x, 6x, 5x, 4x, 3x, 2x, 1.5x, or 1x.

[0033] The elongated susceptor 154 extends between the guide structure 110 and the body contact structure 120, is heated by the heating structure 130, and / or is pressed by the body contact structure 120 across the body surface 42, and may include any suitable structure and / or material. In some examples, the elongated susceptor 154 may include, or be formed from, a susceptor material configured to absorb a high-frequency magnetic field and generate heat by the magnetic field. In some examples, the elongated susceptor 154 may include a conductive material, a metal, and / or a ferromagnetic material. In some examples, the elongated susceptor 154 may include an elongated wire. In some such examples, the elongated wire may include an electrical insulator covering the outer surface of the elongated wire. Examples of electrical insulators include dielectric materials and / or polymers.

[0034] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method 200 for embedding an elongated susceptor in a thermoplastic body according to the present disclosure. Method 200 includes stretching the elongated susceptor in 210 and heating a segment of the elongated susceptor in 220. Method 200 also includes pressing the leading region of the heated portion of the elongated susceptor in 230 and functionally translating it along the embedding path in 240. Method 200 may also include cooling the molten region in 250 and / or repeating at least part of the method in 260.

[0035] Extending the elongated susceptor in 210 may include extending the elongated susceptor from the guide structure of the mounting tool and / or toward the body contact structure of the mounting tool. This may include extending the elongated susceptor such that the extended portion of the elongated susceptor extends between the guide structure and the body contact structure. In some examples, the extension in 210 may include extending from an elongated susceptor source. An example of an elongated susceptor source is disclosed herein with reference to the elongated susceptor source 150 shown in Figures 4 and 5. An example of an elongated susceptor is disclosed herein with reference to the elongated susceptor 154 shown in Figures 4-7. An example of a guide structure is disclosed herein with reference to the guide structure 110 shown in Figures 4 and 5. It is shown.

[0036] In some examples, while functionally translating at 240, or at least while functionally translating, the stretching at 210 may include continuously moving the stretched portion of the elongated susceptor along its long axis. In other words, the continuous movement may include continuously moving the stretched portion of the elongated susceptor relative to the mounting tool. In other words, the stretching at 210 may include, for example, during the pressing process at 230, transporting a predetermined region of the elongated susceptor from the guide structure to the body contact structure before the predetermined region of the elongated susceptor is embedded in the thermoplastic body.

[0037] In some examples, the body contact structure may include a rear body contact structure and a front body contact structure spaced apart from the rear body contact structure. Examples of the rear body contact structure and the front body contact structure are disclosed herein with reference to the rear body contact structure 124 and the front body contact structure 122 shown in Figure 5. In some such examples, the guide structure includes the front body contact structure.

[0038] In such examples, the leading body contact structure may be separate from or spaced apart from the guide structure. In such examples, the stretching at 210 may include extending the leading region of the elongated susceptor from the guide structure to the leading body contact structure. In such examples, the stretching at 210 may, in addition to or instead of the above configuration, include extending the rear region of the elongated susceptor from the leading body contact structure to the rear body contact structure. In some such examples, the pressing at 230 may include pressing with the leading body contact structure. In some such examples, the functional translation at 240 may include smoothing the body surface using the rear body contact structure.

[0039] The elongated portion of the elongated susceptor has, or may define, an elongated portion length measured between the guide structure and the body contact structure, between the guide structure and the front body contact structure, between the guide structure and the rear body contact structure, and / or between the front body contact structure and the rear body contact structure. Examples of elongated portion lengths include lengths of at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 9 mm, at least 10 mm, up to 25 mm, up to 20 mm, up to 18 mm, up to 16 mm, up to 14 mm, up to 12 mm, up to 10 mm, up to 8 mm, and / or up to 6 mm. In some examples, the elongated portion has, or defines, an aspect ratio, which is defined as the ratio of the elongated portion length to a characteristic cross-sectional length, such as the diameter and / or characteristic diameter, of the elongated susceptor. Examples of aspect ratios include at least 5, at least 10, at least 15, at least 20, at least 25, at least 30, at least 35, at least 40, at least 45, at least 50, up to 100, up to 90, up to 80, up to 70, up to 60, up to 50, up to 40, up to 30, up to 20, and / or up to 10.

[0040] The stretching in 210 can be performed at any appropriate timing and / or sequence in method 200. For example, the stretching in 210 can be performed at least partially simultaneously with and / or between the heating in 220, the pressing in 230, the functional translation in 240, and / or the cooling in 250.

[0041] Heating the segments of the elongated susceptor in 220 may include heating the segments of the elongated susceptor to a segment temperature higher than the melting temperature of the thermoplastic body. In addition to or instead of the above, the heating in 220 may include heating a segment of the elongated susceptor to form and / or generate a heated portion of the elongated susceptor. The heated portion of the elongated susceptor may include a portion of the extended portion of the elongated susceptor. In other words, the heating in 220 may include heating any region of the extended portion of the elongated susceptor.

[0042] Heating in 220 can be achieved in any suitable manner. For example, heating in 220 may include heating using, via and / or utilizing, a heating structure such as the heating structure 130 shown in Figures 4 and 5. In some such examples, the heating structure may be spaced apart from and / or separate from the body contact structure.

[0043] In some examples, as described above, the elongated susceptor may include an electrical insulator covering the outer surface of the elongated susceptor. In such examples, the heating in 220 may include heating without melting the electrical insulator.

[0044] The heating in 220 can be performed at any appropriate timing and / or sequence in method 200. For example, the heating in 220 can be performed at least partially simultaneously with and / or between the stretching in 210, the pressing in 230, the functional translation in 240, and / or the cooling in 250.

[0045] In some examples, heating in 220 may include electrically heating the segments of the elongated susceptor. In some such examples, electrically heating may include, for example, resistive heating of the segments of the elongated susceptor by supplying current to them. In some such examples, the heating structure may include a power supply configured to supply current to the segments of the elongated susceptor. In some such examples, heating in 220 may include passing current through the segments of the elongated susceptor between the guide structure and the body contact structure, and / or between the front body contact structure and the rear body contact structure.

[0046] In some examples, heating in 220 may include inductive heating of the segments of the elongated susceptor. In some such examples, induction heating may include applying a high-frequency electromagnetic field to the segments of the elongated susceptor. In some such examples, the heating assembly may include an electromagnet and a high-frequency AC power supply. In some such examples, heating in 220 may include using the high-frequency AC power supply to supply a high-frequency current to the electromagnet and using the electromagnet to generate a high-frequency electromagnetic field in response to the high-frequency current.

[0047] In some examples, heating in 220 may involve heating the segments of the elongated susceptor from ambient temperature and / or to segment temperature in a time shorter than the threshold heating time. Examples of threshold heating times include threshold heating times of at least 0.01 seconds, at least 0.05 seconds, at least 0.1 seconds, at least 0.2 seconds, at least 0.3 seconds, at least 0.4 seconds, at least 0.5 seconds, at least 0.6 seconds, at least 0.7 seconds, at least 0.8 seconds, at least 0.9 seconds, at least 1 second, up to 5 seconds, up to 4 seconds, up to 3 seconds, up to 2 seconds, up to 1.5 seconds, up to 1 second, up to 0.8 seconds, and / or up to 0.6 seconds. By heating the segments of the elongated susceptor relatively rapidly in this way, the possibility of unnecessarily and / or unexpectedly heating the rest of the mounting tool and / or the thermoplastic body can be reduced, and the possibility of deformation of the thermoplastic body can be reduced.

[0048] Pressing the leading region of the heated portion of the elongated susceptor in 230 means pressing the leading region through and / or into the body surface of the thermoplastic body. The pressing in 230 may include embedding the leading region in the thermoplastic body, at least partially or completely. In addition to or instead of this, the pressing in 230 may include sealing the leading region in the thermoplastic body, at least partially or completely.

[0049] The pressing in 230 can be achieved in any suitable manner. For example, the pressing in 230 may include pressing using, via, and / or utilizing the body contact structure and / or the leading body contact structure, if such a structure is provided.

[0050] In some examples, the pressing at 230 may include melting a molten region of the thermoplastic body, for example, through heat transfer from the heated portion of the elongated susceptor and / or heat transfer into the thermoplastic body. Examples of molten regions are disclosed herein with reference to the molten region 44 shown in Figures 4-7. In some examples, the molten region may be relatively small, and at least one dimension of the molten region may correspond to the corresponding dimension of the elongated susceptor.

[0051] For example, the molten region may have, for instance, a maximum melt region transverse cross-sectional extent measured perpendicular to the long axis of the molten region, or This may be specified. An example of the maximum melting region cross-sectional length is shown by reference numeral 46 in Figures 6 and 7. Similarly, the leading region of the heated portion of the elongated susceptor may specify the maximum susceptor cross-sectional length, which is measured perpendicular to the major axis of the melting region and / or the major axis of the elongated susceptor. An example of the maximum susceptor cross-sectional length is shown by reference numeral 158 in Figures 6 and 7. In such examples, the melting may include melting in which the ratio of the maximum melting region cross-sectional length to the maximum susceptor cross-sectional length is at least 1.1, at least 1.25, at least 1.5, at least 1.75, at least 2, up to 5, up to 4, up to 3, up to 2.5, up to 2, and / or up to 1.5. In other words, the pressing at 230 causes only a portion of the thermoplastic body to melt locally, thus reducing the possibility of damage or deformation of the thermoplastic body. In addition to or instead of this, by localized melting, it becomes possible to embed elongated susceptors in thermoplastic bodies even when the thickness of the thermoplastic body is less than a threshold multiple of the maximum susceptor cross-sectional length. Examples of threshold multiples are disclosed herein.

[0052] The pressing in 230 can be performed at any appropriate timing and / or sequence in method 200. For example, the pressing in 230 can be performed at least partially simultaneously with and / or between the stretching in 210, the heating in 220, the functional translation in 240, and / or the cooling in 250.

[0053] Functional translation along the burial path in 240 may include functional translation of guide structures, body contact structures, and / or mounting tools along the burial path of the elongated susceptor. The burial path may be defined along the body surface of the thermoplastic body, or it may define preferred locations within the thermoplastic body that are suitable for the elongated susceptor, or preferred locations that are suitable for the burial length of the elongated susceptor. Examples of burial paths are disclosed herein with reference to the burial path 60 shown in Figures 4 and 5. Functional translation in 240 may include functional translation using, through, and / or utilizing translational structures. Examples of such translational structures are disclosed herein with reference to the translational structure 20 shown in Figures 4 and 5 and are achievable in any suitable embodiment. For example, functional translation in 240 may include moving a mounting tool relative to the thermoplastic body, and / or moving the thermoplastic body relative to the mounting tool.

[0054] Functional translation in 240 is, in addition to or instead of the above configuration, body contact configuration The body surface may be smoothed using a fabricated body or the like. For example, as shown in Figure 6 and described in detail herein with reference to that figure, the pressing in 230 may displace a portion of the thermoplastic material to form a displaced portion, such as a displaced portion 50, that extends from and / or above the body surface of the thermoplastic body. In such an example, the smoothing may include at least partially planarizing the displaced portion of the thermoplastic material, at least partially flattening the body surface of the thermoplastic body, and / or pressing the displaced portion of the thermoplastic material toward the body surface of the thermoplastic body, as shown in the configuration from Figure 6 to the configuration shown in Figure 7.

[0055] Functional translation at 240 can be performed at any appropriate timing and / or sequence in method 200. For example, functional translation at 240 can be performed at least partially simultaneously with and / or between stretching at 210, heating at 220, pressing at 230, and / or cooling at 250.

[0056] Cooling of the molten region in 250 may include cooling the molten region to harden it and / or maintaining a single elongated susceptor embedded in the thermoplastic body. Cooling in 250 can be achieved in any suitable manner, for example, by natural convection, forced convection, and / or transfer of thermal energy from the molten region to the surrounding environment surrounding the thermoplastic body and / or into the thermoplastic body.

[0057] Cooling at 250 can be performed at any appropriate timing and / or sequence in method 200. For example, cooling at 250 can be performed at least partially simultaneously with and / or between stretching at 210, heating at 220, pressing at 230, and / or functional translation at 240. In addition to or instead of this, with respect to a given molten region in the thermoplastic body, cooling at 250 may be performed after pressing at 230 and / or after smoothing.

[0058] At least some iterations of the method in 260 may include repeating any one or more suitable steps of method 200 in any suitable order. For example, iterations in 260 include repeating stretching in 210, heating in 220, pressing in 230, functional translation in 240, and / or cooling in 250 multiple times in and / or in a thermoplastic material. In some such examples, iterations in 260 further include cutting the elongated susceptors to embed in and / or in a thermoplastic material multiple different, separate, and / or spaced elongated susceptors.

[0059] As detailed herein, the systems and methods of the present disclosure can enable and / or facilitate the embedding of elongated susceptors in a thermoplastic body and / or the formation of a thermoplastic patch panel in situations where conventional processes are difficult. For example, the systems and methods of the present disclosure can enable and / or facilitate the precise placement and / or positioning of multiple elongated susceptors within a given thermoplastic body in order to form and / or define a thermoplastic patch panel having desired induction heating properties. This may include embedding multiple elongated susceptors at various intervals and / or various susceptor lengths. In addition to or instead of this, the systems and methods of the present disclosure can enable and / or facilitate the performance of stretching at 210, heating at 220, pressing at 230, functional translation at 240, and / or cooling at 250 without causing strain and / or deformation of the thermoplastic body.

[0060] Exemplary and non-exclusive examples of the gist of the inventions described herein are listed below in the appendices.

[0061] Appendix A1. A method for embedding an elongated susceptor in a thermoplastic body, The elongated susceptor is optionally extended from the guide structure of the mounting tool to the body contact structure of the mounting tool, so that the extended portion of the elongated susceptor extends between the guide structure and the body contact structure. Optionally, the heating structure of the mounting tool is used to heat the segments of the elongated susceptor to a segment temperature exceeding the melting temperature of the thermoplastic body to form the heated portion of the elongated susceptor, in which case the heated portion is an optional configuration in which the heated portion is a part of the extended portion of the elongated susceptor. Optionally, the body contact structure is used to press the leading region of the heated portion of the elongated susceptor, thereby pressing the leading region into the thermoplastic body via the body surface of the thermoplastic body. A method comprising, simultaneously with the pressing and stretching, functionally translating at least one of the guide structure, the body contact structure, and the mounting tool along the burial path of the elongated susceptor, wherein, in an optional configuration, the burial path is defined along the body surface, and further, in an optional configuration, the functional translation optionally includes smoothing the body surface using the body contact structure.

[0062] Appendix A2. The method according to Appendix A1, wherein the stretching is performed by stretching from a long susceptor source.

[0063] Appendix A3. The elongated susceptor source is the method described in Appendix A2, comprising a spool of elongated susceptor material.

[0064] Appendix A4. The method according to any one of Appendix A1 to A3, wherein the stretching includes continuously moving the stretched portion of the elongated susceptor along the long axis of the elongated susceptor, at least while performing the functional translation.

[0065] Appendix A5. The method according to Appendix A4, wherein the continuous movement includes continuously moving the extended portion of the elongated susceptor relative to the mounting tool.

[0066] Appendix A6. The guide structure is the method according to any one of Appendix A1 to A5, wherein the guide structure includes at least one of a tube and a channel.

[0067] Appendix A7. The method according to any one of the appendices A1 to A6, wherein the guide structure is configured to precisely position the elongated susceptor relative to the body contact structure.

[0068] Appendix A8. The body contact structure is the method according to any one of the appendices A1 to A7, comprising a rear body contact structure and a front body contact structure spaced apart from the rear body contact structure.

[0069] Appendix A9. The method according to Appendix A8, wherein the guide structure includes the body contact structure.

[0070] Appendix A10. The method according to Appendix A8 or A9, wherein the front body contact structure is different from the guide structure, and the extension includes extending the leading region of the extended portion of the elongated susceptor from the guide structure to the leading body contact structure, and extending the rear region of the extended portion of the elongated susceptor from the leading body contact structure to the rear body contact structure.

[0071] Appendix A11. The method according to Appendix A10, wherein the pressing is performed using the leading body contact structure.

[0072] Appendix A12. The method according to Appendix A10 or A11, wherein the smoothing includes smoothing using the rear body contact structure.

[0073] Appendix A13. The extended portion of the elongated susceptor is the method according to any one of Appendix A1 to A12, which specifies the length of the extended portion.

[0074] Note A14. The extension is such that the length of the extended portion is (i) stretching to at least 0.5 millimeters (mm), at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 9 mm, or at least 10 mm, and (ii) The method described in Appendix A13, which includes stretching to satisfy at least one of the following: stretching to a maximum of 25 mm, 20 mm, 18 mm, 16 mm, 14 mm, 12 mm, 10 mm, 8 mm, or 6 mm.

[0075] Note A15. The aspect ratio of the extended portion is (i) to stretch to at least 5, at least 10, at least 15, at least 20, at least 25, at least 30, at least 35, at least 40, at least 45, or at least 50, (ii) The method described in Appendix A13 or A14, which includes stretching to satisfy at least one of the following: stretching to a maximum of 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, or 10.

[0076] Appendix A16. The heating is performed according to any one of the methods described in Appendix A1 to A15, comprising electrically heating the segment of the elongated susceptor.

[0077] Appendix A17. The method according to Appendix A16, wherein the heating includes supplying current to the segments of the elongated susceptor to resistively heat the segments of the elongated susceptor.

[0078] Appendix A18. The heating structure is the method described in Appendix A16 or A17, including a power source.

[0079] Note A19. The heating may optionally be performed via the segment of the elongated susceptor. (i) Between the guide structure and the body contact structure, (ii) The method according to any one of the appendices A16 to A18, which includes passing an electric current between at least one of the front body contact structure and the rear body contact structure.

[0080] Appendix A20. The heating method according to any one of the appendices A1 to A19, wherein the heating method includes induction heating of the segment of the elongated susceptor.

[0081] Appendix A21. The method according to Appendix A20, wherein the heating comprises applying a high-frequency electromagnetic field to the segment of the elongated susceptor.

[0082] Note A22. The heating assembly includes an electromagnet and a high-frequency AC power supply, and the method includes supplying a high-frequency current to the electromagnet using the high-frequency AC power supply, and receiving the high-frequency current and using the electromagnet to generate a high-frequency electromagnetic field, Note A2 The method described in 0 or A21.

[0083] Note A23. The heating assembly is spaced apart from the body contact structure, according to any of the methods described in Notes A20 to A22.

[0084] Appendix A24. The heating method according to any one of Appendix A1 to A23, wherein the heating includes heating the segment of the elongated susceptor from ambient temperature to the segment temperature for a time shorter than the threshold heating time.

[0085] Note A25. The threshold heating time is (i) at least 0.01 seconds, at least 0.05 seconds, at least 0.1 seconds, at least 0.2 seconds, at least 0.3 seconds, at least 0.4 seconds, at least 0.5 seconds, at least 0.6 seconds, at least 0.7 seconds, at least 0.8 seconds, at least 0.9 seconds, or at least 1 second, (ii) The method described in any of the appendices A1 to A24, wherein the maximum duration is any one of the following: a maximum of 5 seconds, a maximum of 4 seconds, a maximum of 3 seconds, a maximum of 2 seconds, a maximum of 1.5 seconds, a maximum of 1 second, a maximum of 0.8 seconds, or a maximum of 0.6 seconds.

[0086] Appendix A26. The method according to any one of Appendix A1 to A25, wherein the pressing includes embedding the leading region of the heated portion of the elongated susceptor in the thermoplastic body, at least partially or completely.

[0087] Appendix A27. The pressing is performed according to any of the methods described in Appendix A1 to A26, wherein the pressing is performed by sealing the leading region of the heated portion of the elongated susceptor within the thermoplastic body.

[0088] Appendix A28. The method according to any one of Appendix A1 to A27, wherein the pressing includes melting the molten region of the thermoplastic body via heat transfer from the heated portion of the elongated susceptor.

[0089] Appendix A29. The method according to Appendix A28, further comprising cooling the molten region after the smoothing to harden the molten region and maintaining a single elongated susceptor embedded in the thermoplastic body.

[0090] Note A30. The molten region defines the maximum molten region cross-sectional length measured perpendicular to the long axis of the molten region, the leading region of the heated portion of the elongated susceptor defines the maximum susceptor cross-sectional length measured perpendicular to the long axis of the molten region, and the melting is defined as the ratio of the maximum molten region cross-sectional length to the maximum susceptor cross-sectional length. (i) at least 1.1, at least 1.25, at least 1.5, at least 1.75, or at least 2, (ii) The method described in Appendix A28 or A29, which includes melting to a maximum of 5, a maximum of 4, a maximum of 3, a maximum of 2.5, a maximum of 2, or a maximum of 1.5.

[0091] Note A31. The above functional translation is, (i) Moving the mounting tool relative to the thermoplastic body, and The method according to any of the appendices A1 to A30, comprising at least one of the following: (ii) moving the thermoplastic body relative to the mounting tool.

[0092] Note A32. The pressing includes displacing a portion of the thermoplastic material forming the thermoplastic body to form a displaced portion extending from the body surface of the thermoplastic body. The method described in any of the appendices A1 to A31.

[0093] Note A33. The above smoothing is, (i) To make the displaced portion of the thermoplastic material planar at least partially, (ii) to flatten at least partially the surface of the thermoplastic body, and The method according to Appendix A32, comprising at least one of (iii) pressing the displaced portion of the thermoplastic material toward the body surface of the thermoplastic body.

[0094] Appendix A34. The method according to any one of Appendix A1 to A33, wherein the elongated susceptor includes a susceptor material configured to absorb a high-frequency electromagnetic field and generate heat by the electromagnetic field.

[0095] Appendix A35. The elongated susceptor comprises at least one of a conductive material, a metal, and a ferromagnetic material, according to any one of the methods described in Appendix A1 to A34.

[0096] Appendix A36. The elongated susceptor is the method described in any of Appendix A1 to A35, including an elongated wire.

[0097] Appendix A37. The elongated susceptor is provided according to any one of the methods described in Appendix A1 to A36, wherein the elongated susceptor includes an electrical insulator covering the outer surface of the elongated susceptor.

[0098] Appendix A38. The method according to Appendix A37, comprising performing the heating without melting the electrical insulator.

[0099] Appendix A39. The method according to any one of the appendices A1 to A38, comprising at least stretching, heating, pressing, functional translation, and smoothing without causing distortion to the thermoplastic body.

[0100] Appendix A40. The thermoplastic body is a sheet of thermoplastic material, according to any of the methods described in Appendix A1 to A39.

[0101] Note A41. The thickness of the thermoplastic body measured between the body surface and the body surface opposite to it is: (i) at least 0.01 mm, at least 0.02 mm, at least 0.03 mm, at least 0.04 mm, at least 0.05 mm, at least 0.075 mm, at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.3 mm, at least 0.4 mm, or at least 0.5 mm, and (ii) The method according to any of the appendices A1 to A40, wherein the maximum size is at least one of the following: 2.5 mm, 2 mm, 1.5 mm, 1 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.05 mm.

[0102] Appendix A42. The method according to any one of Appendix A1 to A41, wherein the thickness of the thermoplastic body is less than a threshold multiple of the maximum susceptor cross-sectional length of the elongated susceptor.

[0103] Appendix A43. The method according to Appendix A42, wherein the threshold multiplier is 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.5, or 1.

[0104] Appendix A44. The thermoplastic body is formed of at least one of a thermoplastic material, a polymer material, and a polyetheretherketone, according to any of the methods described in Appendix A1 to A43.

[0105] Appendix A45. The method according to any of the appendices A1 to A44, further comprising embedding a plurality of elongated susceptors in the thermoplastic material by repeating at least the stretching, heating, pressing, and functional translation a plurality of times.

[0106] Note B1. A system for embedding a single elongated susceptor in a thermoplastic body, (i) A guide structure configured to guide the elongated susceptor, (ii) A body contact structure configured to contact the body surface of the thermoplastic body, and (iii) A mounting tool including a heating structure configured to heat the segments of the elongated susceptor, A translational structure configured to functionally translate the mounting tool and the thermoplastic body relative to each other along the burial path of the elongated susceptor, A system comprising: a controller programmed to control the operation of the mounting tool and the translational structure in accordance with the method described in any of the appendices A1 to A45.

[0107] In this specification, if the terms “selective” or “selectively” modify the operation, movement, configuration, or other function of one or more components or elements of the device, it means that such particular operation, movement, configuration, or other function is a direct or indirect result of the user's operation of an aspect of the device or one or more components.

[0108] In this specification, the terms “adapted” and “configured” mean that an element, component, or other component is designed and / or intended to perform a particular function. Therefore, the use of the terms “adapted” and “configured” should not be interpreted as meaning that an element, component, or other component is merely “capable” of performing a particular function, but rather that the element, component, and / or other component is specifically selected, manufactured, implemented, used, programmed, and / or designed to perform that function. Furthermore, an element, component, and / or other component described as adapted to perform a particular function may also be described as configured to perform that function, in addition to or instead of being adapted, and vice versa, both of which are within the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, a component described as configured to perform a particular function may also be described as operating to perform that function, in addition to or instead of being adapted.

[0109] In this specification, the expression “at least one” referring to one or more objects should be understood to mean at least one object selected from one or more objects in the list of objects, and not necessarily including at least one of each of all objects specifically listed in the list of objects, nor does it exclude any combination of objects in the list. According to this definition, it is possible that objects other than those specifically listed in the list of objects to which the expression “at least one” is associated may exist, regardless of whether they are related to those specifically listed. Therefore, as a non-restrictive example, the expression “at least one of A and B” (or, in a similar sense, “at least one of A or B” or, in a similar sense, “at least one of A and / or B”) may, in one embodiment, mean at least one A comprising any two or more, with no B present (and optionally including objects other than B); and in another embodiment, mean at least one B comprising any two or more, with no A present (and optionally including objects other than A). In yet another embodiment, this may refer to at least one A, which optionally includes two or more, and at least one B, which optionally includes two or more (and optionally other objects). That is, the expressions “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and / or” are open-ended expressions and have both conjunctive and disjunctive functions. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and / or C” may mean A only, B only, C only, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, all of A, B and C, and optionally, any combination of any of the above with at least one other object.

[0110] The elements and steps of the various devices and methods disclosed herein are not necessarily required for all of the devices and methods provided herein, and this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and partial combinations of the elements and steps disclosed herein. Furthermore, one or more of the elements and steps disclosed herein may constitute an independent gist of an invention separate from the entirety of the disclosed device or method. Accordingly, such a gist of an invention does not need to be associated with any specific device or method explicitly disclosed herein, and may be useful for devices and / or methods not explicitly disclosed herein.

[0111] Where the terms “for example,” “as an example,” and / or simply “example” are used in relation to one or more components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods of this disclosure, these terms are intended to indicate that the components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods described are illustrative and non-exclusive examples of the components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods provided herein. Therefore, the components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods described are not intended to be limiting, mandatory, or exclusive / exclusive. Furthermore, other components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and / or methods that are structurally and / or functionally similar and / or equivalent are also included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0112] In this specification, when the expression “at least substantially” modifies a degree or relationship, it includes not only cases where the degree or relationship is “substantial” as described, but also cases where the degree or relationship is complete. A degree or relationship being substantial includes cases where it constitutes at least 75% of the degree or relationship. For example, if an object is substantially composed of a given material, this includes cases where at least 75% of the object is composed of that material, and also cases where the object is entirely composed of that material. Another example is when a first length is substantially the same as a second length, this includes cases where the first length is up to 75% of the second length, and also cases where the first length is the same as the second length.

Claims

1. A method for embedding an elongated susceptor in a thermoplastic body, The elongated susceptor is extended from the guide structure of the mounting tool to the body contact structure of the mounting tool, and the extended portion of the elongated susceptor extends between the guide structure and the body contact structure. Using the heating structure of the mounting tool, the segments of the elongated susceptor are heated to a segment temperature exceeding the melting temperature of the thermoplastic body to form the heated portion of the elongated susceptor. Using the body contact structure, the leading region of the heated portion of the elongated susceptor is pressed, and the leading region is pushed into the thermoplastic body via the body surface of the thermoplastic body. A method comprising, simultaneously with the pressing and stretching, functionally translating at least one of the body contact structure and the mounting tool along the embedding path of the elongated susceptor, wherein the embedding path is defined along the body surface, and further comprising smoothing the body surface using the body contact structure.

2. The method according to claim A1, wherein the stretching comprises stretching from a long susceptor source including a spool of long susceptor material.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stretching includes continuously moving the stretched portion of the elongated susceptor along the long axis of the elongated susceptor, at least while performing the functional translation.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the body contact structure includes a rear body contact structure and a front body contact structure spaced apart from the rear body contact structure, the pressing includes pressing using the front body contact structure, and the smoothing includes smoothing using the rear body contact structure.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the elongated portion of the elongated susceptor is defined to have an elongated portion length of at least 0.5 mm and a maximum of 25 mm.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the stretching includes stretching the stretched portion such that the aspect ratio of the stretched portion is at least 5 and at most 100.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heating comprises electrically heating the segments of the elongated susceptor by supplying current to the segments of the elongated susceptor and resistively heating the segments of the elongated susceptor.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the heating comprises induction heating of the segment of the elongated susceptor.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heating comprises heating the segment of the elongated susceptor from ambient temperature to segment temperature for a time shorter than a threshold heating time of up to 3 seconds.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the pressing includes melting the molten region of the thermoplastic body via heat transfer from the heated portion of the elongated susceptor.

11. After the smoothing process, the molten region is cooled to harden it, and The method according to claim 10, further comprising maintaining a single elongated susceptor embedded in the thermoplastic body.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the molten region defines the maximum molten region cross-sectional length measured perpendicular to the major axis of the molten region, the leading region of the heated portion of the elongated susceptor defines the maximum susceptor cross-sectional length measured perpendicular to the major axis of the molten region, and the ratio of the maximum molten region cross-sectional length to the maximum susceptor cross-sectional length is at most 5.

13. The pressing includes displacing a portion of the thermoplastic material forming the thermoplastic body to form a displaced portion extending from the body surface of the thermoplastic body, and the smoothing includes, (i) Planarizing the displaced portion of the thermoplastic material at least partially, (ii) to flatten at least partially the surface of the thermoplastic body, and The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising at least one of (iii) pressing the displaced portion of the thermoplastic material toward the body surface of the thermoplastic body.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the elongated susceptor comprises at least one of a conductive material, a metal, and a ferromagnetic material.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the elongated susceptor includes an elongated wire.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the elongated susceptor includes an electrical insulator covering the outer surface of the elongated susceptor, and the method includes performing the heating without melting the electrical insulator.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising performing at least the stretching, heating, pressing, functional translation, and smoothing without causing distortion to the thermoplastic body.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the thickness of the thermoplastic body is less than five times the maximum susceptor cross-sectional length of the elongated susceptor.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising embedding a plurality of elongated susceptors in the thermoplastic material by repeating at least the stretching, heating, pressing, and functional translation a plurality of times.

20. A system for embedding a single elongated susceptor in a thermoplastic body, (i) A guide structure configured to guide the elongated susceptor, (ii) A body contact structure configured to contact the body surface of the thermoplastic body, and (iii) A mounting tool including a heating structure configured to heat the segments of the elongated susceptor, A translational structure configured to functionally translate the mounting tool and the thermoplastic body relative to each other along the burial path of the elongated susceptor, A system comprising: a controller programmed to control the operation of the mounting tool and the translational structure according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 19.

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