Heat-Conducting Strip for Embedded Curing Zone

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for curing heat-curable materials in embedded zones are inefficient and can be harmful to sensitive components, as they often require direct heating or electrical currents, which may not be feasible due to accessibility issues or the risk of overheating.

Innovation Solution

A method using a heat-conducting strip that extends from the embedded curing zone to a radiation-accessible zone, where it is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, allowing heat to be conducted back to the curing zone, thereby curing the material without direct irradiation of sensitive components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If direct electromagnetic radiation is applied to the embedded curing zone, then curing efficiency is improved, but accessibility is worsened due to obstructions surrounding the curing zone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuring efficiencyVSAvoidaccessibility to curing zone

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A heat-conducting strip is introduced as an intermediary element. The strip extends from the radiation-accessible zone into the embedded curing zone, allowing electromagnetic radiation to be applied externally while conducting heat to the curing zone that would otherwise be inaccessible to direct radiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct electromagnetic radiation heating with a thermal conduction mechanism. Instead of using radiation to directly heat the curing zone (which is blocked by obstructions), the system uses electromagnetic radiation to heat the heat-conducting strip, which then conducts heat thermally to the curing zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the entire assembly is heated to cure the embedded curing zone, then curing is achieved, but energy efficiency is worsened and heat-sensitive components may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuring achievementVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The heat-conducting strip is positioned specifically to deliver heat locally to the embedded curing zone. This localized heating approach ensures that only the necessary area receives the required thermal energy, avoiding the energy waste and potential damage associated with heating the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Temperature

If electrical current is applied through resistance wire to heat the curing zone, then curing is achieved, but device complexity is worsened and electronic components may be harmed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuring temperatureVSAvoidcircuitry requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical heating mechanism (resistance wire with electrical current) with an electromagnetic radiation-based heating system. The heat-conducting strip serves as the heating element that converts electromagnetic radiation into thermal energy, eliminating the need for complex electrical circuitry within the assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach provides a more versatile and energy-efficient method for curing heat-curable materials, preventing excessive heating of sensitive components and allowing for targeted energy delivery, even in opaque or complex assemblies.

Implementation Method 1

Heat generated by absorption of the electromagnetic radiation in the heat-conducting strip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption of electromagnetic radiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

Heat generated by absorption of the electromagnetic radiation in the heat-conducting strip is conducted from the radiation-accessible zone along a length of the heat-conducting strip to the embedded curing zone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10717236B2Curing a heat-curable material in an embedded curing zone

Publication Date: 2020.07.21 NEDERLANDSE ORG VOOR TOEGEPAST NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNO

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method for curing a heat-curable material (1) in an embedded curing zone (2) and an assembly resulting from such method. The method comprises providing a heat-conducting strip (3) partially arranged between a component (9) and a substrate (10) that form the embedded curing zone (2) therein between. The heat-conducting strip (3) extends from the embedded curing zone (2) to a radiation-accessible zone (7) that is distanced from the embedded curing zone (2) and at least partially free of the component (9) and the substrate (10). The method further comprises irradiating the heat-conducting strip (3) in the radiation-accessible zone (7) by means of electromagnetic radiation (6). Heat (4a) generated by absorption of the electromagnetic radiation (6) in the heat-conducting strip (3) is conducted from the radiation-accessible zone (7) along a length of the heat-conducting strip (3) to the embedded curing zone (2) to cure the heat-curable material (1) by conducted heat (4b) emanating from the heat-conducting strip (3) into the embedded curing zone (2).