Panel Manufacturing Using Integrated Tabs for Heat Pipe Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manufacturing processes for panels with integrated heat pipes and inserts are cumbersome and prone to difficulties in extracting pins due to the action of glue, especially when dealing with large quantities and precise positioning, which can lead to damage and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method that eliminates the use of pins by employing a bottom plate with straightened tabs to position and secure heat pipes and inserts, using intumescent glue and intermediate structures, and a single-stage polymerization process, allowing for precise alignment and integration of multiple heat pipes and inserts without the need for pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pins are used to position and secure heat pipes and inserts, then positioning precision can be achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and pin extraction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes pins from the manufacturing process entirely, replacing them with tabs integrated into the lower flange structure. This extraction of the pin element simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining positioning precision through the tab mechanism that bends to secure heat pipes and inserts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the positioning function previously performed by separate pins into the flange structure itself through integrated tabs. The tabs are formed as part of the lower flange and perform both structural support and positioning functions, reducing the number of components and simplifying the manufacturing process.
2Manufacturing precision
If pins are used for securing heat pipes and inserts, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but pin extraction becomes almost impossible due to glue action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts pins from the system entirely, replacing them with tabs that are integral to the flange structure. This eliminates the extraction problem completely, as there are no separate pins to remove. The tabs remain as part of the flange and naturally hold the heat pipes and inserts in place through their bent configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are designed as single-use positioning elements that are formed, bent into position, and then remain as permanent part of the flange structure. They serve their positioning function during assembly and then become part of the final product structure, eliminating the need for extraction operations.
3Reliability
If multiple stages of polymerization are used to ensure complete curing, then product quality is improved, but manufacturing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies adhesive in advance to the tabs before assembling the heat pipes and inserts, ensuring that the bonding process begins immediately upon assembly. This preliminary application of adhesive, combined with the structural design of the tabs, allows for complete curing in a single polymerization stage rather than requiring multiple stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the positioning and securing functions into a single integrated tab structure that is secured through one polymerization process. The tabs are formed, positioned, and then permanently secured to the upper flange in a single curing operation, eliminating the need for separate polymerization stages.
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 method simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating pin extraction challenges, ensuring precise positioning, reducing costs, and enabling the integration of a large number of heat pipes and inserts, while avoiding damage and the complexity of multi-stage polymerization.
Implementation Method 1
pass the assembly (including the cooking marble) in an oven or an autoclave for a chosen duration, so as to cause a polymerization of the panel
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
A method, dedicated to manufacturing panels having one or more integrated heat pipes and/or inserts, consists in a) providing a lower plate (SI) comprising, at selected points situated on either side of reception zones for a heat pipe or insert, substantially planar tongues (L) which can be straightened up above the upper face of said plate, b) partially straightening-up the tongues (L) in the direction of the reception zones, c) positioning the heat pipes and/or the inserts (C1, C2) in each reception zone, between the tongues (L) and in contact with the upper face of the lower plate (SI), d) finishing straightening-up the tongues (L) such that they are placed against the lateral faces of the heat pipes and/or inserts (Ci), e) depositing a selected thickness of a first adhesive against the lateral faces of the heat pipes and/or inserts (Ci), f) positioning intervening structures (N1-N3), having substantially the same height as that of the heat pipes and/or inserts (C1, C2), on either side of the lateral faces of each heat pipe and/or insert and in contact with the upper face of the lower plate (SI), and g) placing an upper plate (SS) above the heat pipes and/or inserts (C1, C2) and the intervening structures (N1-N3) and in contact with the latter.