Multifunctional assemblies
First Claim
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1. A method for manufacturing an object using a stacked multifunctional assembly, the method comprising:
- integrating a multifunctional assembly onto an object having an integral polymer matrix, the multifunctional assembly having a stacked, layered structure including at least;
a first resistive layer having a carbon nanotube (CNT) network in sheet form,a first conductive layer stacked on the first resistive layer, anda first pair of insulating layers including a first insulating layer stacked on and disposed across the first resistive layer and a second insulating layer stacked on and disposed across the first conductive layer on a side opposing the first resistive layer;
coupling a voltage source or a current source to the first conductive layer;
flowing electrical current through the first resistive layer so as to generate heat; and
using the generated heat to form, heat treat or cure the integral polymer matrix of the object.
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Abstract
A multifunctional assembly having a resistive element a conductive element in electrical communication with the resistive element, the conductive element defining at least one of a plurality of multifunctional zones of the resistive element, wherein the conductive element is configured to direct a flow of electricity across at least one of the plurality of multifunctional zones of the resistive element in a preselected manner.
43 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method for manufacturing an object using a stacked multifunctional assembly, the method comprising:
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integrating a multifunctional assembly onto an object having an integral polymer matrix, the multifunctional assembly having a stacked, layered structure including at least; a first resistive layer having a carbon nanotube (CNT) network in sheet form, a first conductive layer stacked on the first resistive layer, and a first pair of insulating layers including a first insulating layer stacked on and disposed across the first resistive layer and a second insulating layer stacked on and disposed across the first conductive layer on a side opposing the first resistive layer; coupling a voltage source or a current source to the first conductive layer; flowing electrical current through the first resistive layer so as to generate heat; and using the generated heat to form, heat treat or cure the integral polymer matrix of the object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 10)
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3. An assembled object comprising:
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an integral polymer matrix forming a portion of the assembled object, and a multifunctional assembly having a stacked, layered structure including at least; a first resistive layer, a first conductive layer electrically coupled to and stacked on the first resistive layer, and a first pair of insulating layers including a first insulating layer stacked on and disposed across the first resistive layer and a second insulating layer stacked on and disposed across the first conductive layer on a side opposing the first resistive layer, wherein the assembled object is formed by flowing electrical current through the resistive layer via the first conductive layer so as to generate heat and using the generated heat to form, heat treat or cure the integral polymer matrix of the assembled object. - View Dependent Claims (4, 11)
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5. A system comprising:
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an object formed in part from an integral polymer matrix, the object incorporating a multifunctional assembly having a stacked, layered structure including at least; a first resistive layer, a first conductive layer electrically coupled to and stacked on the first resistive layer, and a first pair of insulating layers including a first insulating layer stacked on and disposed across the first resistive layer and a second insulating layer stacked on and disposed across the first conductive layer on a side opposing the first resistive layer; and a control system operationally coupled to the resistive layer via the conductive layer and configured or programmed to drive the resistive layer with electrical energy to maintain or change a temperature to form, heat treat or cure the integral polymer matrix of the object. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 12)
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13. A system comprising:
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a manufacturing tool adapted for use in a forming, curing, or heat treating process for an object having a polymer matrix included therein, the tool being in contact with the object during the forming, curing or heat treating process, the tool formed incorporating a multifunctional assembly having a stacked, layered structure including at least; a first resistive layer having a carbon nanotube (CNT) network in sheet form, a first conductive layer electrically coupled to and stacked on the first resistive layer, and a first pair of insulating layers including a first insulating layer stacked on and disposed across the first resistive layer and a second insulating layer stacked on and disposed across the first conductive layer on a side opposing the first resistive layer; and a control system operationally coupled to the resistive layer via the conductive layer and configured or programmed to drive the resistive layer with electrical energy to generate heat in a controllable and configurable manner so as to enable forming, curing, or heat treating the polymer matrix of the object. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification