US 10123456

Patent Summary: US 10,123,456 B2

A detailed summary of United States Patent 10,123,456 B2 is provided below.

Title: Phase change material heat sink using additive manufacturing and method.

Assignee: Raytheon Company.

Inventors:

• Jeremy T. Evans
• Adam C. Wood
• Chad E. Boyack
• Richard Piekarski

Filing Date: October 28, 2015.

Issue Date: November 6, 2018.

Abstract: A heat sink is provided that includes a lower shell, an upper shell and an internal matrix. The lower shell, the upper shell and the internal matrix are formed as a single component using additive manufacturing techniques. The internal matrix includes a space that is configured to receive a phase change material.

Overview of Independent Claims

This patent features three independent claims, which outline the core aspects of the invention. In plain language, they are as follows:

Independent Claim 1: This claim describes a method for manufacturing a heat sink that is integrated into a larger structural component, such as an airframe or bulkhead. The method uses additive manufacturing (3D printing) to create a single piece that includes the structural component, a lower shell for the heat sink, an upper shell, and an internal matrix. This internal matrix consists of a grid pattern of parallel pins.

Independent Claim 10: Similar to the first claim, this claim details a method for creating a heat sink as an integral part of a structural component using additive manufacturing. The key difference is that the internal matrix of the heat sink is made up of a series of parallel plates instead of pins.

Independent Claim 18: This claim covers a comprehensive method for producing a complete phase change material (PCM) heat sink. It involves using additive manufacturing to form a structural component with an integrated heat sink, which has an internal matrix of either parallel pins or plates. The method also includes the creation of a fill port and a vent port, the insertion of a phase change material through the fill port, and the final sealing of these ports with plugs.

As of today's date, a search of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) 2026 dockets did not reveal any litigation involving this patent.