Patent · US Expired

Heat exchanger cast in metal matrix composite and method of making the same

US6668912B2 · kind B2 · utility

13Cited by
7References
9Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 16, 2002
Grant dateDec 30, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 16, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T29/4935
  • WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

The specification and drawings describe and show an embodiment of and method of forming a liquid flow through heat exchanger structure cast in a metal matrix composite. The composite comprises a preform reinforcement material infiltrated with molten metal. The composite reinforcement material is injection molded around the heat exchanger structure allowing for intimate contact between the composite and structure. The composite formed has a specific coefficient of thermal expansion to match an active heat-generating device mounted thereon. The present invention allows for enhanced thermal and mechanical properties by eliminating voids or gaps at the composite to heat exchanger structure interface, these voids or gaps being present in prior art fabrication methods or induced by usage due to thermal cycling of prior art composites. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.