Methods and apparatus for a micro-truss based structural insulation layer

• Main Authors: LEHMAN, STEPHEN EDWARD, JACOBSEN, ALAN JON, MCKNIGHT, GEOFFREY P, CARTER, WILLIAM BERNARD
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 08.12.2011
• Subjects: BLASTING; DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OFGENERAL APPLICATION; HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL; HEATING; LAYERED PRODUCTS; LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT ORNON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM; LIGHTING; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING; WEAPONS

An apparatus for maintaining a temperature differential between a component and a source of heat is described. The apparatus includes a micro-truss structure having a plurality of nodes and members which define a first surface and a second surface. The second surface is operable for attachment to the component. The apparatus further includes a skin material attached to the first surface of the micro-truss structure such that the skin material is operable for placement between the heat source and the micro-truss structure. The skin material defines at least a portion of a fluid flow path through the micro-truss structure. A skin material is not utilized with certain configurations of the micro-truss structure.