Thermal bond system

Abstract

A thermal bond system is provided for bonding a first component that prods heat to a second component that dissipates heat. Carbon or other thermally conductive fiber tows are woven together to define a fabric mesh having first and second opposing woven surfaces. An adhesive bond that is flowable prior to drying is used to wet and cover the first and second opposing surfaces. The adhesive bond extends into interstices formed between adjacent fiber tows.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is: 
     
       1. A thermal bond system for bonding a first component that produces heat to a second component that dissipates heat, comprising: a woven fabric composed solely of carbon; and   an adhesive bond wetting said woven carbon fabric, wherein said woven carbon fiber fabric so wetted is interposed between said first component and said second component.   
     
     
       2. A thermal bond system as in claim 1 wherein said woven carbon fabric has its weave type selected from the group consisting of a plain weave, a basket weave, a twill weave, a crowfoot weave, a satin weave and a leno weave. 
     
     
       3. A thermal bond system as in claim 1 wherein said first component includes a bonding area, and wherein said woven carbon fabric is sized commensurate with said bonding area. 
     
     
       4. A thermal bond system as in claim 1 wherein said woven carbon fabric is made from tightly woven carbon fiber tows. 
     
     
       5. A thermal bond system as in claim 1 wherein said adhesive bond is selected from the group consisting of silicone and urethane. 
     
     
       6. A thermal bond system for bonding a first component that produces heat to a second component that dissipates heat, comprising: tows woven together and composed solely of carbon fiber to define a fabric mesh having first and second opposing woven surfaces, wherein interstices are formed between adjacent ones of said carbon fiber tows; and   an adhesive bond that is flowable prior to drying, said adhesive bond covering said first opposing surface and said second opposing surface, said adhesive bond further extending into said interstices.   
     
     
       7. A thermal bond system as in claim 6 wherein said fabric mesh has its weave type selected from the group consisting of a plain weave, a basket weave, a twill weave, a crowfoot weave, a satin weave and a leno weave. 
     
     
       8. A thermal bond system as in claim 6 wherein said first component includes a bonding area, and wherein said fabric mesh is sized commensurate with said bonding area. 
     
     
       9. A thermal bond system as in claim 6 wherein said carbon fiber tows are woven tightly to minimize the size of said interstices. 
     
     
       10. A thermal bond system as in claim 6 wherein said adhesive bond is selected from the group consisting of silicone and urethane. 
     
     
       11. A thermal bond system for bonding a first component that produces heat to a second component that dissipates heat, comprising: a woven fabric that includes heat-conducting fibers running in both the warp and fill directions of said woven fabric, said fibers crossing each other so a to provide heat transfer in all directions, said woven fabric defining first and second opposing woven surfaces; and   an adhesive bond that is flowable prior to drying, said adhesive bond covering said first opposing surface and said second opposing surface.   
     
     
       12. A thermal bond system as in claim 11 wherein said woven fabric has its weave type selected from the group consisting of a plain weave, a basket weave, a twill weave, a crowfoot weave, a satin weave and a leno weave. 
     
     
       13. A thermal bond system as in claim 11 wherein said first component includes a bonding area, and wherein said woven fabric is sized commensurate with said bonding area. 
     
     
       14. A thermal bond system as in claim 11 wherein said adhesive is selected from the group consisting of silicone and urethane. 
     
     
       15. A thermal bond system as in claim 11 wherein said heat-conducting fibers are made from materials selected from the group consisting of carbon, copper, gold, silver and aluminum. 
     
     
       16. A thermal bond system as in claim 11 wherein said heat-conducting fibers are carbon fiber tows.