WO2013174438A1

WO2013174438A1 - Reshaped part and method of fabricating the same

Info

Publication number: WO2013174438A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/059770
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manfred Berndt
Original assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2012-05-24
Filing date: 2012-05-24
Publication date: 2013-11-28

Abstract

A Method of fabricating a reshaped part (111, 112) comprises providing a material sandwich (100) comprising an aerogel layer (102) encapsulated in a shapeable material (104); and shaping the material sandwich (100).

Description

RESHAPED PART AND METHOD OF FABRICATING THE SAME

BACKGROUND ART

[0001 ] The present invention relates to reshaped parts and a method of fabricating the same. In particular the present invention relates to a thermically insulating reshaped part, in particular for a measurement apparatus.

[0002] AT 187532 discloses a refrigerator having an inner wall and an outer wall, therein the cavity between the inner wall and the outer wall is filled with a thermically insulating material. The thermically insulating material may be hardened foam.

[0003] US 2009/0029147 A1 discloses aerogel foam composites. A mold may be used to cast the aerogel composites into desired shapes. Subsequently, the gel is aged and dried. Uses of aerogel open cell foam composites include thermal barriers and panels. An aerogel open cell foam composite is disclosed in the form of a multilayer laminate. An inclusion of a metal layer in the xy-plane can improve xy- thermal and/or electrical conductivity and/or provide additional physical strength. When a metal mesh is used as one or more of the central layers, it offers the benefit of producing an aerogel composite material which is not only drapeable or flexible but is conformable, i.e. it can retain its shape after bending. Hence, a metal mesh is used as one or more of central layers to provide a deformable aerogel composite, wherein portions of the metal sheet are cut and bend out of plain to serve as an anchor between the conductive layer and the rest of the composite. Other applications include thermal barriers, wherein translucent and transparent aerogel foam composites and translucent and transparent laminate are made from these composites. It is described to provide an assembly comprising a layer of translucent aerogel foam composite which is placed between two glazings. [0004] WO 2010/141489 relates to fire-resistant systems, methods and apparatuses. A panel is disclosed including a passive layer made of vermiculite, a second layer containing aluminum tri-hydrate as a functional material and a back layer of aerogel blanket.

[0005] In conventional measuring devices, such as conventional chromatography systems thermally insulating parts are often helpful in improving the performance of the device or in improving reliability of results produced by the device.

DISCLOSURE

[0006] There may be a need for providing a reshaped part which is adapted to a required geometry and/or shape by reshaping and which further provides a good thermal insulation.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of a first aspect of the herein disclosed subject matter, there is provided a method of fabricating a reshaped part, the method comprising: providing a material sandwich comprising an aerogel layer encapsulated in a shapeable material; shaping the material sandwich.

[0008] Encapsulating the aerogel layer between two layers of shapeable material eliminates problems with particulate matter originating from the aerogel layer. Such particles of the aerogel layer may have adverse effects on devices to which the reshaped part is mounted. Shaping the material sandwich comprising the aerogel layer and the shapeable material allows the shaping of the material without generating free particles of the aerogel layer. What in effect is achieved is hence a reshaped part which has, due to the good thermal insulating properties of the aerogel, a good insulation characteristics while still providing an easy manufacturing process thereof. Additionally, the reshaped part according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter at the same time provides for a dust free reshaped part. Moreover, the encapsulation of the aerogel layer in the shapeable material prevents the generation of free dust of particulate matter from the aerogel layer during operation of the device to which the reshaped part is mounted.

[0009] As used herein, the term "shaping" refers to any method performed on the material sandwich which results in a change of the shape of the material sandwich. According to an embodiment, shaping of the material sandwich comprises at least one of deep-drawing, thermoforming, compression-moulding, cold-compression molding, hot-compression moulding, blow moulding, extrusion moulding, flow moulding; bending; indenting; just to name some examples.

[0010] According to an embodiment, providing the material sandwich comprises providing the material sandwich with a region of reduced thickness. According to a further embodiment, the method comprises bending the material sandwich at the region of reduced thickness.

[001 1 ] The region of reduced thickness of the material sandwich can be provided by any suitable means. For example, according to an embodiment the region of reduced thickness is generated by mechanical indenting the material sandwich. Mechanical indenting of the material sandwich includes but is not limited to mechanical a deforming the material sandwich by exerting pressure on a surface portion of the material sandwich to thereby plastically deform the material sandwich in this surface area, thereby reducing the thickness of the region to which the pressure is applied. Such pressure may be applied to the region by a conventional press.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the region of reduced thickness is generated by deep drawing of the material sandwich. For example, deep drawing of the material sandwich in the region of reduced thickness may change the structure of the aerogel layer in this region. In this way, a reduced thickness of the aerogel layer may be obtained, thus resulting in a reduced thickness of the region. Further, according to an embodiment, in the region where the thickness of the material sandwich shall be reduced no aerogel of the aerogel layer is provided. Hence, by deep drawing the material sandwich in this region, which is free of the aerogel, results in a reduction of the thickness of the material sandwich in this region.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the region of reduced thickness is generated by thermo forming of the material sandwich. For example, the shape of an initially provided material sandwich may be changed in the respective region, where the thickness shall be reduced, by applying heat and pressure to the region, thereby deforming the material sandwich. For example, according to an embodiment, the temperature of the material sandwich is maintained in a temperature interval which allows for shaping of the two layers of shapeable material.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, the region of reduced thickness is generated by molding, e.g. compression molding, of the material sandwich. For example, according to an embodiment, a mold is provided, the mold having a protrusion corresponding to the region of reduced thickness, the protrusion exerting a pressure on the material sandwich thereby generating the region of reduced thickness.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the region of reduced thickness is generated by providing a first portion of the aerogel layer, the first portion of the aerogel layer having a reduced thickness compared to a thickness of a second aerogel layer portion adjacent the first portion of the aerogel layer; and encapsulating the aerogel layer in the shapeable material, wherein the region of the first portion of the aerogel layer forms the region of reduced thickness. [0016] Providing the first portion of the aerogel layer which has a reduced thickness compared to the second portion of the aerogel layer has the advantage that the aerogel layer does not need to be compressed and deformed in order to provide the region of reduced thickness.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the region of reduced thickness is generated by keeping the region of reduced thickness free of aerogel. For example, according to an embodiment, an aerogel layer is provided, the aerogel layer comprising a cut-out in the region of reduced thickness.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, the aerogel layer may comprise two or more individual aerogel layer parts which are connected by the shapeable material which encapsulates each of the aerogel layer parts and further connects the at least two aerogel layer parts to a single material sandwich.

[0019] While any of the herein disclosed embodiments may be combined with any other embodiment disclosed herein, in particular one or more of the embodiments which provide a first portion of the aerogel layer having a reduced thickness compared to a thickness of a second portion of the aerogel layer as well as one or more of the embodiment according to which the region of reduced thickness is generated by keeping the region of reduced thickness free of aerogel may be combined with any suitable method of providing the shapeable material so as to generate the material sandwich which has a region of reduced thickness. For example, any such method disclosed herein may be used to this end. [0020] According to a further embodiment the lateral extent of the region of reduced thickness is sized such that opposite material layer portions of the shapeable material on both sides of the region of reduced thickness contact each under a final bending angle. The contact of the opposite material layer portions may lead to an improved thermal insulation in the region of the bend.

[0021 ] According to a further embodiment the lateral extent of the region of reduced thickness is sized such that opposite material layer portions of the shapeable material on both sides of the region of reduced thickness exert an elastic force on each under a final bending angle. The elastic force may improve the contact between the opposite material layer portions and my lead to an improved thermal insulation in the region of the bend.

[0022] According to a further embodiment the lateral extent of the region of reduced thickness is sized such that during bending opposite aerogel portions on both sides of the region of reduced thickness exert a force on each other before a final bending angle is obtained, thereby resulting in a deformation of the opposite aerogel portions under the final bending angle.

[0023] The deformation of the opposite aerogel portions due to the force which the opposite aerogel portions exert on each other, a good mechanical contact between opposite portions of the shapeable material which are located between the opposite aerogel portions, is obtained. In particular, the force on the aerogel portions leads to a (elastic and/or plastic) deformation of the aerogel portions under the final bending angle, thereby improving contact with the shapeable material located between the aerogel portions. This may improve thermal insulation. By providing a good mechanical contact between opposite portions of the material sandwich a good thermal isolation in the region of the bend is obtained. According to a further embodiment, the thickness of the shapeable material on the opposite aerogel portions is smaller than a thickness of the shapeable material on other portions of the material sandwich. For example, according to an embodiment bending of the material sandwich at the region of reduced thickness is performed at a temperature where a softening of the shapeable material occurs such that the thickness of the shapeable material between the opposite aerogel portions is reduced under the action of the force which the opposite aerogel portions exert onto each other. In such a case by a proper choice of temperature and the bending time, the thickness of the shapeable material between the opposite aerogel portions is reduced to a desired amount. According to an embodiment, the bending time is the time duration during which the bending between an intermediate bending angle and the final bending angle occurs. According to an embodiment, the intermediate bending angle is a bending angle under which for the first time the opposite aerogel portions exert a force on each other.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the reshaped part is at least part of a housing of a measuring device, the housing covering at least one internal part of the measuring device; wherein optionally the measuring device is one of the following devices: a chromatography device; a column chromatography device; a liquid chromatography device; a high performance liquid chromatography device; a gas chromatography device; an electrical chromatography device, an electrophoresis device; a gel electrophoresis device; a microfluidic device and a nanofluidic device. [0025] According to a further embodiment, shaping the material sandwich comprises forming a recess at a location where the at least one internal part defines a protrusion, the protrusion facing the recess of the material sandwich and extending into the recess of the material sandwich, wherein optionally the material sandwich comprises an outer surface portion which faces away from the at least one internal part and wherein optionally the outer surface portion conforms to the recess of the material sandwich or the outer surface portion has a shape that does not conform to the recess of the material sandwich.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, shaping the material sandwich comprises forming a protrusion at a location where the at least one internal part defines a recess, the protrusion of the material sandwich facing the recess defined by the at least one internal part and extending into the recess defined by the at least one internal part, wherein optionally the material sandwich comprises an outer surface portion which faces away from the at least one internal part and wherein optionally the outer surface portion conforms to the protrusion of the material sandwich or the outer surface portion has a shape that does not conform to the protrusion of the material sandwich. [0027] For example, according to an embodiment the at least one internal part defines a profile and the shape of the material sandwich is adapted to the profile. For example, in this way a thermal insulation between two spaced apart internal parts of the measuring device may be provided by the material sandwich. [0028] According to an embodiment, providing the material sandwich includes providing the aerogel layer; providing at least one layer of shapeable material; covering the aerogel layer so as to enclose the aerogel layer within two layer portions of the at least one layer of shapeable material; sealing the two layer portions to each other so as to encapsulate the aerogel layer. According to an embodiment, sealing the two layer portions comprises welding the two layer portions together. As used herein, welding may be or may include thermo welding, ultrasonic welding, laser beam welding etc. According to a further embodiment, the welding is or includes mirror welding wherein each layer portion is heated before sealing. According to further embodiment, sealing the two layer portions comprises bonding the two layer portions together.

[0029] According to an embodiment, providing the material sandwich comprises providing the aerogel layer; providing two layers of shapeable material; placing the aerogel layer between the two layers of shapeable material; and sealingly coupling the two layers of shapeable material around the aerogel layer, thereby encapsulating the aerogel layer between the two layers of shapeable material.

[0030] According to an embodiment, providing the material sandwich comprises providing the aerogel layer, coating the aerogel layer with the shapeable material to thereby encapsulate the aerogel layer in the shapeable material. In such an embodiment, the shapeable material may be in particular a polymeric material. [0031 ] According to an embodiment of a second aspect of the herein disclosed subject matter, a reshaped part is provided, the reshaped part comprising a reshaped material sandwich comprising an aerogel layer encapsulated in a shapeable material.

[0032] Herein, the term "reshaped material sandwich" relates to a material sandwich the shape of which has been changed from an initial shape to a final shape. [0033] According to an embodiment, the reshaped part comprises a region of reduced thickness in the material sandwich. According to a further embodiment, the reshaped part comprises a bend in the material sandwich at the region of reduced thickness. [0034] According to an embodiment, the region of reduced thickness the region of reduced thickness comprises a first portion of an aerogel layer which has a reduced thickness compared to the thickness of a second portion of the aerogel layer outside the region of reduced thickness.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the region of reduced thickness of the reshaped part is free of aerogel .

[0036] According to a further embodiment, the material sandwich comprises a bend in the material sandwich at the region of reduced thickness.

[0037] According to a further embodiment, the material sandwich comprises a deformation of opposite aerogel portions on both sides of the region of reduced thickness wherein the opposite aerogel portions at the bend exert a compressive force on each other.

[0038] According to an embodiment of a third aspect of the herein disclosed subject matter a measuring device is provided, the measuring device comprising a reshaped part according to one or more embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the measuring device is a measuring device for performing a measurement on a sample.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, the measuring device is one of the following devices: a chromatography device; a column chromatography device; a liquid chromatography device; a high performance liquid chromatography device; a gas chromatography device; an electrical chromatography device, an electrophoresis device; a gel electrophoresis device; a microfluidic device and a nanofluidic device.

[0041 ] According to a further embodiment, the reshaped part is at least a part of a housing of a measuring device, the housing covering at least one internal part of the measuring device.

[0042] According to a further embodiment, the material sandwich comprises a recess at a location where the at least one internal part of the measuring device defines a protrusion, the protrusion facing the recess of the material sandwich and extending into the recess of the material sandwich, wherein optionally the material sandwich comprises an outer surface portion which faces away from the at least one internal part and wherein optionally the material sandwich comprises an outer surface portion which faces away from the at least one internal part and wherein optionally the outer surface portion conforms to the recess of the material sandwich or the outer surface portion has a shape that does not conform to the recess of the material sandwich.

[0043] According to a further embodiment, the material sandwich comprises a protrusion at a location where the at least one internal part of the measuring device defines a recess, the protrusion of the material sandwich facing the recess defined by the at least one internal part and extending into the recess defined by the at least one internal part, wherein optionally the material sandwich comprises an outer surface portion which faces away from the at least one internal part and wherein optionally the outer surface portion conforms to the protrusion of the material sandwich or the outer surface portion has a shape that does not conform to the protrusion of the material sandwich.

[0044] According to a further embodiment of the herein disclosed subject matter, the aerogel is an aerogel composite comprising an aerogel (such as an aerogel matrix) and a further material. For example, in an embodiment the further material includes fibers. According to a further embodiment, the further material includes a foam, wherein the foam is optionally made of a polymeric material.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the shapeable material is a metal. For example, according to an embodiment, the shapeable material is a ductile metal. According to an embodiment, the shapeable material comprises a metal, e.g. a ductile metal. According to a further embodiment, the shapeable material is copper or aluminum. According to a further embodiment, the shapeable material comprises copper or aluminum.

[0046] According to a further embodiment, the shapeable material is a plastic material. According to a further embodiment, the shapeable material is a polymeric material. According to a further embodiment, the shapeable material comprises a plastic material. According to a further embodiment, the shapeable material comprises a polymeric material. According to a further embodiment, the shapeable material is an air-tight material. According to a further embodiment, the shapeable material is a water tight material.

[0047] In the above there has been described and in the following there will be described exemplary embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein with reference to a method of fabricating a reshaped part, a reshaped part and a measuring device. It has to be pointed out that of course any combination of features relating to different aspects of the herein disclosed subject matter is also possible. In particular, some of the embodiments have been described or will be described with reference to apparatus type claims whereas other embodiments have been or will be described with reference to method type claims. However, a person skilled in the art will gather from the above and the following description that, unless otherwise notified, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one aspect also any combination between features relating to different aspects or embodiments, for example even between features of apparatus type embodiments and features of method type embodiments is considered to be disclosed with this application.

[0048] According to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter, apparatus type features are adapted for providing the functionality of one or more of the embodiments of the method type features and/or for providing the functionality as required by one or more of the method type features.

[0049] According to further embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter, method type features are adapted for providing the functionality of one or more of the embodiments of the apparatus type features and/or for providing the functionality as required by one or more of the apparatus type features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0050] Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be readily appreciated and become better understood by reference to the following more detailed description of embodiments in connection with the accompanied drawings. Features that are substantially or functionally equal or similar will be referred to by the same reference signs. The illustration in the drawing is schematically.

[0051 ] Fig. 1 shows a material sandwich according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. [0052] Fig. 2 shows a measuring device in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

[0001 ] Fig. 3 shows a part of a housing in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

[0002] Fig. 4 shows in part a measuring device according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

[0003] Fig. 5 shows a material sandwich in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

[0004] Fig. 6 shows a material sandwich in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. [0005] Fig. 7a to 7c illustrate a method of fabricating a reshaped part in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

[0006] The illustration in the drawings is schematic. It is noted that in different figures, similar or identical elements are provided with the same reference signs or with reference signs which are different from the corresponding reference signs only within the first digit.

[0007] Traditionally, discrete elements for insulation are based on foam parts. Vacuum panels are also available which provide better insulation values but are available mostly as planar single sheets and not in the form of three-dimensional shapes. Producing vacuum panels in three-dimensional shape is costly and therefore often not suitable for particular applications.

[0008] Embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter relate to a thermally insulating reshaped part. [0009] Fig. 1 shows a material sandwich 100 according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

[0010] The material sandwich 100 comprises an aerogel layer 102 encapsulated in a shapeable material 104. In accordance with an embodiment, the method comprises shaping the material sandwich 100. Shaping of the material sandwich 100 may be performed for example by deep drawing, wherein a thickness 106 does essentially not change during the deep drawing process. However, the shaping of the material sandwich 100 may be performed in any suitable manner and may be performed for example depending on the particular material used as the shapeable material 104. For example, in an embodiment the shapeable material 104 is a metal. Further, in another embodiment the shapeable material 104 is a plastic such as a polymeric material. Shaping conditions such as pressure and temperature may be chosen depending on the type of shapeable material 104 that is used.

[001 1 ] Fig. 2 shows a measuring device 1 10 in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. [0012] In accordance with an embodiment, the measuring device 1 10 comprises a reshaped part 1 12, the reshaped part 1 12 forming an upper housing part of a housing 1 13 of the measuring device 1 10. According to an embodiment, the reshaped part 1 12 consists of a reshaped material sandwich comprising an aerogel layer 102 encapsulated in a shapeable material 104. In accordance with an embodiment, the measuring device 1 10 comprises a further reshaped part 1 1 1 , the reshaped part 1 1 1 forming a lower housing part of a housing 1 13 of the measuring device 1 10.

[0013] The measuring device 1 10 comprises an instrument 1 14 which in one embodiment is a self-supporting instrument. A self-supporting instrument has the advantage that the housing parts 1 1 1 , 1 12 does not need to provide supporting capabilities for the instrument 1 14. According to an embodiment, the instrument 1 14 is an instrument which requires an operating temperature different from the ambient temperature. Further, according to an embodiment, the instrument 1 14 may require a stable operating temperature. For example, according to an embodiment the instrument 1 14 is a thermostated column compartment which according to an embodiment is configured to receive at least one separating column of a chromatography application. A good thermal insulation of the instrument 1 14 reduces the overall power consumption and increases the stability of a temperature within the housing 1 13 established by the two housing parts 1 1 1 , 1 12. [0014] According to an embodiment, the measuring device 1 10 further comprises the cosmetic cover, such as two cosmetic cover parts 1 16, 1 18, which are provided to provide a specific appearance to the measuring device 1 10 irrespective of the materials used for the shapeable material 104.

[0015] For example, according to an embodiment, the shapeable material 104 may itself be a sandwich of materials. For example, according to an embodiment the shapeable material 104 comprises a polymer layer and a metal layer (e.g. an aluminum layer) on an outer surface of the polymer layer, wherein the outer surface of the polymer layer is opposite an inner surface of the polymer layer which faces the aerogel layer. According to a further embodiment the metal layer is located facing the aerogel layer and is located between the aerogel layer and the polymer layer which thereby forms an outer layer of the shapeable material 104.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the housing 1 13 comprises a single reshaped part according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. According to a further embodiment, the housing 1 13 comprises two or more reshaped parts 1 1 1 , 1 12.

[0017] Fig. 3 shows a part of a housing in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. In particular, Fig. 3 shows a housing part 1 12 comprising an aerogel layer 102 encapsulated in a shapeable material 104.

[0018] In accordance with an embodiment, the shapeable material 104 comprises an outer film 120 (e.g. an outer deep draw film) and an inner film 122 (e.g. an inner deep draw film). According to an embodiment, the outer film 120 is electrically conducting. According to an embodiment, the inner film 122 is different from the outer film 120. Hence, the properties of the inner and outer films 120, 122 can be adapted to the specific requirements of the particular application.

[0019] In accordance with an embodiment, the outer film 120 and the inner film 122 are sealed to each other at a seal line indicated at 124 in fig. 3. The seal line 124 may be provided by gluing, welding, imprinting, etc.

[0020] Fig. 4 shows in part a measuring device according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. Fig. 4 shows a part of a measuring device 210 comprising at least one internal part, such as the instrument 1 14. In accordance with an embodiment, the at least one internal part 1 14 of the measuring device 210 defines a protrusion, for example two protrusions 126, forming a recess 128 there between. The measuring device 210 comprises a reshaped part 1 12 being formed from a material sandwich 100 according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter. [0021 ] In accordance with an embodiment, the material sandwich 100 comprises a recess 130 at a location where the at least one internal part 1 14 of the measuring device defines the protrusion 126. In accordance with an embodiment, the protrusion 126 of the internal part 1 14 faces the recess 130 of the material sandwich 100 and extends into the recess 130 of the material sandwich. [0022] In accordance with a further embodiment, the material sandwich 100 comprises a protrusion 132 at a location where the at least one internal part 1 14 of the measuring device defines the recess 128. In accordance with an embodiment, the protrusion 132 of the material sandwich 100 faces the recess 128 defined by the at least one internal part and extends into the recess 128. [0023] In accordance with an embodiment, an outer surface portion 134 of the material sandwich 100 conforms to an inner surface portion 136 of the material sandwich 100. In accordance with an embodiment, the inner surface portion 136 of the material sandwich 100 conforms to the shape with the at least one internal part 1 14 of the measuring device 210.

[0024] In accordance with an embodiment, the aerogel layer 102 of the material sandwich 100 is a flexible aerogel composite, such as one of the aerogel composites disclosed in US 2009/0029147 A1 . Flexible aerogel composites have the advantage that the micro structure of the aerogel layer in regions which are deformed due to the shaping of the material sandwich is not altered or is altered only to a small extend such that the properties of the aerogel layer in these regions are maintained. However, even if part of the aerogel layer or the micro structure thereof is destroyed during the shaping of the material sandwich, the encapsulation of the aerogel layer in the shapeable material prevents aerogel particles from being discharged. In this way, adverse effects of aerogel particles on the surrounding, for example on the measuring device, can be avoided.

[0025] Fig. 5 shows a material sandwich 200 in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

[0026] In accordance with an embodiment, the material sandwich 200 comprises an aerogel layer 102 encapsulated in a shapeable material 104. In accordance with a further embodiment, the material sandwich 200 comprises a region 240 of reduced thickness. In accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter, two or more regions 240 of reduced thickness are provided. In accordance with an embodiment, the region 240 of reduced thickness is free of aerogel 102. According to an embodiment, the shapeable material 104 comprises a first layer portion 242 and a second layer portion 244. Further, according to an embodiment the first layer portion 242 and the second layer portion 244 of the shapeable material 104 are attached to each other in the region 240 of reduced thickness. For example, according to an embodiment the attachment of the two layer portions 242, 244 is performed by gluing, welding, sealing, etc. The two layer portions 242, 244 may be formed by the same layer of shapeable material 104 or by different layers of shapeable material 104.

[0027] Fig. 6 shows a material sandwich 300 in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

[0028] In accordance with an embodiment, the material sandwich 300 comprises an aerogel layer 102 and a shapeable material 104 encapsulating the aerogel layer 102. Further, the material sandwich 300 comprises a region 240 of reduced thickness. In accordance with an embodiment, the region 240 of reduced thickness comprises a first aerogel layer portion 246 of the aerogel layer 102 and a second aerogel layer portion 248 of the aerogel layer 102. In accordance with an embodiment, a thickness 250 of the first portion 246 of the aerogel layer 102 is smaller than a thickness 252 of the second portion 248 of the aerogel layer 102. The reduced thickness of the first portion 246 of the aerogel layer 102 has the advantage that bending of the material sandwich 300 in the region 240 of reduced thickness is facilitated.

[0029] In accordance with an embodiment, instead of the first portion 246 of the aerogel layer 102, a material different from aerogel is provided in the region 240 of reduced thickness. For example, a material that can more easily be bend is provided in the region 240 of reduced thickness, thereby increasing the mechanical stability of the region 240 of reduced thickness while still providing for a good bendability of the material sandwich 300 in the region 240 of reduced thickness. [0030] Fig. 7a to 7c illustrate a method of fabricating a reshaped part in accordance with embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

[0031 ] Fig. 7a shows an intermediate state of a material sandwich 400 comprising an aerogel layer 102 and two layer portions 242, 244 of shapeable material 104. In accordance with an embodiment, the aerogel layer 102 comprises a cut-out 254 between two aerogel portions 256, 258.

[0032] Fig. 7b shows the material sandwich 400 with a region 240 of reduced thickness.

[0033] In accordance with an embodiment, the region 240 of reduced thickness of the material sandwich 400 is generated in the region of the cut-out 254. For example, in accordance with an embodiment, the region 240 of reduced thickness is generated by deforming the first layer portion 242 and the second layer portion 244 until the first layer portion 244 of shapeable material 104 contacts the second layer portion 244 of shapeable material 104. Both layer portions 242, 244 are then attached to each other in the region of the cut-out 254, thereby providing the region of reduced thickness 240 as shown in fig. 7b. In accordance with an embodiment, both layer portions 242, 244 are welded together so as to form a single connecting piece 260 of shapeable material 104 between the portions 256, 258 of the aerogel layer.

[0034] In accordance with other embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter, the connecting piece 260 of shapeable material 104 in a cut-out 254 between two portions 256, 258 of an aerogel layer 102 is provided by other means, e.g. by molding, e.g. injection molding, of the shapeable material around the portions 256, 258 of the aerogel layer 102.

[0035] In accordance with an embodiment, the material sandwich 400 comprises contact regions 262, 264 which contact each other if the material sandwich 400 is bend in the region of 240 of reduced thickness. In accordance with an embodiment, the outer shape of the shapeable material 104 conforms to the shape of the aerogel layer 102 in the contact regions 262, 264, as shown in fig. 7b. According to an embodiment, the contact regions 262, 264 are formed by the shapeable material and hence in an embodiment correspond to respective material layer portions of the shapeable material 104.

[0036] In accordance with an embodiment, the lateral extent of the region of reduced thickness is sized (e.g. in an embodiment lateral extent 265 of the connecting piece 260 is sized) such that opposite material layer portions of the shapeable material on both sides of the region of reduced thickness contact each under a final bending angle. Moreover, the lateral extent of the region of 240 of reduced thickness is sized such that opposite aerogel portions 256, 258 on both sides of the region 240 of reduced thickness exert a force of each other before a final bending angle is obtained, thereby resulting in a plastic deformation and an elastic deformation of the opposite aerogel portions 256, 258 under the final bending angle shown in Fig. 7c.

[0037] Fig. 7c shows the material sandwich 400 of Fig. 7b under a final bending angle. Hence, the bent material sandwhich 400 in Fig 7c forms a reshaped part 1 12 in the sense of the herein disclosed subject matter.

[0038] In accordance with a further embodiment, the lateral extend of the region 240 of reduced thickness is sized such that contact regions 262, 264 on opposite sides of the region 240 of reduced thickness contact each other under a final bending angle, as shown in Fig

[0039] Providing opposing contact regions 262, 264 allows to provide a good insulation by the material sandwich 400 although the region 240 of reduced thickness is provided for easier bendability. In accordance with an embodiment, the connecting piece 260 which extends over the cut-out 254 between two spaced apart portions 256, 258 of the aerogel layer is located close to a first side 270 of the material sandwich, wherein the first side is spaced from the contact portions 256, 258. For example, according to an embodiment, the connecting piece 260 is located close to a first surface 272 of the aerogel layer 102. This allows the contact regions 262, 264 to extend over a large portion of the thickness 274 of the aerogel layer 102. For example, contrary to the exemplary example shown in fig. 7b to 7c, the contact region 262, 264 may extend over at least half of the thickness 274 of the aerogel layer 102. It should be understood that the larger the extent of the contact regions 262, 264 over the thickness 274 of the aerogel layer 102, the better the insulation in the region of the bend 276 can be.

[0040] It should be noted that any embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with one or more other embodiments disclosed herein unless otherwise noted or unless technically infeasible.

[0041 ] It should be noted that any entity disclosed herein (e.g. the aerogel layer, the shapeable material, a layer portion of the shapeable material, etc.) is not limited to a dedicated entity as described in some embodiments. Rather, the disclosed subject matter may be implemented in various ways with various granularities on device level while still providing the desired functionality. Further, it should be noted that according to embodiments, a separate entity (e.g. the aerogel layer, the shapeable material, a layer portion of the shapeable material, etc.) may be provided for each of the functions disclosed herein. According to other embodiments, a single entity (e.g. the aerogel layer, the shapeable material, a layer portion of the shapeable material, etc.) is configured for providing two or more functions as disclosed herein. [0042] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or features and the "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Also elements described in association with different embodiments may be combined. It should also be noted that reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

Method of fabricating a reshaped part (1 1 1 , 1 12): providing a material sandwich (100, 200, 300) comprising an aerogel layer (102) encapsulated in a shapeable material (104); shaping the material sandwich (100, 200, 300).

The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the shaping the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) comprises at least one of deep-drawing, thermoforming, compression-moulding, cold-compression molding, hot-compression moulding, blow moulding, extrusion moulding, flow moulding; bending; indenting.

The method according to any one of the preceding claims, providing the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) with a region (240) of reduced thickness; bending the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) at the region (240) of reduced thickness.

The method according to the preceding claim, further comprising at least one of the following features: the region (240) of reduced thickness is generated by mechanical indenting the material sandwich (100, 200, 300); the region (240) of reduced thickness is generated by deep drawing of the material sandwich (100, 200, 300); the region (240) of reduced thickness is generated by thermoforming of the material sandwich (100, 200, 300); the region (240) of reduced thickness is generated by moulding of the material sandwich (100, 200, 300); the region (240) of reduced thickness is generated by providing a first portion of the aerogel layer (102), the first portion of the aerogel layer (102) having a reduced thickness compared to a thickness of a second aerogel layer (102) portion adjacent the first portion of the aerogel layer (102); and encapsulating the aerogel layer (102) in the shapeable material (104), wherein the region of the first portion of the aerogel layer (102) forms the region (240) of reduced thickness; the region (240) of reduced thickness is generated by keeping the region (240) of reduced thickness free of aerogel.

5. The method according to any one of claims 3 or 4, further comprising at least one of the following features: the lateral extend of the region (240) of reduced thickness is sized such that contact regions (262, 264) on opposite sides of the region 240 of reduced thickness contact each other under a final bending angle; the lateral extent of the region (240) of reduced thickness is sized such that opposite material layer portions (262, 264) of the shapeable material (104) on both sides of the region (240) of reduced thickness contact each under a final bending angle; the lateral extent of the region (240) of reduced thickness is sized such that opposite material layer portions (262, 264) of the shapeable material (104) on both sides of the region (240) of reduced thickness exert an elastic force on each under a final bending angle; the lateral extent of the region (240) of reduced thickness is sized such that during bending opposite aerogel portions (256, 258) on both sides of the region (240) of reduced thickness exert a force on each other before a final bending angle is obtained, thereby resulting in a deformation of the opposite aerogel portions (256, 258) under the final bending angle.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: the reshaped part (1 1 1 , 1 12) is at least part of a housing of a measuring device (1 10, 210), the housing covering at least one internal part of the measuring device (1 10, 210); wherein optionally the measuring device (1 10, 210) is one of the following devices: a chromatography device; a column chromatography device; a liquid chromatography device; a high performance liquid chromatography device; a gas chromatography device; an electrical chromatography device, an electrophoresis device; a gel electrophoresis device; a microfluidic device and a nanofluidic device.

7. The method according to the preceding claim, further comprising at least one of the following features: shaping the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) comprises forming a recess (130) at a location where the at least one internal part of the measuring device (1 10, 210) defines a protrusion (126), the protrusion (126) facing the recess (130) of the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) and extending into the recess (130) of the material sandwich (100, 200, 300), wherein optionally the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) comprises an outer surface portion (134) which faces away from the at least one internal part (1 14) and wherein optionally the outer surface portion (134) conforms to the recess (130) of the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) or the outer surface portion (134) has a shape that does not conform to the recess (130) of the material sandwich (100, 200, 300); shaping the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) comprises forming a protrusion (132) at a location where the at least one internal part (1 14) of the measuring device (1 10, 210) defines a recess (128), the protrusion (132) of the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) facing the recess (128) defined by the at least one internal part (1 14) and extending into the recess (128) defined by the at least one internal part (1 14), wherein optionally the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) comprises an outer surface portion (134) which faces away from the at least one internal part and wherein optionally the outer surface portion (134) conforms to the protrusion (132) of the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) or the outer surface portion (134) has a shape that does not conform to the protrusion (132) of the material sandwich (100, 200, 300).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one of the following groups of features: providing the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) includes providing the aerogel layer (102), coating the aerogel layer (102) with the shapeable material (104); providing the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) includes providing the aerogel layer (102); providing at least one layer of shapeable material (104); covering the aerogel layer (102) so as to enclose the aerogel layer (102) within two layer portions of the at least one layer of shapeable material (104); sealing the two layer portions to each other so as to encapsulate the aerogel layer (102); wherein optionally sealing the two layer portions comprises welding the two layer portions together.

9. A reshaped part (1 1 1 , 1 12) comprising: a reshaped material sandwich (100, 200, 300) comprising an aerogel layer (102) encapsulated in a shapeable material (104).

10. The reshaped part (1 1 1 , 1 12) according to the preceding claim, further comprising: a region (240) of reduced thickness in the material sandwich (100, 200, 300); a bent in the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) at the region (240) of reduced thickness.

1 1 . The reshaped part (1 1 1 , 1 12) according to the preceding claim, further comprising at least one of the following features: the region (240) of reduced thickness comprises a first portion of an aerogel layer (102) which has a reduced thickness compared to the thickness of a second portion of the aerogel layer (102) outside the region (240) of reduced thickness; the region (240) of reduced thickness is free of aerogel.

12. The reshaped part (1 1 1 , 1 12) according to any one of claims 10 or 1 1 , the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) comprising a deformation of opposite aerogel portions on both sides of the region (240) of reduced thickness wherein the opposite aerogel portions at the bent exert a compressive force on each other.

13. A measuring device (1 10, 210) comprising a reshaped part (1 1 1 , 1 12) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, optionally further comprising at least one of the following features: the measuring device (1 10, 210) is measuring device (1 10, 210) for performing a measurement on a sample; the measuring device (1 10, 210) is one of the following devices: a chromatography device; a column chromatography device; a liquid chromatography device; a high performance liquid chromatography device; a gas chromatography device; an electrical chromatography device, an electrophoresis device; a gel electrophoresis device; a microfluidic device and a nanofluidic device.

14. The measuring device (1 10, 210) according to the preceding claim, further comprising at least one of the following features: the reshaped part (1 1 1 , 1 12) is at least a part of a housing of a measuring device (1 10, 210), the housing covering at least one internal part of the measuring device (1 10, 210); the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) comprises a recess (130) at a location where the at least one internal part of the measuring device (1 10, 210) defines a protrusion (126), the protrusion (126) facing the recess (130) of the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) and extending into the recess (130) of the material sandwich (100, 200, 300), wherein optionally the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) comprises an outer surface portion (134) which faces away from the at least one internal part (1 14) and wherein optionally the outer surface portion (134) conforms to the recess (130) of the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) or the outer surface portion (134) has a shape that does not conform to the recess (130) of the material sandwich (100, 200, 300); the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) comprises a protrusion (132) at a location where the at least one internal part (1 14) of the measuring device (1 10, 210) defines a recess (128), the protrusion (132) of the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) facing the recess (128) defined by the at least one internal part (1 14) and extending into the recess (128) defined by the at least one internal part (1 14), wherein optionally the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) comprises an outer surface portion (134) which faces away from the at least one internal part and wherein optionally the outer surface portion (134) conforms to the protrusion (132) of the material sandwich (100, 200, 300) or the outer surface portion (134) has a shape that does not conform to the protrusion (132) of the material sandwich (100, 200, 300).

15. The method, the reshaped part (1 1 1 , 1 12) or the measuring device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one of the following features: the aerogel is a aerogel composite comprising an aerogel and a further material; the further material includes fibers; the further material includes a foam, wherein the foam is optionally made of a polymeric material; the shapeable material (104) comprises or consists of a metal; the shapeable material (104) comprises or consists of a plastic; the shapeable material (104) comprises or consists of a polymeric material.