Composite Earthing Contact for Corrosion-Resistant Concrete Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical contact devices for grounding concrete elements, such as noise barriers, face challenges in providing effective electrical earthing protection while minimizing space requirements and material costs, and ensuring long-term corrosion resistance.
Innovation Solution
An electrical contact device comprising a contact element with a first material and a connection element with a second material, differing in corrosion resistance, is embedded in the concrete element, featuring a central recess for secure grounding contact connection, and a design that reduces space and material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-material contact device is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but corrosion resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The contact device uses a composite structure with a first material (e.g., carbon steel) for the contact element and a second material (e.g., stainless steel or corrosion-resistant alloy) for the connection element. This composite material approach provides enhanced corrosion resistance at the connection element while maintaining electrical conductivity and mechanical strength throughout the device.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the contact device are made from different materials based on their specific functional requirements. The contact element uses a material optimized for electrical conductivity and embeddability in concrete, while the connection element uses a material optimized for corrosion resistance and external connection, creating local quality optimization throughout the device.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact design is used, then space in concrete element is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element and connection element are merged into a single integrated contact device with a unified structure. The connection element is directly connected to the contact element through welding or other joining methods, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing the overall space required in the concrete element while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element is designed with a nested structure that allows it to be integrated within or alongside the contact element. The connection element may be positioned concentrically or adjacently to the contact element, optimizing space utilization while maintaining a straightforward manufacturing process.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If corrosion-resistant material is used throughout, then longevity is improved, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Corrosion-resistant material is applied selectively only to the connection element, which is exposed to the external environment and requires high corrosion resistance. The contact element, which is embedded in concrete and has lower corrosion risk, uses a less expensive material, thereby reducing overall material costs while maintaining longevity where it is most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a composite material strategy combining cost-effective materials for the contact element with premium corrosion-resistant materials for the connection element. This composite approach optimizes the balance between service life and material cost by applying corrosion protection only where it provides the greatest value.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a compact, cost-effective, and corrosion-resistant electrical contact device that ensures reliable grounding connections with improved durability and reduced contamination risk during concrete pouring.
Implementation Method 1
the connection element comprises a second material which is different from the first material... Both the first material and the second material are electrically conductive, allowing the grounding element to be electrically connected to the grounding contact
Implementation Method 2
the first end is welded to the contact element and is thereby electrically conductively connected to the contact element
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention provides an electrical contact device (1) for an earthing contact (EK) which can be embedded in a concrete element (BE), the electrical contact device (1) comprising a contact element (2) which includes a contact surface (2a) or a contact area (2a') on which/to which an earthing element (5) can be placed and electrically contacted within the concrete element (BE), and wherein the contact element (2) comprises a first material;a connection element (3) comprising a first end (3a) and a second end (3b), wherein the first end (3a) is welded to the contact element (2) and is thereby electrically connected to the contact element (2), and the second end (3b) comprises a connection area (AB) at which or through which the connection element (3) can be electrically connected to the earthing contact (EK) located outside the concrete element (BE), and wherein the connection element (3) comprises a second material which differs from the first material.