Multilayer Copper Graphene Wire Drawing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for enhancing the electrical conductivity of copper nanowires do not significantly exceed their ideal bulk value and are often limited by technological constraints, and there is a need for more efficient and environmentally friendly conductors for electrical power transmission.

Innovation Solution

A wire-drawing method and system that form a wire by extracting a spiral from a wrapped sheet comprising multiple copper and graphene layers, where the spiral is fed through a die unit with controlled openings to tailor the wire's dimensions and twist angle, enhancing mechanical and electrical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods are used to enhance electrical conductivity of copper nanowires, then conductivity is improved, but the effective conductivity does not significantly exceed the ideal bulk value and is limited by technological constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidtechnological constraints
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by combining copper layers with graphene layers to form a multilayer structure. The graphene layers are integrated between copper layers to enhance electrical conductivity while maintaining structural integrity, thereby achieving effective conductivity that significantly exceeds the ideal bulk value of pure copper nanowires without being limited by conventional technological constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Length of moving object

If the opening of the die unit has a smaller cross section to reduce wire diameter, then wire dimensions are reduced, but the spiral layers may not pass through easily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire diameterVSAvoidspiral feeding difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by introducing an inclination angle between the spiral axis and the wire drawing direction. This dynamic geometric relationship allows the spiral layers to be progressively unwound and fed through the die opening in a controlled manner, making it feasible to produce wires with small diameters while maintaining ease of manufacture through optimal angle selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the inclination angle of the opening is increased to twist the layers, then mechanical and electrical properties are tuned, but the wire drawing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical and electrical propertiesVSAvoiddie unit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying the inclination angle of the die opening relative to the spiral axis. By optimizing this geometric parameter, the method achieves precise control over layer twisting, which in turn tunes the mechanical strength and electrical conductivity of the resulting wire, all while maintaining a relatively simple die unit configuration that does not significantly increase device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method and system produce a wire with improved electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength by optimizing the thickness and grain size of copper layers and the presence of graphene layers, reducing electron scattering and enhancing conductivity.

Implementation Method 1

reducing electron scattering and enhancing conductivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron scattering reduction:

Implementation Method 2

produce a wire with improved electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3676857B1A wire-drawing method and system
Publication Date: 2022.04.20 ULTRA CONDUCTIVE COPPER CO INC
  • EP3676857B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3676857B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3676857B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wire-drawing method comprises providing a rod comprising a wrapped sheet, wherein the sheet comprises a plurality of copper layers and a plurality of graphene layers; extracting an inner layer of the wrapped sheet from the rod to form a spiral; and forming a wire by feeding the spiral through an opening of a die unit.