Copper Ground Plate with Needle Protrusions for Low-Weight Grounding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ground systems using conductive concrete are heavy and economically infeasible due to increased construction costs, while lightweight aggregates compromise the strength of the concrete-hardened body, and carbon fiber solutions are expensive.

Innovation Solution

An integrated needle-shaped ground plate made of copper with branch-type needle-shaped protrusions, formed by perforating a copper plate, which includes an outline frame, horizontal and vertical ribs, and adapter holes for connecting bare copper wires, allowing for improved conductivity and ease of construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conductive concrete is used for ground members, then discharge effect is improved, but weight increases and construction costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge effectVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive and heavy conductive concrete with a lightweight copper plate structure that achieves the same grounding function more economically. The copper plate with needle-shaped protrusions provides effective discharge without the weight and cost penalties of concrete-based solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite grounding structure by combining copper material with a plate geometry that incorporates needle-shaped protrusions. This composite design integrates the conductive properties of copper with a structural form that enhances grounding effectiveness while reducing weight compared to concrete alternatives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conductive concrete is used for ground members, then discharge effect is improved, but construction costs increase due to delayed work

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge effectVSAvoidconstruction costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The copper plate ground member is manufactured in advance with all necessary features (needle-shaped protrusions, adapter holes, ribs) already integrated. This preliminary manufacturing eliminates on-site construction delays and reduces labor costs, while the pre-formed structure ensures consistent discharge performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated copper plate structure: the outline frame provides structural support, horizontal and vertical ribs provide structural reinforcement, needle-shaped protrusions provide grounding contact, and adapter holes provide connection points. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate concrete pouring and curing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Weight of stationary object

If lightweight aggregate is used in concrete, then weight is reduced, but strength of concrete-hardened body deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveweightVSAvoidstrength of concrete-hardened body

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent abandons the concrete medium entirely in favor of a copper plate structure that inherently provides both lightweight properties and high strength. The copper material maintains structural integrity without requiring aggregate materials, eliminating the trade-off between weight reduction and strength deterioration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If carbon fiber is added to improve ground performance, then discharge effect is improved, but expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveground performanceVSAvoidexpenses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces expensive carbon fiber additives with a straightforward copper plate structure. The copper material itself provides excellent conductivity and grounding performance without requiring costly additives, achieving the same ground performance improvement at lower expense.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 integrated ground plate enhances conductivity, reduces construction costs, and maintains bonding strength with the terrain, enabling efficient grounding over a wide area with improved manufacturing convenience.

Implementation Method 1

formed with a copper material... providing excellent ground characteristics by improving conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11664612B2Integrated needle-shaped ground plate, method for manufacturing same and ground unit construction method using same

Publication Date: 2023.05.30 KIM MOON SIK

AI summary

A plate-shaped ground plate formed from a copper material, the ground plate includes: an outline frame; a plurality of horizontal ribs connecting the left and right inner peripheral surfaces of the outline frame and distanced from one another in the vertical direction; vertical ribs connecting between the outline frame and the horizontal ribs and between the plurality of horizontal ribs, respectively; and needle-shaped protrusions in the form of a branch which protrude outward on the outer peripheral surfaces of the horizontal ribs.