Graphene-Infused Prepreg Layers for Sporting Goods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sporting goods face a challenge in balancing weight and durability, as adding material for strength and impact resistance often increases bulk and weight, while thin materials may be weak and easily damaged, and fiber-reinforced composites have anisotropic properties limiting their overall strength.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating graphene material into prepreg layers with reinforcing fibers and a matrix in the construction of sporting goods, such as rackets, to enhance interlaminar and compressive strengths while maintaining lightweight properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If material is added to sporting goods to improve strength and impact resistance, then durability is improved, but bulk and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining graphene with fiber-reinforced composite materials. The graphene is integrated into the matrix material to form a hybrid composite structure that provides enhanced mechanical properties. This allows the sporting goods to achieve superior strength and impact resistance without proportionally increasing weight, as graphene's high strength-to-weight ratio contributes to the composite's overall performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by incorporating graphene at specific concentrations and configurations within the composite structure. By adjusting the graphene content, distribution, and orientation, the patent optimizes the balance between strength, weight, and other mechanical properties. This parameter optimization enables improved durability without excessive weight gain.
2Weight of moving object
If fiber-reinforced composite materials are used to reduce weight, then weight is reduced, but anisotropic properties limit strength in directions other than fiber orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the anisotropic limitation by creating a hybrid composite system that combines fiber reinforcement with graphene reinforcement. The graphene particles or layers are distributed within the matrix material, providing reinforcement in multiple directions simultaneously. This multi-directional reinforcement mechanism complements the fiber's primary direction strength, improving overall structural integrity and strength in directions perpendicular to the fiber orientation while maintaining lightweight properties.
Data Source
AI summary
A racket may include a frame including at least one prepreg layer. The at least one prepreg layer may include reinforcing fibers. The at least one prepreg layer may also include a matrix at least partially surrounding the reinforcing fibers. The at least one prepreg layer may also include graphene material.