Graphite Crucible Forming With Synchronized Pressure for Uniform Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing graphite crucibles used in Acheson graphitization furnaces for lithium-ion batteries have low and uneven density, leading to poor strength, oxidation resistance, and a short service life, which is exacerbated by increasing demands for larger loading capacity and crucible size, resulting in frequent damage and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A forming device comprising a support frame, male die, crucible mouth pressing member, and female die, which applies synchronized pressure to crucible paste to form a graphite crucible with uniform density, ensuring consistent intensity and oxidation resistance by controlling the crucible's height and density through precise movement and pressure adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the crucible diameter and height are increased to meet larger loading capacity demands, then the loading capacity is improved, but the wall thickness becomes thinner and the upper part quality sharply decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different pressing forces to different regions of the crucible paste during forming. The pressing member exerts concentrated pressure on the upper part of the paste, creating locally higher density and strength in the previously weak upper region, while maintaining appropriate thickness throughout the wall
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the density parameter of the crucible material by applying pressure during the forming process. The pressing member increases the density of the upper part of the crucible paste, transforming it from a low-density, weak state to a high-density, strong state that can support larger loading capacities
2Ease of manufacture
If the crucible paste is allowed to freely turn up along the gap during forming, then the forming process is simple, but the upper surface becomes disordered and the overall density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary pressure to the upper surface of the crucible paste before the disordered turning up can occur. The pressing member pre-compresses the paste in the upward direction, counteracting the tendency toward disorderly flow and maintaining controlled, uniform density throughout the forming process
3Ease of manufacture
If no pressure is applied above the paste during turning up, then the forming process is simple, but the overall density of the crucible is low and strength is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pressure to the upper surface of the paste during the turning up phase, performing the density-enhancing action beforehand while the paste is still pliable. This preliminary compression ensures high overall density and strength are achieved during forming, rather than requiring subsequent strengthening processes
4Ease of manufacture
If the density decreases from bottom to top during forming, then the forming process is simple, but the oxidation resistance is poor and service life is short
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a density gradient reversal by applying concentrated pressure to the upper surface, making the upper part denser than the lower part. This local quality enhancement in the upper region improves oxidation resistance and prevents cracking, thereby extending service life without complicating the overall forming process
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 significantly improves the service life of graphite crucibles from 3-4 times to 6-8 times, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances the crucible's overall performance by maintaining uniform density and reducing the risk of cracking, thereby increasing the efficiency and profitability of the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
The crucible paste is subjected to a pressure of the male die and freely turns up along a gap between the male die and the female die
Implementation Method 2
a pressing member, corresponding to the male die, is provided on the support frame; the pressing member is movable reciprocally in the vertical direction relative to the support frame
Data Source
AI summary
A forming device and a preparation method of a graphite crucible are provided. The forming device includes: a support frame, including a base; a male die, disposed on the support frame and far away from the base and movable reciprocally in a vertical direction relative to the support frame; a crucible mouth pressing member, disposed on the support frame, correspondingly disposed on a side of the male die close to the base, movable reciprocally in the vertical direction relative to the support frame, and defining an opening part allowing the male die to pass therethrough; and a female die, disposed on the base and corresponding to the male die, and configured to accommodate crucible paste. The male die, the crucible mouth pressing member and the female die are configured to cooperatively form the crucible paste into the graphite crucible.