Graphite Component Interlocking for Stress Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting graphite components, such as overlapping or gluing, fail to adequately transmit mechanical stresses and maintain material-specific properties, often requiring oversized components to prevent breakage and using additional fixing elements.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional interlocking connection between graphite plates with continuous toothing on end faces, ensuring uniform strength and stress distribution, and optionally fixed with pins or adhesive for a non-detachable bond.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If overlapping or gluing methods are used to connect graphite components, then the components can be assembled into larger structures, but the transmission of mechanical stresses at the connection point is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface connections (overlapping/gluing) to three-dimensional interlocking connections. The toothing structures extend through the thickness of the graphite components, creating interlocking joints that engage in multiple dimensions simultaneously, thereby significantly improving mechanical stress transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The toothing structures feature curved, rounded contours rather than sharp angular transitions. This curvature distributes stress more evenly across the connection interface, preventing stress concentration at sharp edges and improving overall connection strength while maintaining smooth stress flow paths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional connection techniques are used, then graphite components can be joined, but material-specific properties cause restrictions in shape and dimensioning
Solution Approach 1:
The toothing structures are designed with locally optimized geometries that adapt to the specific graphite material properties. The curved contours and gradual transitions are tailored to match the anisotropic nature of graphite, allowing the connection design to accommodate various shapes and dimensions while maintaining reliable stress distribution throughout the joint.
3Reliability
If graphite components are oversized to prevent stress-induced breakage, then connection reliability improves, but component weight and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is segmented into multiple toothing elements distributed across the joint interface. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across numerous small interlocking features rather than requiring a single large connection, thereby maintaining reliability while using less material and reducing overall component weight.
4Strength
If additional fixing elements like pins or screws are used, then connection strength improves, but device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The toothing structures are designed to be self-locking through their geometric configuration. The interlocking curved profiles create inherent mechanical resistance to separation and shear forces, eliminating the need for additional pins, screws, or clips. The connection derives its strength from the geometry itself rather than requiring separate fastening elements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a form and force locking connection of special graphite parts to form multi-part components, e.g. of two or more graphite plates or similar components to form one larger component, such as a flat graphite plate. By means of the invention, a form and force locking connection between special graphite parts to form multi-part graphite components is to be created, at which the joints/connection point has almost the same physical properties as the material surrounding the connection point. Said form and force locking connection is achieved by the graphite plates (1, 2) or special graphite plates being interlocked at the opposing front sides (3, 4) in a three-dimensional manner, so that one front side (3) of a graphite plate (1) has the positive form of the interlocking (5) and the front side (4) of the opposing graphite plate (2) has the negative form of the interlocking (6), wherein the interlocking (5, 6) exclusively has evenly transitioned contours between the side surfaces of the graphite plates (1, 2).