Rotatable Compaction Container for Integrated Graphite Extrusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing extrusion presses for forming graphite electrodes lack a compact and efficient method to transition between loading and extrusion orientations, requiring separate components for compaction and extrusion, which complicates the process and increases equipment needs.

Innovation Solution

An extrusion press with a rotatable compaction container assembly that can switch between vertical and horizontal orientations, allowing the ram body to move directly into the compaction compartment, eliminating the need for additional compacting components by integrating loading and extrusion processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a traditional extrusion press uses separate components for compaction and extrusion, then the compaction and extrusion functions can be performed, but the equipment complexity increases and the processing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the compaction container and extrusion die into a single integrated component. The compaction container serves dual functions: it compacts the green carbon material and then acts as the extrusion die. This eliminates the need for separate compaction and extrusion components, reducing equipment complexity while maintaining processing efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The compaction container is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the compaction chamber and the extrusion die. By rotating the container to align with the ram body, it enables the same component to handle both material compaction and extrusion operations, reducing the overall number of components needed in the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the compaction container is rotatable between vertical and horizontal orientations, then the loading and extrusion processes are integrated, but the mechanical complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess integrationVSAvoidmechanical complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compaction container is designed with rotational capability, allowing it to dynamically change orientation between vertical (for loading) and horizontal (for extrusion) positions. This dynamic reconfiguration enables process integration while using a single container, avoiding the need for multiple stationary components and complex transfer mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design enables faster and more efficient processing of graphite electrodes by allowing the ram body to perform both compaction and extrusion in a single horizontal configuration, reducing equipment requirements and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Implementation Method 1

The compaction container is rotatable between a first orientation wherein the compaction container axis is not aligned with the ram axis and a second orientation wherein the compaction container axis is aligned with the ram axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

a ram body configured for axial movement and having a front face

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAxial movement:

Implementation Method 3

a die having a longitudinal die axis and a die opening that defines a constriction in the die

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExtrusion: Extrusion

Data Source

PatentEP3826782B1Extrusion press and method of using
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 GRAFTECH INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS INC
  • EP3826782B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3826782B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3826782B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An extrusion press including a ram having a ram body configured for movement along a ram axis, and a compaction container defining a compaction compartment and having a compaction container axis. The compaction container is rotatable between a first orientation wherein the compaction container axis is not aligned with the ram axis and a second orientation wherein the compaction container axis is aligned with the ram axis such that the ram body is movable into the compaction compartment.