Elastic Masking Jig for Electroplating Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electroplating apparatuses fail to prevent plating on specific parts of rod-like workpieces when the axis of the workpiece is misaligned with the masking jig, leading to unintended plating of the to-be-masked areas.
Innovation Solution
A masking jig with a contact member and deformation part that elastically deforms to align with the workpiece's outer peripheral end face, supported to move in a direction intersecting the workpiece's axis, preventing plating on specific parts by blocking metal ions from reaching the intended areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a masking jig with a recess or through-hole larger than the workpiece diameter is used, then the workpiece can be accommodated, but the axis alignment between the workpiece and masking jig cannot be ensured, causing unintended plating on to-be-masked parts
Solution Approach 1:
The contact member is designed with elastic deformation capability, allowing it to flexibly adapt to the workpiece outer peripheral end face. This elastic flexibility enables the contact member to maintain intimate contact with the workpiece surface while accommodating slight dimensional variations, thereby ensuring precise axis alignment without requiring a perfectly fitted rigid structure
Solution Approach 2:
The contact member automatically aligns itself with the workpiece axis through elastic deformation when the workpiece is inserted. The deformation part of the contact member gets elastically deformed by the insertion of the workpiece and contacts the outer peripheral end face, creating a self-aligning mechanism that eliminates the need for external alignment devices or complex positioning systems
2Manufacturing precision
If the masking jig is made rigid to maintain masking shape, then masking accuracy is improved, but adaptability to workpiece dimensional variations and misalignment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The contact member combines rigid and flexible elements - the main body maintains the masking shape while the deformation part provides flexibility through elastic deformation. This allows the masking jig to adapt to workpiece dimensional variations and misalignment while preserving masking accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The contact member transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that can elastically deform in response to workpiece insertion. This dynamic capability allows the masking jig to adapt to different workpiece dimensions and alignment conditions while maintaining effective masking contact
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
Effectively aligns the workpiece with the masking jig, preventing plating on the to-be-masked parts and ensuring accurate deposition of metal only on desired areas, thus enhancing the precision and reliability of the electroplating process.
Implementation Method 1
the deformation part being configured to get elastically deformed by insertion of a specific portion of the member to be plated into the through-hole
Data Source
AI summary
The masking jig includes a contact member and a support unit. The contact member includes a through-hole allowing for insertion of a rod-like piston rod, and a deformation part around the through-hole configured to get elastically deformed by insertion of a male thread of the piston rod into the through-hole and contact the outer peripheral end face of the piston rod. The support unit supports the contact member such that the contact member moves in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the piston rod.