Electrolytic Clamping Jaws with Titanium Frame and PFA Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for anodizing and paint coating of metallic workpieces face issues with secure clamping, uneven current distribution, and environmental concerns due to frequent cleaning and disposal of chemicals, particularly with aluminum and titanium frames, which affect conductivity and layer thickness precision.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring raisable and lowerable frame struts with support arms, where each pair includes an angled section for edge fixation and a jaw-like attachment for secure clamping, using titanium components with a PFA coating to prevent oxidation and ensure consistent pressure, allowing for defined power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aluminum support frame is used, then electrical conductivity is high, but oxide layer forms requiring regular stripping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by making the clamping jaws disposable aluminum components that are replaced rather than maintained. The jaws are designed to be easily detachable and replaceable, eliminating the need for regular stripping operations while maintaining high electrical conductivity during their service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame is segmented into permanent titanium components (frame structure) and disposable aluminum components (clamping jaws). This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function: titanium for chemical resistance and structural integrity, aluminum for electrical conductivity and cost-effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If titanium support frame is used, then chemical resistance is high, but electrical conductivity is 15 times lower than aluminum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure combining titanium and aluminum materials. The frame structure is made of titanium for chemical resistance, while the clamping jaws are made of aluminum for electrical conductivity. This composite approach allows the system to benefit from the advantages of both materials simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the support frame have different material qualities optimized for their specific functions. The frame structure uses titanium where chemical resistance is critical, while the clamping jaws use aluminum where electrical conductivity is critical. Each local region has the material property it needs most.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If titanium anodes are used, then chemical resistance is high, but contact bridges build up uncontrolled causing burns
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping jaws are designed as disposable aluminum components that are replaced rather than maintained. This eliminates the problem of uncontrolled contact bridge buildup, as each new set of jaws starts with a clean surface, ensuring consistent layer thickness control throughout their service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The aluminum clamping jaws act as an intermediary between the titanium frame and the workpiece. They provide controlled electrical contact and prevent direct titanium-workpiece contact that would cause uncontrolled contact bridges and burns, while still allowing precise current distribution for uniform layer thickness.
4Reliability
If complex clamping devices are used, then secure connection is achieved, but assembly effort and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping system is segmented into modular components (frame, support arms, clamping jaws) that can be independently assembled and replaced. This modularity simplifies assembly procedures and reduces training requirements while maintaining secure connection through proper mechanical design of each component.
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 provides a secure, quick, and detachable connection with defined power transmission, reducing oxidation and maintaining high conductivity, thus improving process efficiency and productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
using titanium components with a PFA coating to prevent oxidation
Implementation Method 2
Power is supplied to the workpiece via the frame struts and support arms
Implementation Method 3
The second support arm can be attached in a jaw-like manner... and the jaw opening is designed so that the inner jaw leg is clamped between the support arms work piece exerts pressure on the workpiece
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for holding workpieces during electrolytic treatment in at least one container with an anodizing and/or lacquer coating bath, comprising at least one or more height-adjustable frame struts (1) with support arms (3, 4) arranged in pairs at height on the frame struts (1), between which a workpiece (9) can be clamped, and wherein a power supply to the workpiece (9) is provided via the frame struts (1) and support arms (3, 4), wherein the first support arm (3) of each pair of support arms has an angled section or a shaped piece (5) with which an edge of the workpiece (9) can be fixed by overlapping, and the second support arm (4) is designed in a jaw-like manner with an inner jaw leg (7) and an outer jaw leg (6) and is cranked in the direction of the first support arm (3) to receive a further edge of the workpiece (9), and the jaw opening is designed such thatthat the inner jaw (7) exerts a pressure on the workpiece (9) when the workpiece (9) is clamped between the support arms (3, 4).