Electroplating Shield Conduit Aperture Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electroplating technologies face challenges in achieving uniform electroplate coating thickness on large machinery parts with irregular shapes, requiring high volumes of electroplating solutions and resulting in reduced wear and corrosion resistance.

Innovation Solution

The electroplating shield device features a conduit with strategically arranged first and second sets of apertures, allowing for controlled fluid transfer and electric field application to achieve uniform electroplate coating thickness on machinery parts of any shape and size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If large spacing between electroplating electrodes and machinery parts is used, then electroplating of large machinery parts is enabled, but high volumes of electroplating solutions are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume of electroplating solutionVSAvoidspacing between electrode and machinery part

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A conduit is introduced as an intermediary device between the electroplating electrode and the machinery part. The conduit houses the machinery part and has apertures that allow controlled transfer of electroplating solution to specific continuous sections of the part, enabling effective electroplating with reduced solution volume requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The conduit is configured with different aperture sizes at different locations to provide localized solution delivery. First apertures with first sizes deliver solution to first continuous sections, while second apertures with second sizes deliver solution to second continuous sections, optimizing solution distribution across the machinery part surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional electroplating is used on machinery parts with irregular shapes, then electroplating can be performed, but variations in thickness among electroplate coating layers occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniformity of electroplate coating thicknessVSAvoidirregular shape of machinery part

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The conduit is divided into multiple sections with different aperture configurations. The first set of apertures and second set of apertures are independently configured to address different continuous sections of the machinery part, allowing precise control of solution delivery to achieve uniform coating thickness across irregular surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution enables efficient and uniform electroplating of machinery parts, reducing the volume of electroplating solutions needed and enhancing wear and corrosion resistance by ensuring consistent coating thickness across all areas.

Implementation Method 1

A first set of apertures may be configured to i) be in alignment with a first continuous section of the object and ii) transfer fluid to the first continuous section of the object at a first rate. The second set of apertures may be configured to i) be in alignment with a second continuous section of the object and ii) transfer fluid to the second continuous section of the object at a second rate.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through apertures:

Implementation Method 2

Machinery parts are typically electroplated in electroplating solution baths or chambers.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroplating: Electroplating

Implementation Method 3

layers that are coated over various areas of the machinery part via electroplating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical deposition: Electrodeposition

Data Source

PatentUS12209323B2Electroplating shield device and methods of fabricating the same

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

An electroplating device includes a conduit extending from a first end to a second end. The conduit is configured to house an object for electroplating. A first set of apertures is formed on a surface of the conduit. Each of the first set of apertures has a first size. A second set of apertures is formed on the surface of the conduit adjacent the first set of apertures. Each of the second set of apertures has a second size. The first set of apertures are configured to be in alignment with a first continuous section of the object and transfer fluid to the first continuous section of the object at a first rate. The second set of apertures are configured to be in alignment with a second continuous section of the object and transfer fluid to the second continuous section of the object at a second rate.