Expandable Shielding Jig for Precise Electrochemical Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shielding jigs for electrochemical processes, particularly in high-precision industries like semiconductors and aerospace, face issues with incomplete sealing due to thermal expansion and contraction of O-rings, leading to reduced product yield and complex processing steps with chemical gels or tapes.
Innovation Solution
A shielding jig comprising a positioning unit, an adjustment unit, and a sealing unit with a first and second actuation surface that expand the sealing unit for enhanced sealing, using ring-shaped structures and elastic materials like silicon rubber, and optional stress transfer units for uniform expansion and improved sealing efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If O-rings are used for sealing and shielding, then the installation is simple, but the sealing effect is incomplete due to thermal expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing unit changes its sealing parameters by expanding from a compressed state during installation to an expanded state during operation. The elastic material is compressed between the positioning unit and adjustment unit during installation, then expands when the adjustment unit moves away, adapting to temperature changes and preventing electrochemical solution infiltration.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing unit transitions from a static O-ring to a dynamic elastic structure that can change its shape and volume. The elastic material expands and contracts in response to temperature variations and mechanical compression, maintaining reliable sealing under varying operational conditions rather than remaining rigid.
2Reliability
If chemical gel or tape is used for masking, then the shielding effect is achieved, but the processing steps after reaction become complicated and residual glue causes decrease in product yield
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for chemical gels and tapes by using a purely mechanical sealing structure. The elastic sealing unit provides the shielding effect through physical contact and compression, removing harmful chemical materials and the complex removal processes associated with them.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing unit is designed as a simple, replaceable elastic component that can be easily installed and removed without complex processing steps. Unlike chemical gels that require careful removal to avoid residue, the elastic seal can be quickly taken off and replaced if needed, simplifying the overall process.
3Device complexity
If existing O-ring jigs are used, then the structure is simple, but the sealing precision is insufficient for high-precision industries
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing unit applies localized compression force through the elastic material at the critical sealing interface. The deformation is concentrated where needed to create a precise seal against the workpiece, providing high sealing precision at the contact point while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system combines the elastic sealing unit with the rigid positioning and adjustment units to create a composite structure. This hybrid design leverages the flexibility of elastic materials for precision sealing while maintaining the structural simplicity and adjustability of rigid components.
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 high-precision sealing effect that resists environmental factors and reduces the risk of electrochemical solution infiltration, improving product yield and simplifying installation and removal processes.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one sealing unit is made of elastic material such as silicon rubber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a shielding jig which mainly comprises an adjustment unit, a positioning unit and a sealing unit. The adjustment unit is configured and engaged between the positioning unit and the sealing unit. Therefore, a first actuation surface of the adjustment unit matches with a second actuation surface of the sealing unit, resulting in expansion of the sealing unit. This expansion makes the shielding jig be able to shade and seal any workpiece.