Movable Electrode for Selective Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) technologies require dipping objects in an electrolyte chamber, increasing time and cost for temperature and density control, and risking damage to unnecessary surfaces, while also requiring additional treatment and resource management.

Innovation Solution

A plasma electrolytic oxidation apparatus with a movable electrolytic oxidation electrode that treats surfaces without immersion, featuring a chamber and electrode unit with controlled electrolyte supply and pressure, allowing for selective treatment and efficient use of electrolytes, and reducing the need for extensive cleaning and drying processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the object is dipped in the electrolyte chamber for conventional PEO treatment, then the surface can be treated, but the unnecessary surfaces may be damaged and additional treatment time and cost are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface treatment selectivityVSAvoidsurface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using a movable electrode that can be positioned to treat only specific local areas of the object surface. The electrode unit with enclosing part creates a localized treatment zone, allowing selective treatment of only the required surfaces while leaving other areas untouched, thus preventing unnecessary surface damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the treatment process by separating the electrode unit from the main electrolyte chamber. The electrode unit can be moved independently to different positions, enabling segmented treatment of different areas. This segmentation allows precise control over which surfaces receive treatment, avoiding damage to unnecessary areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the object is entirely dipped in the chamber, then the surface can be treated, but time and cost are increased to control the temperature and density of the electrolyte

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess efficiencyVSAvoidelectrolyte control time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the electrode unit from the main electrolyte chamber, creating a separate movable treatment unit. This extraction allows the electrode unit to be moved to different positions without moving the entire chamber or object, significantly reducing the time required for repositioning and enabling faster treatment of multiple areas, thus improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamics by making the electrode unit movable rather than stationary. The electrode unit can be dynamically positioned to treat different areas of the object, and the enclosing part can be adjusted to control the electrolyte flow locally. This dynamic capability reduces treatment time and improves process efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the object is dipped in the electrolyte chamber, then the surface can be treated, but additional treatment and resource management are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidelectrolyte consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using the enclosing part to limit electrolyte flow to only the immediate treatment area around the electrode. This prevents excessive electrolyte consumption that would occur with full chamber immersion, while still achieving effective treatment of the target surface areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 approach enhances process efficiency by allowing precise control over electrolyte temperature and density, reduces surface damage, and enables multiple treatments on various objects with improved stability and reduced resource usage.

Implementation Method 1

the electrode is configured to receive a voltage from outside, and to form a receiving space in which the electrolyte is received between the electrode and the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma electrolytic oxidation: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) to induce chemical and physical transformation on a surface of the metal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma: Plasma

Data Source

PatentUS11555253B2Plasma electrolytic oxidation apparatus and method of plasma electrolytic oxidation using the same

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 KOREA INST OF SCI & TECH

AI summary

In a plasma electrolytic oxidation apparatus and a method of plasma electrolytic oxidation using the plasma electrolytic oxidation apparatus, the plasma electrolytic oxidation apparatus includes a chamber and an electrode unit. The chamber is configured to receive an electrolyte. The electrode unit is configured to receive the electrolyte from the chamber and to treat an object with a plasma electrolytic oxidation treatment. The electrode unit includes an electrode, an enclosing part and a cover. The electrode is configured to receive a voltage from outside, and to form a receiving space in which the electrolyte is received between the electrode and the object. The enclosing part is configured to enclose a gap between the electrode and the object. The cover is configured to cover the electrode.