Planchet Holder for Single-Face Electrodeposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional planchet holders for electrodeposition result in both sides of the planchet being coated, leading to prolonged spectroscopic analysis times and potential surface marring due to magnetic forces and beaker wall exposure.

Innovation Solution

A planchet holder with a container cover and suspension post that securely fits over a beaker, suspending a planchet within the solution while exposing only one face for electrodeposition, using a holder assembly and endcap to maintain the planchet's position and prevent contact with the beaker walls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the planchet is freely floating in the solution during electrodeposition, then both faces of the planchet will be plated with material, but the spectroscopic analysis time becomes excessively long (44 hours total) and the integrity of the count may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrodeposition coverageVSAvoidspectroscopic analysis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts one face of the planchet from the electrodeposition process by using a holder that presents only a single face to the solution. The holder assembly with its recessed planchet seating and overhanging flange configuration selectively exposes only the top face of the planchet to the electroplating solution, thereby preventing deposition on the bottom face and eliminating the need to analyze both sides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the planchet is freely floating in the solution, then electrodeposition can proceed, but the planchet may be exposed to magnetic forces and beaker walls during agitation, compromising the integrity of the deposited surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrodeposition processVSAvoidintegrity of deposited surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holder assembly serves as an intermediary between the planchet and the electroplating solution. It provides a controlled interface that suspends the planchet in the solution while preventing direct contact with beaker walls and minimizing exposure to disruptive magnetic forces during agitation, thereby protecting the integrity of the deposited surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder assembly with its flange extending beyond the planchet perimeter creates a protective configuration that shields the deposited surface from mechanical contact with beaker walls during agitation, ensuring surface integrity while allowing the electrodeposition process to proceed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Quantity of substance

If both faces of the planchet are plated with material, then complete coverage is achieved, but the useful life of the planchet is reduced and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial coverageVSAvoiduseful life of planchet

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the bottom face from the electrodeposition process, so that only the top face receives the deposited material. This selective single-face plating extends the useful life of the planchet by preserving the bottom face for future use, allowing the same planchet to be reused multiple times for different samples, thereby reducing costs and increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 configuration reduces spectroscopic analysis time to approximately 22 hours per side, enhances the integrity of the deposited surface, and extends the useful life of the planchet by allowing separate electrodeposition on each side.

Implementation Method 1

An elongate suspension post passes through a through-hole in the cover a predetermined distance, and a holder assembly is coupled to the suspension post for suspension within the beaker at a select height from the bottom of the beaker

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuspension: Suspension

Implementation Method 2

a port in the endcap exposes one face of the planchet for electrodeposition of a material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrodeposition: Electrodeposition

Data Source

PatentUS9856573B2Planchet holder for electrodeposition of materials

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 KUWAIT INST FOR SCI RES

AI summary

The planchet holder for electrodeposition of materials includes a container cover configured to securely fit over the mouth of a beaker. An elongate suspension post passes through a through-hole in the cover a predetermined distance, and a holder assembly is coupled to the suspension post to be suspended within the beaker at a select height from the bottom of the beaker. A planchet receptacle extends axially from a body of the holder assembly, and a substrate recess is formed at a distal end of the planchet receptacle for selective placement of a planchet. An endcap is secured onto the planchet receptacle to securely capture the planchet, and a port in the endcap exposes one face of the planchet for electrodeposition of a material. The planchet holder holds the planchet stationary within the beaker and exposes only one face for electrodeposition and subsequent analysis, thereby reducing time and costs.