Titanium Clamping Jaws with Elevations for Anodizing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for electrolytic treatment of large, thin, and flat metallic workpieces, particularly aluminum or aluminum alloys, face issues with regular cleaning or stripping of support frames, poor electrical conductivity, and surface damage due to uncontrolled contact bridges and oxide layer formation, leading to environmental concerns and precision issues in anodizing layer thickness.

Innovation Solution

A device with titanium clamping jaws featuring structured elevations for punctiform or edge-shaped current transmission, and an intermediate aluminum part for enhanced contact and minimal surface damage, allowing for high current flow and precise control without the need for frequent frame cleaning, using elevations such as pyramids, hemispheres, or corrugations, and grooves for rinsing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an aluminum frame is used for clamping workpieces, then electrical conductivity is good, but oxide layer forms on the frame requiring regular stripping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidmaintenance requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate aluminum component (aluminum strip or aluminum foil) as a mediator between the titanium frame and the workpiece. This intermediate aluminum layer serves as a sacrificial anode that forms oxide layers instead of the titanium frame, protecting the frame from oxidation while maintaining good electrical conductivity through the aluminum-titanium contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If titanium clamping elements are used, then chemical resistance is high and no stripping is needed, but electrical conductivity is poor (15 times lower than aluminum)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical resistanceVSAvoidelectrical conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure combining titanium and aluminum materials. The frame is made of titanium for chemical resistance, while aluminum components (clamping jaws, intermediate strips) are attached to provide electrical conductivity. This composite approach leverages the advantages of both materials: titanium's corrosion resistance and aluminum's electrical conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If titanium anodes are used for smaller parts, then chemical resistance is good, but contact bridges build up uncontrolled causing burns and current fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical resistanceVSAvoidlayer thickness control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing the titanium frame with specific surface structures (elevations, protrusions, or rough surfaces) at the contact areas with aluminum components. These localized surface features increase the contact surface area and improve electrical contact, preventing uncontrolled current distribution and ensuring uniform anodizing layer thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If flat contact surfaces are used for clamping, then contact area is large, but current flow is uncontrolled causing burns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact areaVSAvoidsurface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by creating elevated contact points or protrusions on the clamping surfaces. These localized elevations concentrate the current flow to specific points or small areas, preventing diffuse current distribution that causes burns. The elevations ensure controlled current density while maintaining adequate contact area through the raised features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables efficient and precise anodizing of large-area materials with minimal surface damage, reduced environmental impact, and controlled current flow, allowing for multiple uses of the intermediate part and universal frame systems, ensuring consistent coating thickness and quality.

Implementation Method 1

the current flow takes place via contact points or contact edges of the elevations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

electrolytic treatment of metallic workpieces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 3

anodizing process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnodizing: Anodising

Implementation Method 4

an oxide layer also forms on the frame during anodizing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP1889951B1Apparatus and method for anodising workpieces

Publication Date: 2010.11.03 WOLF THILO FORTAK INDBERATUNG & TECHN SEVICE FUR DIE GALVANOTECHN

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Figure 2~3
Figure 4

AI summary

Device for the wet chemical or electrolytic treatment of a large, thin and flat material (6) comprises clamping jaws (1, 2) arranged on tensioning or support arms (13). The jaws are made from titanium or titanium alloy and have a surface with protrusions so that the current flow is produced via contact points or contact edges of the protrusions. An independent claim is also included for a method for the wet chemical or electrolytic treatment of a large, thin and flat material using the above device.