Automatic Utility Coupler With Nested Floating Bodies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplers for supplying utilities in semiconductor manufacturing processes face challenges in preventing leaks and ensuring stable pneumatic connections.
Innovation Solution
An automatic coupler design featuring first and second valve bodies with elastically supported check balls and floating bodies, along with sealing members, to minimize leaks and maintain a stable pneumatic connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple coupling structure is used for utility connection, then the device complexity is reduced, but leak prevention and stable pneumatic connection cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is divided into multiple functional components: first and second valve bodies, check balls, floating bodies, and sealing members. Each component performs a specific function (flow control, sealing, positioning), allowing the complex system to achieve reliable leak prevention through modular functional decomposition rather than a monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested floating bodies where the second floating body is positioned within the first floating body, and check balls are nested within the floating bodies. This nested arrangement allows multiple sealing and control functions to be integrated in a compact configuration, achieving reliable pneumatic connection without excessive external complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple valve bodies with check balls are used to prevent leaks, then the reliability of pneumatic connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components. The floating bodies simultaneously provide sealing surfaces, positioning for check balls, and flow control pathways. The check balls are integrated within the floating bodies rather than being separate components, reducing the number of discrete parts while maintaining multiple functions for reliable pneumatic connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating bodies serve multiple purposes: they provide sealing surfaces against the valve bodies, support and position the check balls, control the flow paths, and maintain the pneumatic connection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, achieving reliability without proportional increases in complexity.
3Reliability
If elastically supported check balls are used to ensure airtightness, then the sealing performance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastically supported check balls automatically adjust their position and sealing force based on the pneumatic pressure differential across them. When pressure differential exists, the check balls are pushed against the sealing surfaces; when pressure equalizes, the elastic support allows them to return to their original position. This self-adjusting mechanism ensures sealing performance without requiring complex external control systems or precision manufacturing tolerances.
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 design effectively prevents leaks and ensures a stable pneumatic connection by utilizing multiple stages of contact and elastic support to secure airtightness between valve bodies.
Implementation Method 1
a first check ball elastically supported, to perform an opening and closing of a flow path by the first check ball
Implementation Method 2
a first floating body elastically supported to the main body; and a second floating body elastically supported to the first floating body
Implementation Method 3
a sealing member provided on at least one of two contact surfaces of the first valve body and the second valve body facing each other for maintaining airtightness
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is an automatic coupler for supplying a utility. The automatic coupler includes a first coupling member provided on any one of a utility supplying end or a utility receiving end, and a first valve body provided in the first coupling member and provided with a first check ball elastically supported, a second coupling member provided on the other one of the utility supplying end or the utility receiving end and coupled to the first coupling member, and a second valve body provided in the second coupling member and provided with a second check ball elastically supported. The second valve body includes a main body, a first floating body, and a second floating body elastically supported to the first floating body, the second floating body elastically supporting the second check ball.