Processing Chamber Induction Heating for Clean Temperature Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing substrate processing technologies face inefficiencies in heating the inner wall surface of processing chambers, leading to high energy consumption and potential contamination due to the need for direct electrical connections and the introduction of radio-frequency noise.

Innovation Solution

A substrate processing apparatus utilizing an induction heating mechanism with a magnetic field generator to wirelessly heat the inner wall surface, reducing energy requirements and minimizing noise interference by thermally isolating the heating element from the chamber wall.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If direct electrical connections and power feeding cables are used to heat the inner wall surface, then heating capability is achieved, but contamination risk and radio-frequency noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination and noiseVSAvoidheating mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct electrical heating elements with an induction heating system that uses electromagnetic fields to heat the inner wall surface wirelessly, eliminating the need for power feeding cables and direct electrical connections inside the processing chamber, thereby reducing contamination risk and radio-frequency noise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the power source and the inner wall surface, allowing energy transfer without physical contact through the chamber wall, thus avoiding contamination while maintaining heating capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If conventional heating methods are used, then heating function is provided, but energy consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidheating energy requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs induction heating technology that converts electromagnetic energy directly into thermal energy in the target material, achieving higher heating efficiency and reduced energy consumption compared to conventional resistive heating methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If thermal isolation is implemented to minimize noise interference, then noise reduction is achieved, but heat transfer efficiency may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise interferenceVSAvoidheat transfer loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses electromagnetic fields as an intermediary that can penetrate through thermally isolating barriers, allowing noise reduction through isolation while maintaining efficient energy transfer via electromagnetic coupling without direct thermal contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 energy efficiency, reduces the time required to achieve desired temperatures, and prevents contamination by eliminating the need for direct electrical connections and power feeding cables, while maintaining precise temperature control.

Implementation Method 1

the heating mechanism includes an induction heating element that heats at least the inner member by generating heat with an induction magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic field generator that generates the induction magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240055235A1Substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method
Publication Date: 2024.02.15 TOKYO ELECTRON LTD
  • US20240055235A1 patent drawing
  • US20240055235A1 patent drawing
  • US20240055235A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A substrate processing apparatus for processing a substrate includes: a processing chamber in which a processing space for the substrate is formed; a heating mechanism that adjusts an inner temperature of the processing chamber; and an inner member provided inside the processing chamber, wherein the heating mechanism includes an induction heating element that heats at least the inner member by generating heat with an induction magnetic field, and a magnetic field generator that generates the induction magnetic field.