Configurable Pressure Vessel End Cap with Universal Mounting Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure vessels used in semiconductor manufacturing for mixing and dispensing corrosive or caustic liquids often face issues with leak paths and dead volumes due to fixed valve and fitting configurations, which are not easily adaptable to different combinations of fluid connectors and control components.
Innovation Solution
A pressure vessel end cap section made of chemically-resistant fluoropolymer material with universal mounting pads that can be opened or closed to accommodate various valve and fitting arrangements, reducing dead volumes and leak potential by allowing flexible integration of fluid components without increasing vessel size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pressure vessels use fixed valve and fitting configurations, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to different fluid connectors and control components is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by providing a pressure vessel with multiple mounting pads positioned at different locations and orientations on the vessel body. These pads can accommodate various valve and fitting combinations, allowing the same vessel to serve multiple configurations and applications without requiring custom-designed vessels for each specific setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the vessel configuration adaptable rather than fixed. The mounting pads are designed to allow selective connection of different fluid components, enabling the vessel system to be dynamically reconfigured for different process requirements while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If conventional pressure vessels have fixed configurations, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but leak paths and dead volumes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the mounting pads directly into the vessel body structure rather than adding them as separate external components. This unified design reduces the number of connection interfaces and potential leak paths while maintaining ease of manufacturing through conventional molding or fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting pads serve multiple functions: they provide connection points for various fluid components, allow selective configuration to minimize dead volumes, and maintain structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and connection points that would otherwise increase leak potential.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mounting pads are provided on the vessel wall, then adaptability to different components improves, but dead volume may increase if ports remain open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the mounting pad ports to be selectively opened or closed based on configuration needs. When a mounting pad is not in use, its port can be closed to eliminate dead volume, while when in use, the port is opened to accommodate the fluid component. This dynamic configuration optimizes both adaptability and volume efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
End cap section (10) for use in the construction of a configurable pressure vessel (80) and the vessel constructed thereof. The vessel having an interior volume and including at least one such end cap section joined to a second section. The end cap section (10) has a tubular wall (12) extending from an enclosed first end (16) to an open second end (18). At least one mounting pad (30) is positioned on the outer surface (20) of the wall on the enclosed first end (16) thereof. Such mounting pad has a base portion (32a-e) supported on the wall (12) and a generally tubular stub portion (34a-e) extending outwardly from the base portion intermediate a proximal end adjoining the wall (12) and a distal end (40a-e) configurable for connection to a fluid component (90). With the stub proximal end being closed by the wall, such end is openable through the wall to provide a port opening into the interior volume of the vessel.