Container Storage Layout for Lid Gas Leak Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional container storage apparatuses for semiconductor wafers have a complex configuration due to large suckers designed to capture gas leaking from container lids, which complicates the setup and increases size.

Innovation Solution

A container storage apparatus with a mounting table and side wall that encloses containers, featuring a sucker with openings in the bottom face and side wall to collect gas leaking from the lid, reducing the sucker's size and simplifying the configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the sucker opening is made larger than the lid to capture leaking gas, then gas collection efficiency is improved, but the sucker size and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas collection efficiencyVSAvoidsucker size and configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from horizontal gas capture (requiring large opening) to vertical gas capture by positioning the sucker beneath the container. This dimensional change allows the sucker opening to be smaller than the lid while still effectively capturing leaking gas through the bottom approach, resolving the contradiction between collection efficiency and device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of positioning the sucker above or at the same level as the lid to capture gas horizontally, the invention inverts the approach by placing the sucker below the container and capturing gas that leaks downward. This inversion allows for a smaller sucker opening while maintaining effective gas collection, thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the side wall height is increased to improve container stability, then container positioning is improved, but the apparatus complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer stabilityVSAvoidside wall height and configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The side wall is designed to provide stability through its basic structural presence rather than through complex mechanisms. By simply extending upward from the mounting table, the side wall naturally provides container support and stability without requiring additional components or complex configurations, thus achieving stability while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 apparatus achieves efficient gas collection with a simpler design, minimizing the number of components and preventing gas diffusion while ensuring containers are securely held, reducing manufacturing costs and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a sucker that sucks gas leaking from the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow:

Implementation Method 2

a sucker that sucks gas leaking from the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4531082A1Container storage apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 MURATA MASCH LTD
  • EP4531082A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4531082A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4531082A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Problem] To provide a container storage apparatus capable of sucking gas leaking from a lid of a container with a simpler configuration than conventional ones. [Means to Solve Problem] A container storage apparatus 10 comprises: a mounting table 20 on which a container 1 having a lid 1c on a side face thereof is mounted; a purger 10 that supplies a purge gas to the container 1; and a sucker 30 that sucks gas leaking from the container 1. The mounting table 20 includes a bottom face 21 on which the container 1 is mounted, and a side wall 23 extending upward from the bottom face and facing the lid of the container mounted on the bottom face. The sucker 30 sucks gas leaking from a side face of the container 1 where the lid 1c is located through a first opening 50 provided in the bottom face 21 or the side wall. An upper end 23 of the side wall 23 is lower than an upper end 1h of the lid 1c of the container 1 mounted on the bottom face 21.