Conversion Pipe Geometry for Low-Stagnation Semiconductor Exhaust
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor device manufacturing, stagnation of gas flow in exhaust pipes can occur due to the structure of pipe arrangements, leading to accumulation of by-products and particle generation.
Innovation Solution
A conversion pipe arrangement featuring a polyhedral pipe with a rectangular first opening and a circular second opening, allowing fluid communication and reducing stagnation by changing the cross-sectional shape from quadrangular to octagonal, thereby minimizing gas flow deviation and by-product adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional pipe arrangement with quadrangular cross-section is used in the exhaust pipe, then the connection structure is simple, but gas flow stagnation occurs and by-products accumulate leading to particle generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by changing the pipe cross-section from a quadrangular shape to a circular shape. This curved geometry eliminates sharp corners where gas flow stagnation typically occurs, allowing smooth gas flow throughout the exhaust pipe. The circular cross-section ensures uniform flow distribution and prevents by-product accumulation, thereby reducing particle generation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the pipe cross-sectional shape is changed from quadrangular to circular, then gas flow stagnation is reduced and particle generation decreases, but the connection structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the exhaust pipe into multiple sections: a first exhaust pipe with quadrangular cross-section for connection to the reaction chamber, a second exhaust pipe with circular cross-section for reduced stagnation, and a conversion section that transitions between the two shapes. This segmentation allows each section to optimize for its specific function while the conversion section manages the geometric transition, balancing manufacturing simplicity with flow efficiency.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a conversion section is added to transition between quadrangular and circular pipe shapes, then gas flow smoothness is improved and stagnation is reduced, but the exhaust pipe length and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the shape transition challenge by extending the conversion section in the longitudinal dimension. The conversion section gradually transforms the cross-sectional geometry from quadrangular to circular along its length, using extended surface areas to accommodate the geometric transition. This dimensional approach allows smooth flow transition without creating sharp corners or abrupt changes that would cause stagnation.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a technique that includes: a first connector including a first open ing including two longitudinally extending parallel sides and configured to provide a det achable connection to an opening of a first counterpart; and a second connector includin g a substantially circular second opening and configured to be connectable to an opening of a second counterpart; and a pipe including an internal space formed in a shape of a po lyhedron and configured to allow fluid communication between the first opening and the second opening.