Fluid Cushion Support Platform for Flat Object Edge Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-contact platforms for conveying thin flat objects face challenges in preventing deformation and collision with edges or obstacles due to fluid cushion dynamics, leading to potential damage during fabrication processes like FPD and solar cell production.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact support platform system with adjustable pressure and vacuum ports, particularly at edge and corner zones, to enhance the fluid cushion's configuration and maintain the object's shape, preventing deformation and collisions by varying fluid flow resistance and pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a uniform pressure field is applied across the entire platform surface, then the object is supported stably, but edge effects cause deformation and collision with obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different pressure conditions to different regions of the platform. Specifically, edge zones have reduced pressure or vacuum compared to the central region, creating a non-uniform pressure distribution that counteracts edge effects and prevents deformation while maintaining stable support.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform surface is divided into distinct zones: a central region with standard pressure support and peripheral edge zones with modified pressure conditions. This segmentation allows independent control of pressure in different areas to address local deformation issues without compromising overall stability.
2Reliability
If the fluid cushion thickness is increased to prevent deformation, then the object is protected from contact, but the mass flow rate requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly increasing the fluid cushion thickness across the entire platform, the patent applies increased cushion thickness only in edge zones where deformation occurs. This local approach prevents collision and deformation while minimizing the overall mass flow rate requirement compared to a uniform increase.
3Shape
If evacuation slits are added to counteract deformation, then the fluid cushion configuration is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the pressure distribution by creating distinct edge zones with different pressure conditions rather than adding complex evacuation slits throughout. This approach achieves shape stability through simpler structural modifications to the pressure delivery system.
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 system effectively reduces deformation and ensures safe conveyance of thin objects over gaps and obstacles by dynamically adjusting the fluid cushion's configuration, maintaining the object's shape and preventing contact with the rigid surface, thus enhancing process accuracy and reducing damage.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of pressure ports and a first plurality of vacuum ports for inducing a fluid cushion to support the object at a distance from the platform
Implementation Method 2
The fins serve to increase the fluid resistance of the conduit, reducing flow for a given applied fluid pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A non-contact support platform system is provided for supporting a substantially flat object. The system includes a platform with a first plurality of pressure ports and a first plurality of vacuum ports for inducing a fluid cushion to support the object at a distance from the platform. The system further includes a second plurality of pressure ports located at a predetermined zone of the platform for increasing the distance of the object from the platform at the predetermined zone.