Gas Barrel Valve Automation With Spring-Return Leak Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas supply systems in semiconductor fabrication processes face issues such as human error during gas barrel replacement, lack of automatic shut-off during gas leaks or power outages, and inefficiencies in end cap storage and handling, leading to safety risks and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for automatically opening and closing gas barrel valves, featuring a main plate that aligns and connects gas barrels, a valve handle unit that rotates to lock or unlock the valve handle, and a spring-winding mechanism to ensure automatic closure, along with an end cap holder for secure storage and quick recoupling, enabling automated gas barrel replacement and emergency manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual gas barrel replacement is performed by workers, then operational flexibility is maintained, but human errors occur during gas barrel replacement and end cap handling
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic gas barrel replacement and end cap handling through the automated gas barrel replacement device, which sequentially executes end cap removal, gas barrel extraction, new gas barrel installation, and end cap recoupling without human intervention, thereby eliminating human errors while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated mechanical system that uses actuators, grippers, and programmed motion control to perform gas barrel replacement tasks, substituting human operators with a controlled mechanical automation system that ensures consistent and error-free execution
2Productivity
If valve handle is opened for gas supply, then gas flow is enabled, but gas leaks and explosions may occur during power outages or emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by implementing an emergency shut-off mechanism that automatically closes the valve handle in reverse direction when power failure or gas leakage is detected, preventing harmful effects before they can cause damage by counteracting the open valve state with an automated closing action
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback through sensors that detect power outage conditions or gas leakage events, which then trigger the control system to automatically actuate the valve handle closing mechanism, creating a closed-loop safety system that responds to hazardous conditions by reversing the valve state
3Ease of operation
If end cap is removed for gas barrel connection, then gas supply connection is enabled, but end cap loss or misplacement may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses nesting by placing the removed end cap inside a designated storage compartment or holder that is integrated into the gas barrel replacement device, where it remains securely held during the gas barrel replacement process and can be easily retrieved and recoupled, preventing loss or misplacement while maintaining operational efficiency
4Object-affected harmful factors
If automated valve closing mechanism is added for safety, then gas leak prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve handle unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both normal gas supply operation and emergency shut-off functions through a single integrated mechanism, eliminating the need for separate automated closing devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining gas leak prevention capabilities
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 solution automates gas barrel replacement, prevents gas leaks and explosions by quick valve shut-off, reduces labor costs, ensures stable gas supply during power outages, and facilitates safe end cap handling, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-winding mechanism to ensure automatic closure
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatically opening or closing a gas barrel valve, includes: loading and aligning a gas barrel in a cabinet; separating an end cap from the gas barrel; screw-coupling a connector holder to a gas spray nozzle, from which the ends cap has been removed; winding a spring around a first shaft by enabling forward rotation of the first shaft while suppressing reverse rotation of the first shaft, which is installed in a valve handle holder so as to idle; opening a valve by enabling reverse rotation of a valve handle of the gas barrel while preventing forward rotation of the valve handle holder; and automatically closing the valve at the time of replacement of the gas barrel or when a gas leak is detected.