Ingot Puller Cable Cleaning With Pressurized Nozzles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning methods for pull cables in ingot puller apparatuses often damage the cable and fail to effectively remove deposits, leading to defects in single crystal silicon ingots.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning tool with a frame, chamber, and nozzles that direct pressurized fluid to remove deposits from the pull cable, using guides and an exhaust system to prevent debris from falling and minimize contact with the cable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cleaning operations contact the pull cable to remove deposits, then deposits are removed from the pull cable, but the cable becomes damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcable integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based cleaning methods with a fluid-based cleaning system. Pressurized fluid is directed at the pull cable through nozzles to remove deposits without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating cable damage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatic principles by using pressurized gas or liquid fluid to clean the pull cable. The fluid is delivered through nozzles positioned to target deposit areas, providing effective cleaning through pressure-driven fluid flow rather than mechanical contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If cleaning operations are performed periodically to prevent oxide fall, then oxide deposition is prevented in the melt, but the cable is exposed to damage risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveingot growth qualityVSAvoidcable damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical cleaning contact with non-contact fluid delivery. Pressurized fluid is directed at the cable through nozzles, allowing periodic cleaning to prevent oxide fall into the melt while avoiding mechanical contact that could damage the cable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces pressurized fluid as an intermediary medium between the cleaning system and the pull cable. This intermediary delivers cleaning action without direct mechanical contact, enabling periodic maintenance to prevent oxide deposition while protecting cable integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 tool effectively removes debris without damaging the pull cable, reducing defects in ingots and improving the crystal full bottom ratio, as demonstrated by a reduction in twin/slips from 1.0% to 0.3% and an increase in crystal full bottom ratio from 77.7% to 84.55%.

Implementation Method 1

One or more nozzles direct a pressurized fluid at the pull cable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressurized fluid impact: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

An exhaust flue carries away fluid discharged from the one or more nozzles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12491542B2Methods for cleaning the pull cable of an ingot puller apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 GLOBALWAFERS CO LTD

AI summary

Cleaning tools for cleaning the pull cable of an ingot puller apparatus and methods for cleaning the pull cable are disclosed. The cleaning tool includes a chamber for receiving the pull cable. Pressurized fluid is discharged through one or more nozzles to detach debris from the pull cable. The fluid and debris are collected in an exhaust plenum of the cleaning tool and are expelled through an exhaust tube. The cleaning tool includes one or more guides that guide the cleaning tool in an upper segment of the ingot puller apparatus.