Automated Ingot Puller Clamp for Leak-Safe Vessel Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ingot puller apparatuses require manual operation of clamps to connect and disconnect the ingot receiving vessel to the isolation valve, leading to potential operator errors and limitations in automation, resulting in weak connections and leaks.
Innovation Solution
An automated clamp system with a clamping mechanism and actuators controlled by a controller, allowing for secure and automated connection and disconnection of the ingot receiving vessel to the isolation valve, ensuring a reliable seal and enabling automated growth processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manually operated clamp is used to connect the ingot receiving vessel to the isolation valve, then the connection can be established, but operator error and misuse may occur resulting in weak connections and leaking seals
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp system performs its own clamping and sealing functions automatically through the actuator mechanism without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the clamping force and seal engagement, eliminating operator error while maintaining reliable connections between the ingot receiving vessel and isolation valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical clamp operation with an automated actuator system that uses mechanical forces controlled by a controller. This substitution eliminates the need for manual manipulation while ensuring consistent and reliable clamping and sealing actions.
2Extent of automation
If a manually operated clamp is used to connect the ingot receiving vessel to the isolation valve, then the connection can be established, but automation of the growth process is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The manual clamp mechanism is replaced with an automated actuator system that can be controlled programmatically. This substitution enables full automation of the connection process between the ingot receiving vessel and isolation valve, allowing the growth process to proceed without manual intervention while the added complexity is managed through integrated control systems.
3Reliability
If a manually operated clamp is used to connect the ingot receiving vessel to the isolation valve, then the connection can be established, but operator error may result in improper installation and leaking seals
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp system automatically ensures proper seal engagement through the actuator mechanism that applies controlled force to maintain consistent contact between sealing surfaces. The system self-regulates to prevent improper installation and leaking seals without requiring operator skill or attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated clamp system incorporates control mechanisms that monitor and adjust clamping force to ensure proper seal integrity. This feedback control prevents improper installation and leaking seals by maintaining optimal clamping conditions throughout the connection process.
Data Source
AI summary
An ingot puller apparatus includes a housing defining a growth chamber and a growth chamber outlet, an isolation valve having a first valve end connected to the growth chamber outlet and a second valve end, an ingot receiving vessel defining an ingot receiving chamber and a receiving chamber inlet at a receiving vessel end, a clamp including a clamp base connected to the second valve end, and a controller. The clamp includes a clamping mechanism to releasably connect the receiving vessel end to the clamp base and an actuator to cause movement of the clamping mechanism between a clamping position in which the clamping mechanism connects the receiving vessel end to the clamp base, and a releasing position in which the receiving vessel end is releasable from the clamp base. The controller is connected to the actuator to control movement of the clamping mechanism between the clamping and releasing positions.