Ingot Weight Measurement Vacuum Load Cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ingot growing apparatuses lack the capability to accurately measure the weight of growing ingots and remaining melts during the process, leading to inefficiencies and quality issues with reused melt.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a weight-measuring unit with a load cell and support roller to accurately measure the weight of the ingot, while maintaining a vacuum state within the housing, allowing for precise and efficient monitoring of ingot growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the length of the ingot is measured to calculate the weight, then the weight can be determined, but the process must be stopped for measurement and expensive melt may remain unused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement method (stopping the growth process to measure length and calculate weight) with an electrical sensing system. A load cell is integrated into the ingot-raising mechanism to directly measure the weight of the ingot in real-time during continuous growth, eliminating the need to stop the process for measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the weight measurement from the load cell is continuously monitored and fed back to the control system. This allows real-time adjustment of the ingot growth process based on actual weight data, enabling precise control of ingot mass and optimization of melt utilization without interrupting the growth process.
2Measurement precision
If the ingot growth process is stopped for weight measurement, then the weight can be measured, but a large amount of expensive melt may remain and quality of reused melt is significantly lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement approach with direct electrical weight sensing. The load cell continuously monitors ingot weight during growth, eliminating the need to stop the process for measurements and thereby preventing melt loss that would occur during process interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous operation of the ingot growth process by implementing real-time weight measurement without interruptions. The load cell allows continuous monitoring while the growth process proceeds uninterrupted, maintaining continuous useful action and preventing melt loss that would result from stopping the process for measurements.
3Measurement precision
If a weight-measuring unit is added to the apparatus, then weight measurement capability is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the weight measurement function with the existing ingot-raising mechanism. The load cell is integrated into the seed holder or raising mechanism that is already present in the CZ apparatus, combining the lifting and weighing functions into a single integrated system rather than adding a completely separate measurement apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The load cell serves multiple functions: it measures the weight of the ingot during growth, monitors the force required for raising, and can detect changes in melt weight. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated measurement devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall apparatus complexity.
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
This solution enables accurate and efficient measurement of ingot weight, improving the ingot growing process by reducing waste and maintaining melt quality, thus enhancing the overall efficiency and precision of the process.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell disposed outside of the housing to measure a weight of the ingot supported by the support roller
Implementation Method 2
a heater melting the source material by heating the crucible
Implementation Method 3
a heater melting the source material by heating the crucible
Implementation Method 4
an interior of the housing is maintained in a vacuum state
Data Source
AI summary
An ingot growing apparatus. A main chamber includes a crucible accommodating a source material therein and a heater melting the source material by heating the crucible. A dome chamber is disposed on top of the crucible. A pull chamber is disposed on top of the dome chamber. An ingot grown in the crucible moves via a seed cable within the dome chamber and the pull chamber. A weight-measuring unit is disposed on top of the pull chamber. The weight-measuring unit includes a housing disposed on top of the pull chamber, with the interior thereof being maintained in a vacuum state, a support roller disposed within the housing to support the seed cable, and a load cell disposed outside of the housing to measure a weight of the ingot supported by the support roller.