Ion Emitter Nozzle Thread Geometry for Secure Pressurized Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ion emitter nozzles face challenges with installation and ejection due to pressurization and friction forces, making them difficult to install and replace, especially in environments like semiconductor manufacturing facilities.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates threaded connections with multiple sections, including cams and shelves with varying flank angles, which improve locking and reduce the likelihood of unintended ejection, allowing for easier installation and secure retention within a nozzle receptacle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional ion emitter nozzles are used in pressurized environments, then the ionization function is maintained, but the installation and removal become difficult due to pressurization and friction forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveionization functionVSAvoidinstallation and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded connection is divided into multiple sections: a first section with a first flank angle for installation, and a second section with a second flank angle for locking. This segmentation allows the connection to perform different functions in different phases, resolving the contradiction between secure retention and ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The thread design transitions from a dynamic installation phase (first flank angle allowing rotation and engagement) to a static locked phase (second flank angle preventing unwinding). This dynamic characteristic enables the connection to be easy to install yet difficult to remove unintentionally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If threaded connections are used to secure ion emitter nozzles, then retention is improved, but installation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveretentionVSAvoidthreaded connection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different sections of the threaded connection have different local qualities (flank angles) optimized for specific functions. The first section has properties suited for installation, while the second section has properties suited for locking, allowing the overall structure to achieve high retention without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If high flank angle threads are used for easy installation, then installation ease is improved, but locking capability and prevention of unintended ejection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidlocking capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If low flank angle threads are used for locking, then retention is improved, but installation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking capabilityVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12261416B2Ionizer emitter nozzles

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

An example apparatus for charge neutralization comprises: an emitter nozzle comprising: an emitter; and a housing configured to hold the emitter, the housing comprising a plurality of cams on an exterior of the housing; and a nozzle receptacle configured to enable insertion and removal of the emitter nozzle, and to hold the emitter nozzle in place during operation of the emitter nozzle, the nozzle receptacle comprising: a plurality of threads corresponding to the plurality of cams on the emitter nozzle, the plurality of threads having a first flank angle; and a plurality of shelves located at respective distal ends of the plurality of threads, the plurality of shelves having a second flank angle less than the first flank angle.