Modular I-Bridge Flow Routing for High-Temperature Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid delivery systems for semiconductor processing and petrochemical industries face challenges in extreme flow rate and high temperature applications, where they require costly materials and complex manufacturing processes, and are not easily modifiable or reconfigurable.
Innovation Solution
A modular flow substrate design comprising an i-Block and an i-Bridge with customizable fluid pathways and mounting apertures, allowing for flexible assembly and reduced material usage, which can be coupled with standardized components to form a modular flow substrate suitable for extreme flow rates and temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fluid delivery systems are used for extreme flow rate and high temperature applications, then the system can handle the extreme conditions, but the manufacturing cost increases and material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow substrate is divided into modular components (i-Block and i-Bridge) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions while reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost for extreme temperature applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized interface design enables the same modular components to be used across multiple applications and configurations. The i-Block and i-Bridge components can serve various fluid delivery needs in semiconductor processing, reducing the need for custom-manufactured parts for each application.
2Reliability
If traditional fluid delivery systems are used, then the system can handle extreme conditions, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the flow substrate into standardized modular components, the system becomes easier to configure and maintain. Each module (i-Block, i-Bridge) is a discrete unit that can be independently understood, replaced, or modified without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows the system configuration to be dynamically adjusted by assembling different combinations of standardized components. This enables flexible adaptation to various flow rate and temperature requirements without redesigning the entire system.
3Productivity
If existing fluid delivery systems are used, then the system can deliver process fluid, but the system is not easily modifiable or reconfigurable
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into discrete modular components (i-Block for fluid delivery, i-Bridge for path redirection) that can be easily assembled and reconfigured. This allows rapid modification of fluid delivery paths without complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized interfaces enable the same modular components to fulfill multiple functions across different configurations. The i-Bridge component, for example, can redirect fluid paths in various arrangements while maintaining compatibility with the same i-Block components.
4Loss of substance
If modular design with i-Block and i-Bridge is used, then material waste reduces and manufacturing cost decreases, but the connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the design into standardized modules (i-Block, i-Bridge) with defined interfaces actually reduces overall connection complexity. Each module has predetermined connection points and standardized mounting apertures, making assembly systematic rather than ad-hoc.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are pre-designed with integrated fluid pathways and predetermined connection interfaces. This preliminary design work is done once during component fabrication, eliminating the need for complex field assembly operations and reducing on-site connection complexity.
5Ease of repair
If modular flow substrate is used, then reconfiguration and maintenance become easier, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the flow substrate into discrete modular components (i-Block, i-Bridge) with standardized interfaces actually simplifies maintenance. Individual components can be independently removed, inspected, and replaced without affecting other parts of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized interfaces are designed to be universally compatible across all modular components. This universal interface design means that the same connection methodology applies throughout the system, reducing the variety of interface types that maintenance personnel need to understand.
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery system can comprise a modular flow substrate comprising an i-Block and an i-Bridge. The i-Block can comprise a first i-Block conduit port, a second i-Block conduit port, a plurality of mounting apertures, a connection depression, at least one i-Block connection aperture and a fluid pathway extending between the first i-Block conduit port and the second i-Block conduit port. The i-Bridge can comprise an i-Bridge conduit port, a manifold connection conduit port, at least one connection aperture, at least one mounting aperture, a connection protrusion, and a fluid pathway extending between the i-Bridge conduit port and the manifold connection conduit port. The connection protrusion can be sized and configured to fit within the connection depression of the i-Block.