Grouped Purge Device Flow Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing purge devices require significant space due to the need for an electromagnetic valve or flow rate controller for each mount, making them complex and large, which is not suitable for downsizing while maintaining effective gas supply to containers.
Innovation Solution
A purge device with grouped mounts, a nozzle that opens and closes based on container presence, and a flow rate controller that adjusts gas flow based on the number of containers in a group, eliminating the need for individual valves or controllers and allowing for compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electromagnetic valve or flow rate controller is disposed for each mount, then the flow rate of purge gas can be adjusted for each container, but the device becomes complicated and increased in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow rate control function from individual mount-level devices to a group-level device. A single flow rate controller adjusts the flow rate for multiple mounts simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate controllers at each mount. This combining approach maintains flow rate adjustment capability while significantly reducing device complexity and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate controller is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple mounts within a group. Instead of being dedicated to a single mount, the controller can manage purge gas flow for several mounts, making it a multi-functional device that reduces overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If an electromagnetic valve or flow rate controller is disposed for each mount, then the flow rate of purge gas can be adjusted for each container, but the device requires significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple flow rate control functions into a single controller located at the group level. This merging eliminates the need for separate controllers at each mount, significantly reducing the total space required for flow rate adjustment devices while maintaining the ability to adjust flow rates for individual containers.
3Reliability
If the flow rate of purge gas is increased to ensure sufficient supply, then contamination is suppressed, but sudden gas supply causes vibration of contained matters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by gradually increasing the flow rate from a low initial value to the target flow rate over a predetermined period. This gradual increase prevents sudden gas supply that would cause vibration of contained matters, while still achieving sufficient purge gas supply for contamination suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate controller dynamically adjusts the flow rate over time rather than immediately setting it to the target value. This dynamic adjustment process, where the flow rate changes gradually from low to high, prevents vibration caused by sudden gas supply while ensuring adequate purging is achieved.
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 configuration simplifies the device, saves space, and ensures reliable gas supply to each container by adjusting flow rates based on group occupancy, preventing sudden gas influx and vibration, while allowing for easier installation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the lid closes the flow path due to a pressure of the purge gas in a state in which the container is not placed on the mount
Implementation Method 2
the lid releases the flow path due to a weight of the container when the container is placed on the mount
Data Source
AI summary
A purge device includes: a plurality of mounts on which containers are to be placed and that are grouped, a nozzle that is structured such that when a container is placed on the corresponding mount, a flow path to supply a purge gas to the container is opened, and a flow rate controller that adjusts a flow rate of the purge gas supplied into a group based on a number of containers in the group.