Reticle Container Reinforcement Supports Against Shock Dislodgment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reticles are prone to dislodgment and damage during shock events such as dropping due to uncontrolled deflection of corner contacts in storage containers, leading to functional impairment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of reinforcement supports that constrain the deflection of corner contacts and provide additional contact surfaces to maintain reticle position during shocks, using materials like polycarbonate or PEEK.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If corner contacts are made flexible to accommodate reticle placement, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates during shock events causing reticle dislodgment
Solution Approach 1:
The corner contact is divided into multiple segments: a base portion attached to the container, a flexible arm portion that can deflect, and a contact surface portion that touches the reticle. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function - the base provides stability, the arm provides flexibility for placement, and the contact surface provides retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible arm is designed with predetermined deflection characteristics that allow it to absorb shock energy before the reticle can be dislodged. The arm's elasticity acts as a cushioning mechanism that protects the reticle from sudden impacts during shipping or handling.
2Reliability
If corner contacts are made rigid to prevent dislodgment, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in reticle placement
Solution Approach 1:
The corner contact transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its stiffness based on operational conditions. During normal placement, the arm flexes to accommodate the reticle; during shock events, the arm's elasticity provides resistance to dislodgment forces.
3Reliability
If reinforcement supports are added to constrain corner contact deflection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement support is merged with the existing corner contact structure rather than being a separate component. The support features are integrated into the arm of the corner contact, providing reinforcement while maintaining a unified structure that reduces overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support features are nested within or along the length of the corner contact arm, with the reinforcement structure contained within the overall corner contact assembly. This nesting approach provides structural support without adding external complexity to the container system.
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
Prevents reticle ejection and maintains positional integrity during significant shocks, enhancing container durability and reticle safety.
Implementation Method 1
one or more reinforcement supports, each of the one or more reinforcement supports including at least one support feature configured to contact at least one of the one or more arms when said at least one of the one or more arms is deflected to a threshold deflection
Data Source
AI summary
Reticle containers can include reinforcement supports that include support features configured to contact and thereby support corner contacts when shocks deflect corner contacts of the reticle container. The reinforcement supports can be integral to a portion of the reticle container such as a cover portion thereof, or provided on an insert configured to attach to a feature of the reticle container. The reinforcement supports can attach over the corner contacts. The reinforcement supports can additionally include contact regions configured to receive contact from the reticle in the event of a shock.