Roller-Backed Pipe Buffer for Friction Wear and Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor fabrication facilities, fluid-transporting pipes often sag and rub against support plates due to gravity and friction, leading to leakage and potential contamination or electrical shorts, as existing solutions fail to effectively mitigate friction-induced wear.
Innovation Solution
A buffer system with rollers and a low-friction material is used to elevate and support pipes, reducing contact with high-friction surfaces, and an acoustic sensor monitors roller wear to prevent damage, thereby extending the lifespan of pipes and preventing leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pipes are supported directly on support plates, then structural support is provided, but friction-induced wear occurs leading to pipe leakage and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer as an intermediary component between the pipe and support plate. The buffer includes a low-friction material that contacts the pipe, while rollers contact the support plate, mediating the interaction to eliminate direct pipe-support plate contact and prevent friction-induced wear
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical contact between pipe and support plate with a rolling contact system. Rollers convert sliding friction into rolling motion, significantly reducing friction forces and wear on the pipe
2Reliability
If buffers with rollers are used to reduce friction, then pipe wear is reduced, but roller wear occurs requiring monitoring and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates acoustic sensors that continuously monitor the condition of rollers by detecting acoustic emissions during operation. When wear reaches critical levels, the system provides feedback alerts to operators, enabling timely maintenance before roller failure occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic monitoring system enables the buffer system to self-diagnose roller wear conditions without manual inspection. The system automatically detects and reports its own degradation state, reducing maintenance overhead
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
The buffer system significantly reduces friction-induced wear and leakage, increasing the usable lifetime of pipes and cables, and alerts operators when rollers need replacement, minimizing downtime and safety risks.
Implementation Method 1
The buffer includes a low-friction material... significantly reduces friction-induced wear
Implementation Method 2
acoustic waves generated by the roller on the support plate
Data Source
AI summary
A buffer for holding a pipe adapted to transport a fluid is provided. The buffer includes a base, a plurality of fingers extending outwardly from a first side of the base. A first finger of the plurality of fingers and a second finger of the plurality of fingers define a cavity for receiving the pipe. The buffer further includes at least one roller on a second side of the base opposite the first side.