Storage Container Locking Mechanism Reducing Particulate Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage containers for precision substrates face issues with particulate generation due to simple linear motions of advancing and retracting plates, leading to contamination and complex configurations, and existing solutions either require strong forces or increase space and thickness, or risk contamination from metal engagement shafts.
Innovation Solution
A storage container design featuring a locking mechanism with a rotatable rotatory element, first and second advancing and retracting elements, and a guide element that inclines the second advancing and retracting element, reducing contact area and preventing particulate generation, while allowing for reduced space and thickness and minimizing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the front end part of the advancing and retracting plate is greatly inclined at an acute angle to prevent particulate generation, then particulate generation is reduced, but the door element requires greater space and thickness, and the configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The advancing and retracting plate is divided into two separate elements: a first advancing and retracting element that moves linearly, and a second advancing and retracting element that is rotatably supported by the first. This segmentation allows the second element to rotate and engage with the recess without requiring the first element to have a complex inclined shape, thereby reducing particulate generation while maintaining simpler individual component designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The second advancing and retracting element is given rotational freedom about an axis perpendicular to the movement direction of the first element. This adds a rotational dimension to the otherwise linear motion system, allowing the engagement piece to smoothly enter and exit the recess through rotation rather than requiring an inclined linear path, thus reducing particulate generation without increasing overall structural complexity.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a separate engagement shaft is rotatably supported to prevent particulate generation, then particulate generation is reduced, but the risk of contamination from metal parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameter of the engagement piece is changed from metal to resin, matching the material of the advancing and retracting plate. This eliminates the risk of metal contamination to precision substrates while maintaining the rotational movement capability that prevents particulate generation. The resin material provides sufficient strength and wear resistance for the application.
3Device complexity
If the advancing and retracting plate makes simple linear motions, then the configuration is simple, but particulates are generated due to abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from purely linear static engagement to dynamic engagement incorporating rotation. The second advancing and retracting element rotates about an axis as it engages with the recess, creating a smoother motion that reduces abrasion and particulate generation. This dynamic element is still actuated by the simple linear motion of the first element, maintaining configuration simplicity while eliminating the particulate problem.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a storage container which can inhibit and prevent generation of dust due to the motions of an advancing and retracting element, whose door element can be formed with a reduced space and thickness and which can prevent contamination of the articles accommodated therein, the storage container includes a container body 1 for storing precision substrates, a door element 10 that opens and closes the front of container body 1 and a locking mechanism 20 for locking and unlocking door element 10 that covers container body 1. Locking mechanism 20 is constructed of a rotary plate 21 that is supported by door element 10, a first advancing and retracting plate 26 that, in accordance with the rotation of rotary plate 21, advances toward the peripheral wall of door element 10 when door element 10 is locked and retracts to the reference position inside door element 10 when door element 10 is unlocked; a second advancing and retracting plate 32 which is supported by the front end part of first advancing and retracting plate 26, and projects out from the peripheral wall of door element 10 and fits into an engaging recess 3 of container body 1 when door element 10 is locked and returns from engaging recess 3 of container body 1 toward the door element when door element 10 is unlocked; a guide rib 37 which makes the second advancing and retracting plate 32 incline in the thickness direction of the door element 10 as the plate is being projected.