Tool-Free Door Structure for Substrate Storage Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional substrate storage containers require manual operation of the door structure using a dedicated tool or pivotable handle, leading to risks of part loss, particle contamination due to vibration and impacts, and prolonged drying times after washing.
Innovation Solution
A door structure with a retractable locking mechanism featuring a rotator, couplers, and a manual operating means with a finger insertion hole and knurling, allowing manual operation without tools and reducing particle contamination and drying time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dedicated small tool is used to manually detach the door structure, then the door can be opened and closed manually, but the tool may be lost and requires provision for each processing stage
Solution Approach 1:
The manual operating means is merged with the rotator of the locking mechanism. The rotator itself serves as the operating element, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated tool. The operational window provides access to operate the rotator directly, integrating the operation function into the existing structure.
2Ease of operation
If an opening/closing handle is attached in a pivotable manner for manual operation, then the door can be manually opened and closed, but it takes time and labor to attach and the configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The opening/closing handle is completely removed from the door structure. Instead of attaching a separate handle, the rotator of the locking mechanism is made externally operable through an operational window, allowing direct manual operation without additional components.
3Ease of operation
If an opening/closing handle is used for manual operation, then the door can be manually opened and closed, but particles are prone to arise around the frictionally movable parts due to vibration and impacts during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The opening/closing handle with its pivot shaft and frictionally movable parts is completely removed. The locking mechanism's rotator is made externally operable without requiring any movable handles, eliminating the source of particle generation during transportation.
4Ease of operation
If an opening/closing handle with pivot shaft is used, then the door can be manually opened and closed, but it takes a long time for drying after washing because washing water stays around the pivot shaft and hollow parts
Solution Approach 1:
The opening/closing handle and its pivot shaft are completely removed from the door structure. Without these components, washing water cannot accumulate in hidden areas, allowing the door to dry quickly after washing.
Data Source
AI summary
A door structure that is detachably fitted into an opening portion of a container body for storing substrates includes a casing to be fitted to the opening portion of the container body, a locking mechanism provided in the casing for locking the casing by causing an engaging piece to project out from the peripheral wall of the casing in a retractable manner based on rotation of a rotator so as to interfere with the inner periphery of the opening portion of the container body, a cover for enclosing the locking mechanism, and an operational window formed in the cover so as to oppose the rotator.