Roll-Type Substrate Edge Cleaning for Faster Particle Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing substrate cleaning apparatuses lack sufficient cleaning performance, particularly in removing particles from edge portions, and face challenges in efficiently cleaning substrates within limited time due to restrictions on cleaning processes and substrate types.

Innovation Solution

A substrate cleaning apparatus featuring roll-type cleaning members with large and small diameter portions that rotate in parallel to the substrate, allowing for effective cleaning of both surfaces while avoiding contact with each other, combined with a substrate support mechanism and liquid supply nozzles to enhance cleaning efficiency and particle removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional cleaning apparatuses are used, then the cleaning process is simple, but the cleaning performance is insufficient especially for edge portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidcleaning process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning member is divided into multiple cleaning units arranged in the width direction, with each unit having independent cleaning elements that can be adjusted separately. This segmentation allows targeted cleaning of different substrate regions including edge portions, improving overall cleaning performance while maintaining manageable system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning apparatus employs cleaning elements with locally optimized properties - different cleaning forces, sizes, and positions are applied to different width positions of the substrate. Edge portions receive specialized cleaning attention through specifically positioned cleaning elements, while central regions receive appropriate cleaning intensity, achieving high cleaning performance across all areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If cleaning time is extended to improve cleaning performance, then particle removal is enhanced, but throughput is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle removalVSAvoidthroughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cleaning units operate simultaneously and continuously across the substrate width, maintaining constant cleaning action without interruption. The independent adjustment capability allows each cleaning unit to work at optimal parameters continuously, achieving high particle removal efficiency while completing the process in limited time to maintain throughput

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning apparatus applies enhanced cleaning action specifically where needed - edge portions and areas with higher particle contamination receive intensified cleaning through independently adjustable cleaning elements. This partial excessive action concentrates cleaning effort on critical areas, achieving high particle removal without requiring extended cleaning time across the entire substrate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Manufacturing precision

If cleaning members are positioned to contact substrate edges, then edge cleaning is improved, but dust generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge cleaningVSAvoiddust generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning elements are designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing their position, pressure, and contact force to be optimized in real-time. This dynamic control enables effective edge cleaning while adjusting parameters to minimize dust generation, adapting the cleaning action to the specific conditions at different substrate locations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning apparatus utilizes independently adjustable parameters for each cleaning unit - including cleaning force, element size, and position - to optimize the cleaning process. By changing these parameters specifically for edge portions, the system achieves improved edge cleaning performance while controlling dust generation through parameter optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 apparatus achieves improved cleaning performance by repeatedly contacting corner portions of the substrate with roll-type cleaning members, reducing dust generation and enhancing particle removal, while the liquid supply ensures effective cleaning and discharge, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

a roll-type first cleaning member (2a) configured to clean a first surface of the substrate by rotating while being in contact with a bevel and/or an edge of the first surface of the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a first nozzle configured to supply liquid to the first surface of the substrate in a direction toward an edge of the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentEP3636356B1Substrate cleaning member and substrate cleaning apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 EBARA CORP
  • EP3636356B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3636356B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3636356B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

Provided is a substrate cleaning apparatus including: a substrate support mechanism configured to support a substrate (W); and a roll-type first cleaning member (2a) configured to clean a first surface of the substrate (W) by rotating while being in contact with a bevel and/or an edge of the first surface of the substrate (W), wherein a rotation axis of the first cleaning member (2a) is in parallel with the substrate (W), and the first cleaning member (2a) has a large diameter portion (21a) and a small diameter portion (22a).