Transfer Device Asymmetric Outlet Conduits Gas Turbulence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas flow-based transfer devices for holding objects, such as solar wafers and cells, suffer from gas turbulence at the center region, leading to ineffective force distribution and potential bending of objects, reducing their effectiveness in holding and transferring objects.
Innovation Solution
The transfer device employs a housing with outlet conduits arranged along the surface and away from the center region, creating a laminar gas flow that generates a pressure differential towards the center, effectively holding objects against the surface using a compressed gas system, and a gang picker design with manifold outlets ensuring even gas distribution across multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If gas outlets are arranged in a triangular arrangement at the center region, then the object can be held against the housing surface, but gas turbulence is created at the centre region which pushes the object away and causes bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the symmetric triangular arrangement of gas outlets to an asymmetric arrangement where outlets are positioned away from the center region. This asymmetric positioning eliminates the turbulent convergence of gas flows at the center, preventing the formation of positive pressure differential that pushes objects away and causes bending, while still maintaining effective holding force through strategic outlet placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different flow conditions in different regions of the housing surface. By positioning outlets away from the center region, the patent creates a localized laminar flow pattern in the center region where objects are placed, ensuring stable holding without turbulence-induced bending, while allowing different flow characteristics in peripheral regions.
2Reliability
If gas outlets are arranged in a triangular arrangement, then the apparatus can hold the object, but the effectiveness of the apparatus in holding the object for transfer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric positioning of outlets away from the center region optimizes the flow pattern for both holding and transfer operations. This arrangement maintains reliable holding by creating effective pressure differential while eliminating turbulence that would compromise holding stability during transfer, thereby improving overall transfer efficiency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If outlets are arranged away from the centre region, then laminar gas flow is generated to hold the object, but the gas flow distribution must be carefully controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gas distribution system into multiple outlet sets positioned at different locations away from the center region. This segmentation allows each outlet set to contribute to the overall laminar flow pattern, making it easier to control and maintain stable laminar flow across the housing surface without requiring complex centralized control mechanisms.
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
This configuration minimizes gas turbulence, enhances the holding force, and improves the effectiveness of the device in securely transferring objects, reducing the likelihood of object bending and increasing efficiency compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a laminar gas flow that flows along the housing surface generates a pressure differential which creates a force towards the centre region to hold the object against the housing surface
Implementation Method 2
a laminar gas flow that flows along the housing surface
Implementation Method 3
generates a pressure differential which creates a force towards the centre region to hold the object against the housing surface
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer device for holding an object comprises: i) a housing; ii) at least one inlet conduit having an inlet for gas; iii) a plurality of sets of outlet conduits, each set of outlet conduits being in fluid communication with the at least one inlet conduit and having a plurality of outlets for directing the gas out of the outlet conduits. The respective outlets of the sets of outlet conduits are arranged in a direction along the housing surface and away from a center region relative to the respective sets of outlet conduits, so that a laminar gas flow that flows along the housing surface generates a pressure differential which creates a force towards the center region to hold the object against the housing surface.