Wafer Carrier Handle Locking Mechanism Against Accidental Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing front opening substrate containers lack an effective and secure handle mechanism for safely carrying and transporting wafers, which can lead to accidental detachment and damage during handling.
Innovation Solution
A handle system for a front opening substrate container, comprising a body with an insertable member and a locking mechanism, which includes a flexible extension to maintain the locking mechanism in a locked state, preventing accidental detachment of the handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple handle attachment method is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the handle attachment deteriorates leading to accidental detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The handle attachment mechanism is divided into separate functional components: an insertable member with tab that engages the aperture, and a locking mechanism with flexible extension that secures the engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates a flexible extension that can dynamically adjust to maintain the locked state. The flexible nature allows the mechanism to respond to forces and movements while keeping the handle securely attached, providing adaptive security rather than rigid fixation.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is added to prevent detachment, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to maintain itself in the locked state through the flexible extension's inherent properties. Once engaged, the mechanism self-maintains the locked position without requiring additional active components or continuous energy input, achieving high reliability with minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes a flexible extension that functions as a thin, compliant element to secure the handle. This flexible component provides effective locking through its elastic properties rather than requiring complex mechanical structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Strength
If the handle is rigidly fixed to prevent deformation, then the strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in attachment and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The insertable member is pre-configured with a tab designed to engage with the aperture in a specific orientation. This preliminary configuration allows the handle to be quickly attached by simply inserting it in the correct direction, and equally quickly removed by reversing the action, without requiring complex fastening procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that allow easy transition between locked and unlocked states. The flexible extension can be easily actuated to release the lock, enabling simple attachment and removal operations while maintaining structural integrity when locked.
4Ease of operation
If the handle allows flexible movement for ease of operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength deteriorates leading to potential damage during carrying
Solution Approach 1:
The handle system implements dynamic locking where the locking mechanism can easily transition between states for operation, but when locked, provides sufficient structural rigidity to prevent damage during carrying. The flexible extension maintains the locked state with enough force to ensure structural integrity while allowing easy unlocking when needed.
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 handle system securely attaches to the wafer carrier, preventing accidental detachment and reducing flexion or deformation during carrying, thus enhancing the safety and security of the contents.
Implementation Method 1
a locking mechanism with a flexible extension. The insertable member is configured to be inserted into an aperture of a wafer carrier. When in an engaged state, the insertable member is retained in the aperture. The locking mechanism is moveable between a locked state and an unlocked state. When in the locked state, the locking mechanism maintains the tab in the engaged state and the flexible extension is positioned to maintain the locking mechanism in the locked state.
Data Source
AI summary
A handle for a wafer carrier that includes an insertable member configured to be inserted into an aperture of the wafer carrier, and a locking mechanism moveable relative to the insertable member. A tab of the insertable member retains the insertable member in the aperture when in an engaged state. When in a locked state, the locking mechanism maintains the tab in the engaged state and a flexible member of the locking mechanism is positioned to maintain the locking mechanism in the locked state. A wafer carrier includes the detachable handle and the locking mechanism.