Modular mounting apparatus for fluid control components

A mounting apparatus for fluid control components includes a first mounting plate with a first serial connection major surface with a first fluid port, a first set of through holes, and a first set of threaded holes formed therein, a first linking major surface, a first component minor surface with first component affixation apertures formed therein, and a first substrate minor surface with first substrate affixation apertures formed therein. A second mounting plate is aligned in a parallel configuration with the first mounting plate. The second mounting plate includes a second serial connection major surface with a second fluid port, a second set of through holes, and a second set of threaded holes formed therein, a second linking major surface, a second component minor surface with second component affixation apertures formed therein, and a second substrate minor surface with second substrate affixation apertures formed therein. A linking plate is attached to a portion of the first linking major surface and a portion of the second major linking surface, such that the linking plate is in a perpendicular configuration with respect to the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates generally to fluid control systems. More 
particularly, this invention relates to a modular mounting system for 
fluid control components of a fluid control system. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Fluid control components are used to control the delivery of a fluid (i.e., 
a gas or liquid) in industrial processes. For example, in semiconductor 
processing equipment, a variety of fluid control components are configured 
in a "gas stick", which precisely controls the delivery of various fluids 
during semiconductor processing. 
FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art gas stick 20. The gas stick 20 includes a 
set of fluid control components joined by multiple welds and fittings. One 
fluid control component depicted in FIG. 1 is a shut-off valve 22. A pipe 
section 26 links the shut-off valve 22 to a sleeve or fitting 28 
associated with a manual pressure regulator 24. The manual pressure 
regulator 24 has a fitting 30 on its opposite side for connection with a 
pipe section 32. Pipe section 32 is connected to a fitting 36 associated 
with a pressure transducer 34. The opposite side of the pressure 
transducer 34 also has a fitting 38 for connection with another pipe 
section. The remaining components in the figure are similarly configured 
with fittings for attachments to pipe sections. By way of example, the 
remaining fluid control components in FIG. 1 include a shut-off 
valve/purge device 42, a mass flow controller 44, and a shut-off valve 46. 
The gas stick 20 is attached to a substrate 50. Other gas sticks (not 
shown) may also be attached to the substrate to form a gas panel. 
Those skilled in the art recognize a number of problems associated with 
prior art gas sticks of the type illustrated in FIG. 1. First, the 
multiple fittings and pipe sections need to be welded or otherwise secured 
to one another. The assembly of these components can be relatively labor 
intensive. Similarly, the disassembly of these components for repair or 
replacement can be extremely labor intensive. 
Another problem associated with the gas stick 20 is that the numerous 
fittings and pipe sections produce a relatively long and heavy device. The 
attachment of the gas stick 20 to a substrate 50 also produces problems 
since the entire gas stick 20 must be removed from the substrate 50 in 
order to effectuate a repair of the gas stick 20. 
Efforts to alleviate these problems have resulted in the use of square 
blocks on which fluid control components are mounted. A fluid control 
component is mounted on each block and the blocks are attached in a serial 
manner. Each square block typically has a set of threaded holes on one 
side of the block and a set of through holes on an opposite side of the 
block. The threaded holes and the through holes allow the block to be 
unidirectionally positioned with respect to a similarly configured block. 
The unidirectional nature of the connection means that an input port 
associated with a block cannot be used as an output port and vice versa. 
Existing square mounting blocks are relatively heavy. In addition, the 
configuration of threaded holes and through holes dictate that the blocks 
be used in a unidirectional manner. Another problem with existing square 
mounting blocks is that they are not easily attached to a substrate. 
Furthermore, their configuration precludes or limits access to individual 
fluid control components which need to be repaired or replaced. It would 
be highly desirable to improve access to individual fluid control 
components so that such components could be repaired or replaced without 
disassembly of an entire gas stick. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
A mounting apparatus for fluid control components includes a first mounting 
plate with a first serial connection major surface with a first fluid 
port, a first set of through holes, and a first set of threaded holes 
formed therein, a first linking major surface, a first component minor 
surface with first component affixation apertures formed therein, and a 
first substrate minor surface with first substrate affixation apertures 
formed therein. A second mounting plate is aligned in a parallel 
configuration with the first mounting plate. The second mounting plate 
includes a second serial connection major surface with a second fluid 
port, a second set of through holes, and a second set of threaded holes 
formed therein, a second linking major surface, a second component minor 
surface with second component affixation apertures formed therein, and a 
second substrate minor surface with second substrate affixation apertures 
formed therein. A linking plate is attached to a portion of the first 
linking major surface and a portion of the second major linking surface, 
such that the linking plate is in a perpendicular configuration with 
respect to the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate. 
A fluid control component is attached to the component minor surface. The 
mounting apparatus is attached to a substrate via the substrate minor 
surface. The serial connection major surfaces are used to establish 
connections with adjacent devices. Alignment between through holes on the 
first mounting plate and threaded holes on the second mounting plate, and 
threaded holes on the first mounting plate and through holes on the second 
mounting plate allow the mounting apparatus to be bidirectionally 
configured such that an input port can serve as an output port and vice 
versa. Fluid channels are formed in the apparatus to accommodate various 
fluid control components. 
The mounting apparatus may be used in combination with a first substrate 
mount. The first substrate mount includes a base surface with base surface 
through holes defined therein. A plateau surface is on top of a portion of 
the base surface and extends past the base surface to form a ledge region. 
The ledge region includes ledge region through holes. The plateau includes 
plateau valleys with valley floors with valley floor apertures positioned 
therein. A second substrate mount with a configuration identical to the 
first substrate mount may be used to link the first substrate mount. In 
this case, the base surface of the second substrate mount is aligned with 
the ledge region of the first substrate mount. 
The H-shape defined by the first mounting plate, the second mounting plate, 
and the linking plate provides a number of advantages. First, the mounting 
apparatus is relatively light, compared to a solid block structure. The 
H-shape also allows less material to be used so the device is relatively 
cost effective. The arrangement of the threaded holes and through holes of 
the mounting plates allows for bi-directional configuration of each 
mounting apparatus, unlike prior art unidirection mounting blocks. The 
relatively close proximity of the threaded holes to one another allows 
seals to be established with the use of only two bolts, instead of the 
four perimeter bolts that are used in prior art block devices. The open 
shape of the mounting apparatus allows easy access to the substrate so 
that individual fluid control components can be replaced without 
dismantling an entire gas stick. Advantageously, the channels formed in 
the mounting apparatus are parallel or perpendicular to the surface upon 
which they terminate. Consequently, all machining is done at 90 degree 
angles, instead of the random angles that may be required with prior art 
devices. 
The substrate mounts of the invention provide an intermediate substrate 
which facilitates modular repairs of individual fluid control components 
and seals. In addition, the mounting plates add considerable torsional 
rigidity to improve the integrity of the connecting seals.

Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the 
drawings. 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a modular mounting apparatus 60 for fluid 
control components in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The 
apparatus 60 includes three major components: a first mounting plate 62, a 
second mounting plate 64, and a linking plate 66. The first mounting plate 
62 and the second mounting plate 64 are in a parallel configuration. The 
linking plate 66 is perpendicular to the first mounting plate 62 and the 
second mounting plate 64, the device 60 thereby forming an "H". While the 
device 60 is described as having three components, in a preferable 
embodiment the components are unitary. That is, they are preferably formed 
of a single material, although they may be individually formed and later 
attached to one another. 
The mounting device 60 has a first serial connection major surface 68 and a 
second serial connection major surface 70. These surfaces are used to 
establish serial connection with adjacent mounting devices or other 
fixtures. The mounting device 60 also has a component surface 72 and a 
substrate surface 74. As their names imply, the component surface 72 is 
used for connection to a fluid control component, while the substrate 
surface 74 is used for connection to a substrate. 
In sum, the mounting device 60 has a top surface or component surface 72, a 
bottom surface or substrate surface 74, a first end surface or serial 
connection surface 72, and a second end surface or serial connection 
surface 74. Subsets of these surfaces and other surfaces associated with 
the mounting device 60 are discussed below. 
The first mounting plate 62 has a number of surfaces, including a first 
linking major surface 82. This surface is used for connection with the 
linking plate 66. A first component minor surface 84 forms a subset of the 
component surface 72. That is, the first component minor surface 84 
corresponds to that portion of the component surface 72 which is 
associated with the first mounting plate 62. Similarly, the first mounting 
plate 62 has a first substrate minor surface 86. The first substrate minor 
surface 86 corresponds to that portion of the substrate surface 74 which 
is associated with the first mounting plate 62. 
The first mounting plate 62 also has a first fluid port 88. In addition, 
the first serial connection major surface 68 of the first mounting plate 
62 has a first set of through holes 90A and 90B and a first set of 
threaded holes 92A and 92B. As discussed below, these holes are used for 
connecting one modular device to another. 
The first mounting plate 62 also includes first component affixation 
apertures 94A and 94B and first substrate affixation apertures 96A and 
96B. The component affixation apertures 94A and 94B are used to attach a 
component to the modular mounting device 60, while the substrate 
affixation aperture 96A and 96B are used to attach the mounting device 60 
to a substrate. 
The second mounting plate 64 has a similar configuration. That is, the 
second mounting plate 64 has a second linking major surface 102 which is 
attached to the linking plate 66. A second component minor surface 104 
forms a portion of the component surface 72 corresponding to the second 
mounting plate 64. The second substrate minor surface 106 forms a portion 
of the substrate surface 74 corresponding to the second mounting plate 64. 
FIG. 2 illustrates a second fluid port 108 formed in the second serial 
connection major surface 70 of the second mounting plate 64. The second 
serial connection major surface 70 also illustrates second through holes 
110A and 110B and second threaded holes 112A and 112B. Observe that the 
through holes 90A and 90B of the first mounting plate 62 are aligned with 
the threaded holes 112A and 112B of the second mounting plate 64. Further 
observe that the threaded holes 92A and 92B of the first mounting plate 62 
are aligned with the through holes 110A and 100B of the second mounting 
plate 64. 
A modular mounting device 60 is attached to another device by aligning a 
set of threaded holes with a set of through holes. A bolt is then passed 
through the apertures and secured with a nut. Observe that this 
configuration of through holes and threaded holes allows the modular 
mounting apparatus 60 to be used in a bidirectional manner with another 
modular mounting apparatus. In this context, bidirectional means that 
first fluid port 88 and second fluid port 108 may be used as either input 
ports or output ports. 
This type of flexibility is not available with prior art devices. In the 
prior art, one side of a block has all threaded holes or all through 
holes. As a result, each block can only be attached to another block in a 
single manner: with threaded holes aligned with through holes. In 
contrast, with the present invention, there are symmetrical threaded holes 
and through holes on each connecting surface. Therefore, the device of the 
invention can be used in a variety of orientations, not a single 
orientation as required in the prior art. 
Observe that the threaded holes 92 and 112 are positioned relatively close 
to their respective fluid ports 88 and 108. In the prior art, threaded 
holes are typically positioned near the perimeter of the object. With the 
present invention, the threaded holes are moved toward the center of the 
object where the fluid port is positioned. This allows fewer bolts to be 
used in creating a strong seal at the fluid ports 88 and 108. Thus, in 
accordance with the invention, fewer affixation devices (e.g, bolts) are 
required to establish a fluidic seal. 
FIG. 2 also illustrates second component affixation apertures 114A and 114B 
which operate consistently with their counterparts 94A and 94B of the 
first mounting plate 62. The second mounting plate 64 also includes second 
substrate affixation apertures 116A and 116B. These structures operate in 
the same manner as the structures 96A and 96B of the first mounting plate 
62. 
FIG. 2 illustrates that the linking plate 66 has a first component aperture 
122. The aperture 122 is used to establish fluidic communication with an 
attached fluid control component. A channel 124 exists between the first 
component aperture 122 and the first fluid port 88. FIG. 2 also 
illustrates a second component aperture 126. A channel 128 exists between 
the second component aperture 126 and the second fluid port 108. 
FIG. 3 is a top view of the modular mounting apparatus 60. The figure 
illustrates the first component affixation apertures 94, the second 
component affixation aperture 114, the first component aperture 122, the 
second component aperture 126, the channel 124, and the channel 126. From 
this view it is readily appreciated that a fluid control component is 
positioned on the device 60 in such a manner as to establish fluid 
communication with the component apertures 122 and 126. A fluid may be 
routed through channel 124, into the attached fluid control component, and 
out of channel 128. FIG. 3 also demonstrates that the mounting device 60 
has an "H" configuration. The void spaces in the "H" configuration allow 
the device to be relatively light, compared to a solid block. Also, as 
discussed below, the void or open spaces associated with the device allow 
access to a substrate, an important consideration in repair and 
maintenance operations. 
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the device 60 taken along the line 4--4 
of FIG. 3. The figure illustrates the channels 124 and 128 formed in the 
modular mounting device 60. FIG. 4 clearly illustrates one advantage 
associated with the invention. Observe that the channels are formed 
straight into a surface. That is, the channel is normal or perpendicular 
to the surface at which it terminates. FIG. 2 illustrates that all other 
apertures associated with the device 60 have a similar configuration. In 
view of this fact, the device 60 is relatively easy to machine because all 
drilling can be done at ninety degree angles instead of relatively random 
angles. 
FIG. 5 is an end view of the first serial connection major surface 68 of 
the first mounting plate 62. FIG. 6 is an end view of the second serial 
connection major surface 70 of the second mounting plate 64. 
FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention with a single 
component aperture 122 and channel 124. FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view 
of the device of FIG. 7 taken along the line 8--8. FIG. 9 is an end view 
of the first serial connection major surface 68 of the device of FIG. 7 
illustrating the same configuration of threaded 92 and through holes 90 as 
the device of FIG. 2. Similarly, FIG. 10 illustrates the second serial 
connection major surface 70 of the device of FIG. 7 illustrating the same 
configuration of through holes 110 and threaded holes 112 as the device of 
FIG. 2. Thus, this alternate embodiment enjoys all of the benefits of the 
previous embodiment, but is adapted for single port fluid control devices. 
FIG. 11 is a top view of another alternate device constructed in accordance 
with the invention. In this embodiment, the component apertures 122 and 
126 are formed in the first mounting plate 62 and second mounting plate 
64, respectively. Otherwise, the device of FIG. 11 is consistent with 
previous embodiments. 
FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the device of FIG. 11 taken along the 
line 12--12. The figure illustrates the channel 124 formed in the first 
mounting plate 62 and the channel 128 formed in the second mounting plate 
64. 
FIG. 13 is an end view of the first serial connection major surface 68 of 
the device of FIG. 11 illustrating the same configuration of threaded 92 
and through holes 90 as the device of FIG. 2. Similarly, FIG. 14 
illustrates the second serial connection major surface 70 of the device of 
FIG. 7 illustrating the same configuration of through holes 110 and 
threaded holes 112 as the device of FIG. 2. 
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a substrate mount 150 in accordance with 
an embodiment of the invention. A modular mounting device 60 of the 
invention may be affixed to a substrate mount 150. Thereafter, the 
substrate mount is attached to a standard substrate. This configuration 
allows access to individual fluid control components, without dismantling 
an entire gas stick. That is, individual substrate mounts 150, 
corresponding modular mounting devices 60, and attached fluid control 
components may be repaired or replaced without dismantling an entire gas 
stick, as will be further appreciated with the following discussion. 
The substrate mount 150 includes a base surface 152 with base surface 
through holes 154A and 15B positioned therein. A plateau surface 156 is 
formed on the base surface 152. The plateau surface 156 extends beyond the 
base surface 152 to form a ledge region 158. The legion region 158 defines 
ledge region through holes 160A and 160B. Plateau valleys 162 are formed 
in the plateau surface 156. The plateau valleys 162 terminate in valley 
floors 164, which define valley floor apertures 166A and 166B. 
FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of the substrate mount 150. The figure 
illustrates the base surface 152, the plateau surface 156, the ledge 
region 158 and the valley floor 164. 
FIG. 17 is a top view of the substrate mount 150, illustrating the base 
surface 152, the plateau surface 156, the ledge region 158 and the other 
components described in connection with FIG. 15. 
FIG. 18 illustrates how a modular mounting device 60 may be positioned on 
serially linked substrate mounts 150A and 150B. First observe that a base 
surface 152A of a first substrate mount 150A is aligned with a ledge 
region 158B of a second substrate mount 150B. Further observe that a 
mounting device 60 straddles two substrate mounts. FIG. 18 illustrates 
that affixation apertures 96A and 96B are aligned with the valley floor 
apertures 166A and 166B and the affixation apertures 116A and 116B are 
aligned with the valley floor apertures on the device 150B. The "H" 
configuration of the mounting device 60 allows access to the bolts 180 and 
182 which are used to attached adjacent substrate mounts 150A and 150B. 
The mounting plates 150 add torsional rigidity to improve the integrity of 
the connecting seals associated with the fluid control system. 
FIG. 18 demonstrates that an individual mounting device 60 and its 
associated substrate mounts 150 can be readily accessed for servicing. 
Thus, unlike the prior art, an entire gas stick does not have to be 
removed from a substrate for servicing. 
In sum, the H-shape defined by the first mounting plate, the second 
mounting plate, and the linking plate provides a number of advantages. 
First, the mounting apparatus is relatively light, compared to a solid 
block structure. The H-shape also allows less material to be used so the 
device is relatively cost effective. The arrangement of the threaded holes 
and through holes of the mounting plates allows for bi-directional 
configuration of each mounting apparatus, unlike prior art unidirection 
mounting blocks. The relatively close proximity of the threaded holes to 
one another allows seals to be established with the use of only two bolts, 
instead of the four perimeter bolts that are used in prior art block 
devices. The open shape of the mounting apparatus allows easy access to 
the substrate so that individual fluid control components can be replaced 
without dismantling an entire gas stick. Advantageously, the channels 
formed in the mounting apparatus are parallel or perpendicular to the 
surface upon which they terminate. Consequently, all machinging is done at 
90 degree angles, instead of the random angles that may be required with 
prior art devices. 
The substrate mounts of the invention provide an intermediate substrate 
which facilitates modular repairs of individual fluid control components 
and seals. In addition, the mounting plates add considerable torsional 
rigidity to improve the integrity of the connecting seals. 
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the devices of the invention 
can be used individually or in combination. Thus, the mounting device 60 
does not have to be used with the substrate mount 150, rather it can be 
directed attached to a substrate. It should be appreciated that the 
modular mount 60 can be configured for any number of fluid control 
devices, including flow controllers, pressure gauges, pressure 
transducers, regulators, on-off valves, filters, and the like. The 
techniques of the invention can be applied to semiconductor processing 
equipment, hydraulic equipment, petrochemical equipment, food processing 
equipment, and the like. 
The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific 
nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. 
However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific 
details are not required in order to practice the invention. In other 
instances, well known circuits and devices are shown in block diagram form 
in order to avoid unnecessary distraction from the underlying invention. 
Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present 
invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They 
are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise 
forms disclosed, obviously many modifications and variations are possible 
in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described 
in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical 
applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize 
the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are 
suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope 
of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.