Alloy-Dependent Sorting with Dynamic Target-Fraction Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alloy-dependent sorting methods, such as those using LIBS analysis, result in low yield due to rigid sorting criteria that reject items not meeting all defined limits, leading to complex and computationally intensive processes.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows sortable pieces exceeding concentration limits to be included in a sorting target fraction, with other pieces compensating to ensure the total fraction meets target alloy limits, using dynamic adjustments and static limits to optimize yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid sorting criteria are applied where all alloying element concentrations must be within defined limits, then sorting precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to low yield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sorting criteria where the acceptance of individual pieces exceeding concentration limits is adjusted in real-time based on the current composition of the sorting target fraction. The system dynamically compensates for deviations by selecting subsequent pieces that bring the overall fraction back within target limits, transforming rigid static criteria into flexible dynamic criteria that maintain precision while increasing yield.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of sorting criteria from fixed static limits to dynamic adaptive limits. Individual pieces are allowed to exceed concentration limits when compensated by other pieces, effectively changing the sorting parameter from a binary pass/fail based on individual compliance to a continuous adjustment based on cumulative fraction composition, thereby increasing the number of sortable pieces.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex computational processes are used to evaluate multiple starting containers and calculate composition limits, then sorting precision is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex computational evaluation of multiple starting containers from the sorting process. Instead of calculating whether pieces exceed target concentration in various containers, the system uses a simplified approach: it accumulates pieces in a single sorting target fraction and dynamically adjusts acceptance criteria based on the running composition, removing the need for complex multi-container calculations while maintaining sorting accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional approach of checking whether individual pieces comply with target limits before acceptance, the patent inverts the logic by first accepting pieces and then dynamically adjusting the criteria to ensure the overall fraction meets targets. This inversion simplifies the computational process from complex pre-evaluation to simpler post-accumulation verification.
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
Increases the yield of sortable pieces by allowing individual items to deviate from strict limits, ensuring the overall fraction meets target criteria through dynamic compensation, thus improving sorting efficiency with reduced computational effort.
Implementation Method 1
A high-intensity laser beam is focused onto the surface of the sorted piece, vaporizing and ionizing a small amount of the near-surface material
Implementation Method 2
vaporizing and ionizing a small amount of the near-surface material
Implementation Method 3
This creates a plasma glow whose characteristic spectrum allows conclusions to be drawn about the concentration distribution of the alloying elements
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) and a method for alloy-dependent sorting of sorted material, wherein the sorted material is supplied in the form of sorting pieces (13, 14) during a sorting process, and the sorting pieces (13, 14) are sorted according to defined sorting criteria. In order to significantly improve the yield of sorting pieces during a sorting process, the invention has the following features: a) in an analysis step, the sorting pieces (13, 14) to be sorted are analyzed in an analysis device (18) for at least individual alloy elements and their alloy element proportions; b) in a comparison step, the analyzed alloy constituents of the sorting pieces (13, 14) are compared with a predetermined target alloy (34) in a computer device (21);c) in a verification step, it is checked whether the alloy content values of the alloy constituents of the sorting pieces (13, 14) analyzed in the analysis step comply with the target limit values of the target alloy (34); d) in a compilation step, sorting pieces (13, 13a, 13b) are compiled into the sorting target fraction (20); e) in an adaptation step, depending on the sorting pieces (13) compiled into the sorting target fraction (20) in step d), the target limit values of the target alloy (34) are temporarily extended such that the target limit values of the target alloy (34a) in the sorting target fraction (20) are complied with overall across all compiled sorting pieces (13), and that sorting pieces (13a, 13b) are also compiled into the sorting target fraction (20) which do not comply with at least individual alloying element proportions of the original target limit values of the target alloy (34);