Centrifugal Particle Sorting Module with Integrated Separation Walls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing particle sorting systems cannot simultaneously produce and sort particles by size effectively, often requiring complex installations that are not autonomous or transportable.

Innovation Solution

A modular system integrating a production unit and a collection and separation unit, which are fixed relative to each other, allowing for the production and sorting of particles by centrifugation, with adjustable separation walls for precise size separation, and is designed to be autonomous and easily transportable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex installation is used to produce and sort particles separately, then particle sorting capability is achieved, but system complexity and transportability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle sorting capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the particle production unit and particle sorting unit into a single integrated device. The production unit generates particles that are directly sorted by the sorting unit within the same housing, eliminating the need for separate installations and complex interconnections between production and sorting systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs multiple functions within a single system: it can produce particles of various sizes, sort them by size, and collect them in separate compartments. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate production and sorting installations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If a fixed complex installation is used for particle production and sorting, then sorting precision is achieved, but transportability and autonomy are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorting precisionVSAvoidtransportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed as a self-contained module with internal particle production and sorting capabilities that can be transported as a complete unit. The segmentation of functions into integrated components maintains sorting precision while enabling mobility and autonomy without requiring external infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If separate production and sorting systems are used, then particle size separation is achieved, but system autonomy is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size separationVSAvoidsystem autonomy
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the production unit and sorting unit into a single autonomous system, the device achieves complete self-sufficiency. The production unit creates particles that are immediately sorted by the integrated sorting unit, eliminating dependencies on external systems while maintaining precise size separation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables efficient and reliable production and sorting of particles by size within a single system, improving the autonomy and transportability of the sorting process.

Implementation Method 1

an expulsion nozzle (10) mounted on said reservoir, through which particles can be expelled by centrifugation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

at least one partition wall (20) arranged to form at least two separate compartments (21), intended to collect particles of at least a first size in a first compartment and particles of a second size in a second compartment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentEP4263037B1Module for use in a system for sorting centrifugally expelled particles according to size, sorting system and method for configuring such a system
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP4263037B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4263037B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4263037B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for sorting, by size, particles centrifugally expelled into a fluid, the system being characterised in that it comprises: - a production unit (U1) comprising an expulsion nozzle (10) which can be actuated to rotate around a first axis and through which particles are centrifugally expelled into the fluid, - a collection and separation unit (U2) which is rigidly and rotatably connected to the expulsion nozzle (10) and positioned opposite the expulsion nozzle (10), the collection and separation unit (U2) comprising at least one separating wall (20) arranged to form at least two separate compartments (21) which are positioned so as to take account of the paths of the expelled particles in order to collect particles of at least a first size in a first compartment and particles of a second size in a second compartment.