CRT Panel Separation via Vibratory Chipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating glass panels from cathode ray tubes are time-consuming and expensive, and existing technologies compromise the purity of recovered panel glass, often discarding clean panel glass with broken funnel and frit material.
Innovation Solution
A vibratory conveyor system with chipping elements, where the cathode ray tube is vibrated to chip away the funnel and frit, allowing the panel glass to be separated efficiently and accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical saws are used to separate panel glass from funnel glass and frit, then separation can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vibratory conveyor that generates vibrations at specific frequencies to cause the funnel glass and frit to resonate and separate from the panel glass. This vibration-based separation achieves accurate separation while dramatically increasing production rate compared to mechanical sawing, resolving the contradiction between precision and productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical saws are used to separate panel glass from funnel glass and frit, then separation can be achieved, but the cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The vibratory conveyor system replaces expensive mechanical sawing equipment with a cost-effective vibration-based separation process. The system uses controlled vibrations to achieve precise separation without the high operational costs associated with mechanical saws, including blade replacement, water consumption, and energy usage.
3Productivity
If vibratory screeners are used to separate glass from broken cathode ray tubes by lead concentration, then production rate increases, but the purity of recovered panel glass is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vibration frequency and amplitude control to selectively separate funnel glass and frit from panel glass based on their different physical properties. This method maintains panel glass purity by avoiding the contamination issue inherent in x-ray based separation, while still achieving high production rates through automated continuous processing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the CRT is received with a broken funnel, then processing may be needed, but it is difficult to align the tube in the saw to make an accurate cut
Solution Approach 1:
The vibratory conveyor system does not require precise alignment of the CRT tube because the vibration propagates through the entire structure, causing the funnel and frit to separate from the panel regardless of tube orientation or damage state. This eliminates the alignment difficulty associated with mechanical sawing while maintaining separation accuracy.
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 vibratory conveyor system significantly increases production rate and reduces costs by effectively separating panel glass from funnel and frit, maintaining the purity of the recovered panel glass.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrator connected to the trough and configured such that actuation of the vibrator causes the chipping element to vibrate at a frequency and at a throw angle selected to cause the chipping element to throw a cathode ray tube placed in contact therewith upward
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for separating a panel from a cathode ray tube may include a trough, at least one chipping element mounted in the trough; and a vibrator connected to the trough and configured such that actuation of the vibrator causes the chipping element to vibrate at a frequency and at a throw angle selected to cause the chipping element to throw a cathode ray tube placed in contact therewith upward, then move upward subsequently to contact a downwardly moving cathode ray tube with sufficient force to chip away funnel and frit therefrom. A method for separating a panel from a cathode ray tube may include contacting a funnel of the cathode ray tube with at least one chipping element, and vibrating the chipping element with sufficient force to chip at least the funnel from the cathode ray tube, leaving at least the panel.