Laser Weight Trimming of Precious Metal Ingots Without Surface Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for manufacturing precious metal ingots require manual adjustments to achieve the nominal weight, which are imprecise and can result in costly remelting if the ingots are underweight, leading to aesthetic damage and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An automated system using a robotic system, laser processing within a pressurized sealed chamber, and a suction system to precisely remove material from ingots, ensuring accurate weight adjustment without aesthetic defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual removal methods with gauge and file are used to adjust ingot weight, then the ingot can be brought close to nominal weight, but the process is imprecise and can result in aesthetic damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical removal methods (gauge and file) with automated laser processing. The laser system precisely ablates material from the ingot surface without physical contact, eliminating mechanical damage while achieving deterministic weight adjustment. The laser parameters (power, pulse duration, scanning speed) are controlled to remove material layer by layer, ensuring both precision and aesthetic quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and parameters of material removal from mechanical cutting to thermal ablation. By controlling laser power, pulse duration, and scanning patterns, the system precisely controls the amount of material removed, achieving deterministic weight adjustment while maintaining surface integrity and aesthetics.
2Reliability
If manual evaluation and continuous approximation processes are used for weight adjustment, then human expertise can be applied, but the process is not deterministic and may require costly remelting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where the ingot is weighed before and after laser processing. The weighing system provides real-time weight data to the control system, which automatically adjusts laser processing parameters to achieve the target nominal weight. This eliminates the need for continuous approximation and expert evaluation, providing deterministic results in a single pass.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic weight measurement and calculation of required material removal, then executes the laser processing without human intervention. The control system self-regulates the process based on measured weight, eliminating the need for human expertise and evaluation while ensuring deterministic outcomes.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated laser processing is used for weight adjustment, then precision and determinism are achieved, but additional equipment and system complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single automated system: the robotic arm performs both positioning and laser processing, the weighing system provides both measurement and feedback control, and the control system manages both process planning and real-time adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate manual operations and equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the weighing system, laser processing system, and control system into an integrated automated workflow. The transition from measurement to processing is seamless and automated, eliminating the need for separate manual evaluation and adjustment steps, thereby managing complexity through integration.
4Productivity
If manual removal methods are used, then simple equipment can be employed, but the process is slow and less productive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated processing where the robotic arm positions the ingot and immediately begins laser processing without manual intervention. The laser can operate continuously or in programmed pulses, removing material efficiently without the start-stop nature of manual operations. The system can process multiple ingots in sequence automatically, significantly increasing throughput.
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 system achieves precise and deterministic weight adjustment of precious metal ingots, reducing waste and costs associated with remelting, while maintaining ingot quality and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
removing part of said ingot by means of a laser in at least one pressurized sealed chamber
Implementation Method 2
the excavated (sublimated) material can be collected by a suction system
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for automatic bringing precious metal ingots to a nominal weight comprising: at least one positioning station (12, 13) for a plurality of ingots; at least one robotic system (17, 18) for handling said ingots; a weighing system (25) for said ingots; a laser (30) for processing said ingots inside at least one pressurized sealed chamber (35, 36); a suction system (40) connected to said at least one pressurized sealed chamber (35, 36).