Melee Gemstone Sorting With Automated Orientation and Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sorting very small gemstones, such as melee diamonds, are inefficient due to the need for individual orientation and testing, which can lead to loss, electrostatic charging, and poor feed efficiency, especially when mixed with synthetic diamonds and non-diamond materials.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a collection location with image capture and vibration to orient gemstones, a rotatable disc for transport, and measurement locations to analyze gemstones while stationary or moving, with controlled transfer and dispensing based on properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual orientation and testing of very small gemstones is performed using existing methods, then sorting accuracy can be achieved, but handling efficiency deteriorates and loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (orientation, transfer, measurement, and sorting) into a single integrated automated system. The robotic arm performs both orientation and transfer operations, while the moveable surface coordinates transport and measurement positioning, eliminating the need for separate handling steps and reducing mechanical manipulation of small gemstones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses image capture and analysis to automatically determine gemstone orientation and correctness without human intervention. The automated arm then executes transfer and positioning based on this analysis, making the system self-sufficient in the orientation and sorting process while maintaining high precision.
2Ease of operation
If multiple mechanical handling operations are performed on very small gemstones, then orientation and measurement can be achieved, but electrostatic charging and loss worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robotic system that uses image-based orientation determination. The robotic arm performs precise transfer and positioning with minimal contact, and the moveable surface automates transport and measurement positioning, significantly reducing the number of mechanical handling operations and associated electrostatic charging.
3Measurement precision
If very small gemstones are handled individually through multiple transfer steps, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but feed efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated operation where the robotic arm continuously picks, orients, and transfers gemstones while the moveable surface continuously transports and positions them for measurement. This eliminates idle time and waiting periods between operations, maintaining continuous productive action while preserving measurement accuracy through automated positioning.
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 solution enables accurate and efficient sorting of melee diamonds by ensuring correct orientation and reducing mechanical handling issues, improving throughput and reducing loss and electrostatic charging.
Implementation Method 1
providing negative pressure to an aperture of the vacuum nozzle in order to pick up an individual gemstone with the aperture
Implementation Method 2
causing the collection location to vibrate such that the imaged gemstone is re-oriented
Implementation Method 3
illuminating the gemstone using a beam of light having an incidence angle of substantially 10 degrees measured from a horizontal plane
Implementation Method 4
One of the at least one measurement locations may comprise a luminescence measurement cell
Implementation Method 5
One of the at least one measurement locations may comprise a photoluminescence measurement cell
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c
AI summary
A method of sorting gemstones comprises receiving one or more gemstones at a collection location; determining, at the collection location, that one of the one or more gemstones is correctly oriented; transferring the correctly oriented gemstone from the collection location onto a moveable surface using an automated arm; transporting the gemstone upon the moveable surface to one or more measurement locations; measuring one or more properties of the gemstone at the one or more measurement locations while the gemstone is supported upon the moveable surface; and sorting the gemstone based upon the one or more measured properties.