Mesh Conveyor Scrap Separation for Continuous Silicon Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual removal of sharp silicon scraps from treatment water during semiconductor production is time-consuming, hazardous, and results in high production loss due to the need to stop processing apparatuses for separation.

Innovation Solution

A scrap collection device comprising a mesh conveyor, peeler, and collection containers that automatically separates and collects silicon scraps from treatment water without stopping the processing apparatus, using a mesh belt to trap and peel scraps, a drying mechanism to remove moisture, and a sorting mechanism to direct scraps into designated containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual removal of silicon scraps is performed, then scraps can be removed from treatment water, but worker safety is compromised and production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworker safetyVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the flow of treatment water itself to transport scraps through the mesh conveyor and into collection containers, eliminating the need for external manual intervention or additional energy-intensive pumping systems. The water flow automatically performs the separation and transport functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical removal with an automated system using mesh conveyors and water flow dynamics. The mesh belt passive conveyor substitutes manual scraping or lifting, while water flow substitution replaces active pumping mechanisms for scrap transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If apparatus is stopped for scrap separation, then complete separation of scraps from treatment water can be achieved, but production time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation completenessVSAvoidproduction downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous operation of the processing apparatus while scraps are continuously separated and collected in real-time. The mesh conveyor operates continuously alongside the treatment water flow, eliminating periodic shutdowns for scrap removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Scraps are separated and collected in advance before they accumulate to problematic levels. The mesh conveyor continuously intercepts and removes scraps from treatment water, preventing the need for emergency shutdowns for maintenance or safety reasons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If mesh conveyor speed is increased, then productivity is improved, but scrap separation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidseparation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mesh conveyor speed is made adjustable and optimizable based on scrap load conditions. The system can dynamically adapt the conveyor speed to match the rate of scrap generation, maintaining optimal separation efficiency while maximizing overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows optimization of mesh conveyor parameters including speed, mesh size, and belt tension to achieve the best balance between productivity and separation efficiency. These parameters can be adjusted based on specific application requirements and scrap characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 continuous operation of processing apparatuses by automatically separating and collecting silicon scraps, enhancing safety and reducing production losses by eliminating manual handling and apparatus downtime.

Implementation Method 1

a mesh belt configured to receive a fluid mixture of a liquid and scraps from above to trap at least a first portion of the scraps and to allow the liquid to pass

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a drying mechanism to remove moisture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS12558709B2Scrap collection device

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 KIOXIA CORP

AI summary

A scrap collection device according to the embodiment includes a mesh conveyor, a peeler, and one or more collection containers. The mesh conveyor includes a mesh belt configured to receive a fluid mixture of a liquid and scraps from above to trap at least a portion of the scraps and to allow the liquid to pass, and moves the mesh belt. The peeler peels the scraps from a face of the mesh belt in a state where the face of the mesh belt is directed downward. The collection containers collect the peeled scraps.