Metallic Fiber Length Sorting With Inclined Vibrating Channels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack a method to efficiently sort metallic fibers from recycled tires by length for specific applications, leading to inefficiencies in reusing these fibers and high environmental impact due to energy-intensive production methods.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for sorting metallic fibers by length using a vibrating channel with inclined configuration and outlets, separating fibers into two types based on length, allowing precise sorting and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If metallic fibers are sorted by length using a vibrating channel device, then sorting precision and application-specific quality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vibrating channel device where mechanical vibration is applied to the channel containing metallic fibers. The vibration causes fibers to move and separate based on their length characteristics, with longer fibers accumulating at specific locations and shorter fibers at others. This vibration-based sorting mechanism achieves precise length classification without requiring complex mechanical sorting mechanisms, thereby improving sorting precision while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
2Strength
If steel fibers are produced through intentional smelting and drawing, then fiber quality and strength are improved, but energy consumption and carbon footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of fiber production from intentional smelting and drawing to recycling and sorting of existing metallic fibers from waste tires. Instead of creating new fibers through energy-intensive metallurgical processes, the invention recovers fibers that already exist in waste materials and sorts them by length for specific applications. This parameter change from production to recovery maintains fiber strength properties while dramatically reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint.
3Productivity
If all metallic fibers from recycled tires are used for concrete reinforcement, then material utilization is improved, but quality control for specific applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the homogeneous mass of recycled metallic fibers into distinct length-based categories using the vibrating channel device. Fibers are segmented into different size fractions (e.g., long fibers, medium fibers, short fibers) that can then be directed to different applications. This segmentation allows quality control for specific applications while maintaining high overall material utilization, as each segment can be optimally used for its intended purpose rather than mixing all fibers together.
4Manufacturing precision
If very short fibers are discarded as surplus, then product quality is improved, but material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the approach from discarding short fibers to recovering and utilizing them. The vibrating channel device separates short fibers from longer ones, but instead of discarding the short fraction, the invention recovers it for alternative applications such as concrete fillers, mortar additives, or other uses where length is less critical. This recovery approach maintains product quality for applications requiring long fibers while preventing material waste by finding useful applications for short fibers.
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 precise sorting of metallic fibers into long and short types for various applications, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact while ensuring high-quality recycled products.
Implementation Method 1
first vibration means adapted for exerting a vibrating force on the channel; the first vibration means are configured to exert a vibrating force on the channel so that the metallic fiber travels along the channel
Implementation Method 2
the channel extends, in the operating mode, according to a longitudinal axis which is inclined with respect to a horizontal reference direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3d
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The present invention is comprised in the sector of the industry for sorting and recycling materials, particularly metallic fibers originating from shredded used tires. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for sorting metallic fibers according to their length, as well as to a method for sorting metallic fiber by length. The end product obtained from this method is a metallic fiber with controlled characteristics which originates from recycled tires and can be reused, for example, as a concrete reinforcement and for manufacturing brake pads or other products.