Modular Highbanker with Nested Hopper Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional highbankers used in precious metal prospecting are often lengthy, making them cumbersome for transport and storage.

Innovation Solution

A modular highbanker design featuring a hopper assembly, a trough assembly with pivotable and detachable sections, a brace member, and adjustable legs, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly into both an assembled and nested configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If conventional highbankers are made long to provide sufficient working surface area, then the separation efficiency is improved, but the transport and storage become difficult and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworking surface areaVSAvoidtransport and storage

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The highbanker is divided into multiple detachable sections that can be separated into smaller units for transport and storage, then assembled into a long working surface area when in use. This segmentation allows the device to transition between compact storage mode and extended operational mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The highbanker sections are designed to nest within each other when not in use, creating a compact configuration for storage and transport. The nested structure minimizes the overall volume while maintaining the capability to assemble into a long working surface when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the highbanker is made modular with detachable sections for easy transport, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly and disassemblyVSAvoidmodular structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional elements are combined into integrated modular sections, where each section contains necessary components for both structural support and operational functionality. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining modularity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 modular design enables efficient separation of heavier metals from placer deposits using sluice mats and water, while also facilitating compact storage and easy transport due to its nested configuration.

Implementation Method 1

Placer deposit (potentially containing precious metals) is introduced to a hopper situated above the sluice box proximate to the elevated end... The water and placer deposit mixture flow into the sluice box and across the planar surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The water and placer deposit mixture flow into the sluice box and across the planar surface, with the riffles on the planar surface trapping heavier particles (such as precious metals) present in the placer deposit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity separation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

Water is also introduced into the hopper through a pump. The water and placer deposit mixture flow into the sluice box

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic action: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS12330168B2Nestable highbanker

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 HADDON CYLE

AI summary

A hopper assembly for accepting placer deposit and water for use with a highbanker includes a hopper and a cover. The hopper includes an intake surface for accepting the placer deposit, a hopper periphery portion extending along a periphery of the hopper, a water intake, and a window configured to allow the placer deposit and water to exit from the hopper. The water intake accepts water and is located within the hopper periphery portion. The cover includes a cover surface and a plurality of cover openings. The cover surface fits over the hopper periphery portion. The cover openings are formed on the cover surface. The cover surface and the hopper periphery portion define, at least in part, a hollow within which water from the water intake flows. The cover openings allow for water to exit the hollow and contact the placer deposit on the intake surface.