Modular Mini Jig for Fine Gold Separation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gold mining technologies, such as sluice boxes and gold pans, are inefficient in capturing fine gold particles due to their inability to separate materials by both size and specific gravity effectively.

Innovation Solution

A modular, multi-configuration mini mining jig system that separates materials by size and specific gravity, allowing for efficient capture of fine gold particles. The system consists of a portable, lightweight device that can be configured into various stages and arrangements using common components and household tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional gold mining methods (sluice boxes, gold pans) are used, then the equipment is simple and easy to operate, but the efficiency of capturing fine gold particles is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of capturing fine goldVSAvoidcomplexity of mining equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mining system is divided into multiple independent jig cells that can operate simultaneously, each capable of processing material separately. This segmentation increases overall processing capacity and efficiency while maintaining the simplicity of individual cell design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The jig cells are designed with universal components that can be used across multiple cells, and the system can be configured in different arrangements (single-stage, multi-stage, duplex, simplex) to handle various processing needs, from fine gold recovery to bulk material handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If single-stage jig configuration is used, then the device is simple and compact, but the throughput capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethroughput capacityVSAvoidnumber of stages and configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system can be divided into multiple independent jig cells arranged in stages, with each stage processing material separately. This allows throughput capacity to be increased by adding parallel processing stages while maintaining the simplicity of individual cell operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a single-stage vertical arrangement to multi-stage horizontal arrangements, adding a dimensional aspect to processing capacity. Multiple stages can be arranged in series or parallel, enabling scalable throughput without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If modular multi-configuration system is assembled, then the productivity and throughput are increased, but the assembly complexity and time required increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethroughput and efficiencyVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into standardized modular jig cells that can be independently assembled and configured. This segmentation allows for rapid assembly by simply connecting standardized modules rather than building from scratch, reducing assembly time while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Standardized universal components and connection mechanisms are used across all jig cells, allowing the same parts to be used in multiple configurations. This universality simplifies assembly procedures and reduces the time required to reconfigure or expand the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If multiple jig cells are used to increase capacity, then the throughput is improved, but the device becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethroughput capacityVSAvoidnumber of components and configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple jig cells are merged into a single integrated system with shared components such as common power supplies, control systems, and material handling mechanisms. This merging approach increases throughput capacity while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity through resource sharing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The jig cells are designed with universal, interchangeable components that can be used across different cells and configurations. This standardization allows multiple cells to be added to increase capacity without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same standardized parts are reused throughout the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 mini jig system effectively captures fine gold particles by utilizing a duplex drive system and multiple stages, increasing throughput and efficiency compared to traditional gold mining methods. It is portable, easy to assemble, and can be used in remote environments.

Implementation Method 1

separates materials by size and specific gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpecific gravity separation: Density Gradient

Implementation Method 2

separates material by size or by weight

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSedimentation: Sedimentation

Data Source

PatentUS12296346B2Multi-configuration mini jig
Publication Date: 2025.05.13 WOOD SIDNEY A
  • US12296346B2 patent drawing
  • US12296346B2 patent drawing
  • US12296346B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A portable, modular mini mining jig can be configured as a single-stage jig with one or multiple jig cells, or as a multistage jig with one or multiple jig cells per stage. Due to the modular nature of the mini jig components, any number of jig cells and stages are possible. Adding jig cells and stages increases the throughput and capacity of the system, which increases efficiency.