Nested Classifier Screens in Portable Prospecting Bucket

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing prospecting and classifying devices are cumbersome to assemble and transport, lacking a compact and convenient solution for carrying and storing multiple pieces of equipment, which hinders efficient mineral exploration and classification.

Innovation Solution

A portable self-contained apparatus comprising a bucket with nested classifier screens and a supporting frame, allowing easy transportation and storage, featuring a bucket with notches for secure attachment of support bars and a screen handle for lifting, enabling sequential classification and separation of mineral materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple separate prospecting tools are used for classification and separation, then the classification function is achieved, but the equipment becomes cumbersome to assemble and transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of carrying and assembling equipmentVSAvoidnumber of separate equipment pieces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple prospecting tools (bucket, classifier screens, support bars, handles) into a single integrated apparatus. The screens are positioned within the bucket and supported by bars that attach to the bucket, creating one unified device that performs both containment and classification functions, thereby eliminating the need to carry and assemble multiple separate tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The classifier screens are nested within the bucket, with multiple screens stacked vertically. The support bars are positioned to hold the screens in place within the bucket interior. This nested arrangement allows all components to be stored compactly within the bucket volume, making the entire apparatus portable and easy to transport as a single unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate prospecting tools are used for classification and separation, then the classification function is achieved, but transportation to multiple locations becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveportability to multiple locationsVSAvoidnumber of separate equipment pieces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple prospecting tools (bucket, classifier screens, support bars, handles) into a single integrated apparatus. The screens are positioned within the bucket and supported by bars that attach to the bucket, creating one unified device that performs both containment and classification functions, thereby eliminating the need to carry and assemble multiple separate tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The classifier screens are nested within the bucket, with multiple screens stacked vertically. The support bars are positioned to hold the screens in place within the bucket interior. This nested arrangement allows all components to be stored compactly within the bucket volume, making the entire apparatus portable and easy to transport as a single unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If multiple separate prospecting tools are used for classification and separation, then the classification function is achieved, but storage and transportation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclassification and separation efficiencyVSAvoidequipment storage and transport volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The classifier screens are nested within the bucket, with multiple screens stacked vertically. The support bars are positioned to hold the screens in place within the bucket interior. This nested arrangement allows all components to be stored compactly within the bucket volume, making the entire apparatus portable and easy to transport as a single unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension within the bucket by stacking multiple classifier screens vertically at different heights. The support bars extend vertically to hold each screen at its designated level. This vertical arrangement maximizes the use of available space within the bucket, allowing multiple classification stages to be accommodated without increasing the horizontal footprint or overall volume of the apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10010910B1Portable prospecting and classifying self-contained apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.07.03 STOVER RICKY DEAN

AI summary

The invention is a portable prospecting and classifying self-contained apparatus having a bucket, a supporting classifier screen and a supported classifier screen setting freely within the bucket, having a bucket handle and a bucket lid closing securely over the bucket. The supported classifier screen has a screen mesh and a screen handle, allowing the user to lift the supported classifier screen from the bucket. The supporting classifier screen has a screen mesh which may be of a finer mesh than the supported screen mesh and a supporting classifier frame. A prospector uses the portable prospecting and classifying self-contained apparatus invention by scooping or pouring mineral material into the bucket with an earth digging scoop or gold pan. The supported classifier screen and the supporting classifier screen are adapted to classify and separate mineral material from coarse to finer grain material when poured into the bucket.