Polycrystalline Silicon Separation Device With Dynamic Sieve Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing separation devices for polysilicon, such as bar sieves, tend to clog when separating fine particles, leading to inconsistent separation accuracy and requiring frequent cleaning, which results in system downtime and yield loss during crystal pulling.

Innovation Solution

A separation device with a sieve plate featuring a profiled area with peaks and depressions, sieve openings that expand in the direction of the removal area, and a horizontally and vertically displaceable separating plate below the sieve openings, allowing for adjustable sieve opening size and preventing clogging by guiding small particles through widening openings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bar screens are used for fine particle separation, then separation function is provided, but clogging occurs and separation accuracy becomes inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation accuracy consistencyVSAvoidclogging
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the sieve plate movable rather than stationary. The sieve plate can oscillate or move in the direction of material flow, preventing particles from accumulating and clogging the sieve openings. This dynamic motion maintains consistent separation accuracy by continuously clearing potential blockages while preserving the fine particle separation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through oscillating or reciprocating motion of the sieve plate. This periodic movement creates cycles of screening and self-cleaning, where the sieve plate periodically shifts to dislodge accumulated particles. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining separation accuracy through regular clearing actions without requiring continuous manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If bar screens are used for fine particle separation, then separation function is provided, but frequent cleaning is required causing system downtime

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidcleaning downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing the sieve plate to automatically clean itself through its own motion. The oscillating or moving sieve plate generates forces that prevent particle accumulation and facilitate self-cleaning during operation. This eliminates the need for external cleaning systems and manual intervention, maintaining productivity by preventing downtime without adding complex cleaning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by designing the sieve plate motion to continuously perform both separation and self-cleaning functions during operation. The periodic oscillation maintains constant screening activity while simultaneously preventing clogging, eliminating idle cleaning periods and ensuring uninterrupted productivity throughout the separation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If sieve openings are small for fine separation, then separation precision is improved, but clogging increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation precisionVSAvoidclogging
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by making the sieve plate dynamic rather than static. Small sieve openings maintain high separation precision for fine particles, while the oscillating motion of the sieve plate prevents particle accumulation and clogging. The dynamic action allows small openings to function effectively without the static clogging problems that would otherwise occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies mechanical vibration through oscillating the sieve plate during operation. This vibration prevents particles from adhering to and blocking the small sieve openings, allowing fine separation precision to be maintained without clogging. The vibrational motion keeps the sieve openings clear while preserving the ability to separate fine particles accurately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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

This design ensures consistent and complete separation of small silicon particles and dust, reducing clogging and the need for frequent cleaning, thereby improving separation accuracy and maintaining continuous operation.

Implementation Method 1

a separation device for polysilicon with at least one sieve plate (1), comprising a feed area (2) for polysilicon, a profiled area (3) with peaks (32) and depressions (31), an area (4) adjoining the profiled area with sieve openings (41), and a discharge area (5), wherein the sieve openings (41) widen in the direction of the discharge area (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3554723B1Separating device for polycrystalline silicon
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 SILTRONIC AG
  • EP3554723B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3554723B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a separating device for polycrystalline silicon having at least one screen plate (1), comprising a feed region (2) for polycrystalline silicon, a profiled region (3) with tips (32) and wells (31), a region (4) which adjoins the profiled region (3) and has screen openings (41), and a removal region (5), the screen openings (41) expanding in the direction of said removal region (5), as well as a separating plate (7) which is arranged beneath the screen openings and can be displaced horizontally and vertically.