Removable Trap Classifier for Gold Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gold capturing devices have cumbersome trap systems that require significant time for cleaning and rinsing, diverting resources away from gold collection, and lack ease of use and visibility during operation.
Innovation Solution
A classifier device with a removable and easily maneuverable trap compartment made from transparent plastic and metal components, featuring a classification plate and fluidizing apertures, allowing for quick inspection and efficient collection of gold and heavy ores by separating materials based on density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the trap is made fixed and integrated into the classifier box, then the structural stability is improved, but the time required for cleaning and rinsing increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The trap is divided into a removable component that can be separated from the classifier box. This segmentation allows the trap to be easily removed for cleaning and rinsing, significantly reducing the time required while maintaining structural integrity when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The trap transitions from a fixed state during operation to a removable state for cleaning. This dynamic design allows the trap to be easily detached and reattached, providing operational flexibility without compromising structural stability during the classification process
2Productivity
If the trap is made removable for quick cleaning, then the operational efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trap is designed as a segmented, removable component with standardized connection interfaces. This segmentation enables quick removal and reattachment while maintaining simple construction, improving operational efficiency without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The removable trap design serves multiple functions: it enables quick cleaning, allows for easy inspection of collected materials, and facilitates maintenance. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing multiple operational benefits from a single design feature
3Illumination intensity
If transparent plastic material is used for the trap, then the visibility for inspection is improved, but the structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The trap utilizes transparent plastic sheets or panels that provide sufficient structural strength for its application while enabling visual inspection of the collected materials. The thin film structure achieves the desired transparency without compromising the trap's ability to contain and transport materials
4Ease of operation
If the trap is designed for quick removal and reinsertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the potential for misalignment or improper installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trap and classifier box are segmented with complementary connection interfaces that guide proper alignment during reinsertion. This segmentation with standardized interfaces simplifies the removal and reinsertion process while ensuring reliable and correct installation
Solution Approach 2:
Connection interfaces or guide structures act as intermediaries between the trap and classifier box during the removal and reinsertion process. These intermediaries ensure proper alignment and secure attachment, maintaining installation reliability while enabling ease of operation
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 quick removal, rinsing, and reinsertion of the trap, reducing operational time and improving gold collection efficiency while allowing for continuous operation and visual inspection of the collection process.
Implementation Method 1
Water from the lower deck traverses under relatively high pressure through the pipes of the trap, some of which exits the fluidizing apertures to mix with the smaller heavier materials to allow the heaviest materials to sink
Implementation Method 2
Smaller materials are allowed to drop through the classification plate into the trap
Data Source
AI summary
A classifier device for separating heavy materials from a stream of water and lighter materials includes an upper deck above lower deck, each deck having entrance and exit sides. The exit side of the lower deck terminates in a plurality of apertures. An exit plate is disposed adjacent the exit side of the upper deck and elevated relative thereto. A trap compartment is disposed below the exit plate and receives a removable trap that has an open top side and a plurality of pipes that each have at least one fluidizing aperture and that are aligned with one of the apertures of the lower deck. A classification plate is included between the exit side of the upper deck and the exit plate for directing the larger light materials up and over the exit plate back into the stream of water. Smaller materials drop through the classification plate into the trap.