Robotic Stripping Means for Cathode Plate Metal Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stripping metal from cathode plates in electrochemical processes, such as electrowinning and electrorefining, face inefficiencies due to the need for manual handling and the challenge of separating metal sheets that are interconnected at the bottom edge, leading to potential damage to the cathode plates and suboptimal throughput.
Innovation Solution
The use of a robotic arm with stripping means, such as rollers or wedge-shaped portions, to separate the metal from the cathode plate, allowing for precise control and concentration of mechanical forces at the interconnecting points, enabling more effective separation and minimizing cathode plate damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling and traditional stripping methods are used, then the process is simpler in terms of device complexity, but the productivity and throughput are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm system performs stripping operations autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the positioning, insertion of stripping means, and removal of metal sheets, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robotic arm system that uses controlled mechanical motion. The robotic arm substitutes human operators while performing the same stripping function, improving throughput through consistent, repeatable automated cycles.
2Stability of the object's composition
If metal sheets are interconnected at the bottom edge, then the metal sheets remain stable during deposition, but the separation process becomes more difficult and may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm system applies stripping means at multiple locations on the metal sheets, including the interconnected bottom edge. By segmenting the separation process into multiple insertion points and applying force distribution, the system successfully separates interconnected sheets without causing damage to the cathode plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different stripping approaches to different locations on the metal sheets. The robotic arm positions stripping means specifically at the interconnected bottom edge where needed, while using different configurations for other areas, thereby separating sheets effectively without unnecessary damage.
3Productivity
If stripping means are positioned closer to the bottom of the cathode plate, then the separation is more effective, but the risk of damaging the cathode plate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm system carefully controls the insertion depth and positioning of stripping means near the bottom edge of the cathode plate. By applying counterbalancing forces and controlling the mechanical insertion process, the system achieves effective separation close to the bottom without exceeding the structural limits of the cathode plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm system performs preliminary positioning and assessment before inserting the stripping means. The system pre-positions the stripping means at the optimal location close to the bottom edge, ensuring accurate placement that maximizes separation efficiency while minimizing the risk of cathode plate damage through controlled, precise insertion.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for stripping metal from a cathode plate, the apparatus comprising stripping means adapted for positioning between the metal and the cathode plate in order to separate the metal from the cathode plate, and wherein movement of the stripping means is achieved through movement of a robotic arm.