Vacuum Nozzle Gemstone Sorting for Precision Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gemstone inspection systems face challenges in achieving accurate and reliable automated sorting due to uncertainties in gemstone trajectory and position, leading to compromised measurement resolution and increased complexity, especially when handling large volumes of stones.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a vacuum nozzle and transport mechanism to convey gemstones to measurement locations in a controlled manner, allowing for precise timing and positioning, with a control system ensuring predictable arrival times and a positive pressure application system for controlled release, enabling sequential measurement by multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a roller hopper or vibratory track is used to transport gemstones to the measurement device, then the throughput can be increased, but the trajectory control and positioning precision deteriorate due to uncontrolled launch velocity and release timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a vacuum nozzle system to pick up and transport individual gemstones. The vacuum pressure holds the gemstone securely on the nozzle during transport, and controlled release allows precise positioning at the measurement location. This pneumatic approach replaces mechanical transport methods that suffer from trajectory control issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts vacuum pressure levels to control gemstone handling. High vacuum pressure secures the gemstone during transport, while controlled reduction of vacuum pressure enables precise release timing. This parameter control allows both high throughput and accurate positioning.
2Reliability
If the measurement device is designed to accommodate trajectory variations, then the system complexity increases, but the measurement resolution is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum nozzle system establishes secure gemstone holding before transport begins. By pre-positioning the gemstone firmly on the nozzle using vacuum pressure, the system eliminates trajectory uncertainties during measurement, allowing high-resolution optical systems to be used without requiring complex accommodation mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple measurement devices are positioned around the measurement point to observe from different viewpoints, then comprehensive measurement is achieved, but device interference and spatial complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the time dimension to the measurement process by sequencing multiple measurement devices temporally rather than positioning them simultaneously in space. The vacuum nozzle transports gemstones through measurement stations in sequence, allowing each device to operate independently without spatial interference.
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 approach improves the accuracy and reliability of gemstone inspection by allowing controlled measurements and sorting, reducing overheads and enhancing throughput, while maintaining precision in optical and other property assessments.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum nozzle for picking up a gemstone from a supply of gemstones
Implementation Method 2
A positive pressure application system is provided for releasing the gemstone from the nozzle
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described an apparatus and method for inspecting and optionally sorting gemstones. The apparatus includes a nozzle or array of nozzles operatively connected to a vacuum pump such that a gemstone located generally underneath one of the nozzles will be supported against that nozzle by air pressure when a vacuum is applied above the nozzle. A drive system moves the nozzles along a path past a gemstone pick-up location so that a gemstone can be picked up by each nozzle as that nozzle passes the pick-up location. One or more measurement devices are located on or near the predetermined path and configured to measure at least one property of the gemstone. One or more ejection locations are provided on the path at which the vacuum applied to each nozzle is reversible to eject the gemstone from that nozzle. The apparatus may also include a plurality of dispensing bins into which the gemstones are dispensed. The bin into which each gemstone is dispensed is chosen in dependence on the measured property.