Frame screen for the air intake section of the machine

Abstract

A screen for an air intake portion of a machine is provided. The screen includes an assembly of screen members forming a plurality of screen units, wherein at least a portion of the screen units define an irregular configuration.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Polish patent application number P.436409 filed on December 21, 2020. Technical Field

[0003] The present subject matter relates generally to air intake portions of machines, and more particularly to foreign object damage (FOD) protection screens for air intake portions of turbines and other machinery. Background Art

[0004] Foreign Object Damage (FOD) protection screens are used to protect machines from foreign objects or ice being ingested into the machine. For example, aircraft and aircraft engine icing is a long-standing problem that must be addressed in most aircraft applications. FOD protection is required to prevent break-off damage, inlet airflow distortion, and inlet airflow blockage. However, more common structures and materials with protection screens result in aerodynamic losses that can affect machine performance.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to protect the machine from foreign object damage while reducing aerodynamic losses. Summary of the invention

[0006] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the disclosure.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a screen for an air intake portion of a machine is provided. The screen includes an assembly of screen members forming a plurality of screen units, wherein at least a portion of the screen units define an irregular configuration.

[0008] In certain exemplary embodiments, the screen includes a barrier screen member extending into a cavity of at least one screen unit.

[0009] In certain exemplary embodiments, the barrier screen member terminates at an open end, and wherein the open end does not contact any portion of the screen unit.

[0010] In certain exemplary embodiments, the barrier screen member extends orthogonally to a portion of the screen unit.

[0011] In certain exemplary embodiments, the barrier screen member extends obliquely toward a portion of the screen unit.

[0012] In certain exemplary embodiments, the plurality of screen units include a staggered and alternating arrangement of the plurality of barrier screen members.

[0013] In certain exemplary embodiments, each screen unit defines an irregular configuration.

[0014] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a screen for an air intake portion of a machine is provided. The screen includes a modified mesh geometry of a screen member forming a plurality of screen units; and a barrier screen member extending into a cavity of each screen unit.

[0015] In certain exemplary embodiments, each barrier screen member terminates in an open end, and wherein the open end of each barrier screen member does not contact any portion of the screen unit.

[0016] In certain exemplary embodiments, at least one barrier screen member extends orthogonally to a portion of the screen unit.

[0017] In certain exemplary embodiments, at least one barrier screen member extends obliquely toward a portion of the screen unit.

[0018] In certain exemplary embodiments, the plurality of screen units include a staggered and alternating arrangement of barrier screen components.

[0019] In certain exemplary embodiments, each screen unit includes a second barrier screen member extending into the cavity of the screen unit and terminating at a second open end, and wherein the second open end of each second barrier screen member does not contact any portion of the screen unit.

[0020] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method for forming a screen for an air intake portion of a machine is provided. The method includes forming an assembly of a screen member, the screen member forming a plurality of screen units; and eliminating a portion of the screen in each screen unit.

[0021] In certain exemplary aspects, each screen unit of the portion of the removed screen extends into the cavity of the screen unit and terminates at an open end, and wherein the open end of each screen unit of the portion of the removed screen does not contact any portion of the screen unit.

[0022] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] This specification sets forth a complete and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, to one of ordinary skill in the art, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary machine having a screen according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2is a side view of a screen having a barrier screen member or screen unit including a portion of the screen removed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 3 is a side view of a screen having a plurality of barrier screen members or a screen unit including a portion of the screen removed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 4 is a side view of a screen having first and second barrier screen members or screen units including portions of the screen removed according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 5 is a side view of a screen having a barrier screen member or screen unit including a portion of the screen removed according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 6 is a side view of the screen showing the eliminated portion of the screen.

[0030] Figure 7 is a side view of a screen having first and second barrier screen members or screen units including portions of the screen removed according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 8 is a side view of a screen according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 9 is a side view of a screen having first and second barrier screen members or screen units including portions of the screen removed according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Fig.10 is a side view of a screen having first and second barrier screen members or screen units including portions of the screen removed according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.The exemplifications set forth herein illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and such exemplifications should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Similar or similar designations in the drawings and the specification are used to refer to similar or similar parts of the present invention.

[0036] The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the described embodiments contemplated for implementing the present invention. However, various modifications, equivalents, variations, and substitutes will still be apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all of these modifications, variations, equivalents, and substitutes are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0037] For the purpose of the description hereinafter, the terms "above", "below", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal" and their derivatives shall relate to the present invention as it is oriented in the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the present invention may assume various alternative variations unless otherwise expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting.

[0038] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the position or importance of a single component.

[0039] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to relative directions relative to the flow of a fluid in a fluid path. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid is flowing, and "downstream" refers to the direction toward which the fluid is flowing.

[0040] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0041] Approximate language used in this specification and claims is used to modify any quantitative representation that can be permitted to vary without resulting in a change in the basic function associated therewith. Therefore, values ​​modified by one or more terms, such as "approximately", "approximately", and "substantially", are not limited to the precise values ​​specified. In at least some instances, approximate language may correspond to the accuracy of an instrument used to measure a value, or the accuracy of a method or machine used to construct or manufacture a component and / or system. For example, approximate language may refer to within a margin of 10%. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations are combined and interchanged, and these ranges are identified and include all subranges contained therein unless the context or language indicates otherwise.

[0042] Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations are combined and interchanged, and these ranges are identified and include all sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein include the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a screen for an air intake portion of a machine includes an assembly of screen members forming a plurality of screen units, and at least a portion of the screen units define an irregular configuration.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a screen for an air intake portion of a machine includes an assembly of screen members forming a plurality of screen units and a barrier screen member extending into the cavity of each screen unit. Each barrier screen member terminates at an open end, and the open end of each barrier screen member does not contact any portion of the screen unit. In this way, the screen of the present disclosure eliminates portions of the screen member to reduce aerodynamic losses while maintaining the same foreign object protection. In addition, the screen of the present disclosure also reduces the overall weight of the screen.

[0045] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout, Figure 1 is a perspective view of an engine 12, which includes at least one screen 50 arranged in a screen assembly 38 so that the plurality of screens 50 each cover an air intake inlet 34. In an exemplary embodiment, the engine 12 may include a propeller assembly 14, an exhaust 22, and a mounting block 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the engine 12 is a turboprop aircraft engine. In other embodiments, the engine 12 may be configured for marine and industrial applications. Additionally, or alternatively, aspects of the present disclosure may be incorporated into any other suitable gas turbine engine, such as a turboshaft engine, a turboprop engine, a turbojet engine, an open rotor or non-ducted turbofan engine, a land-based gas turbine engine for power generation, an aero-derivative gas turbine engine, and the like. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the screens of the present disclosure may be compatible with any air intake portion of a machine.

[0046] Figure 2-5 An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 and 3 , showing an air intake portion for a machine (e.g., an air intake inlet 34 ( Figure 1 )) of the first configuration of the screen 100.

[0047] refer to Figure 2 and 3 In the exemplary embodiment, screen 100 includes an assembly of screen components 102 forming a plurality of screen units 104, and each screen unit 104 includes a portion of the screen removed as described herein.

[0048] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a screen 100 for an air intake portion 34 of a machine 12 includes an assembly of screen members 102 forming a plurality of screen units 104, and at least a portion of the screen units define an irregular configuration. As used herein, the term "irregular configuration" with respect to the screen units refers to an irregular configuration of the screen members, an irregular cavity formed by the screen members, and / or an irregular space defined or bounded by the screen members. As used herein, the term "irregular configuration" with respect to the screen units may refer to an irregular configuration of the screen members, an irregular cavity formed by the screen members, and / or an irregular space defined or bounded by the screen members. Figure 5 The asymmetric configuration defined by the screen unit 104. In some exemplary embodiments, the screen unit defining the irregular configuration includes four (4) or more components. For example, Figure 3 and 4 An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown wherein each screen unit 104 includes six (6) components. Figure 5 An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown wherein screen unit 104 includes five (5) components. Figure 7 An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown wherein plurality of screen units 104 includes eight (8) members. Fig. 9 and 10 An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown wherein screen unit 104 includes five (5) components.

[0049] In the exemplary embodiments, the term "irregular configuration" means a shape that is not a triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, or hexagon (e.g., Figure 4 , or a non-square cavity having four sides, wherein the barrier screen member 106 extends to Figure 5 In some exemplary embodiments, the irregular configuration or shape may be considered to refer to at least one cantilever member 106 extending between members forming the perimeter or outer wall of the cavity 108.

[0050] refer to Figure 2 and 3 In the exemplary embodiment, screen 100 includes an assembly of screen members 102 forming a plurality of screen units 104 and a barrier screen member or cantilever member 106 extending into a cavity 108 of each screen unit 104. Additionally, each screen unit 104 of which a portion of the screen has been removed extends into cavity 108 of screen unit 104 and terminates at an open end 110.

[0051] In one exemplary embodiment, the assembly of screen members 102 includes an improved mesh geometry that forms a plurality of screen units 104. For example, each barrier screen member 106 terminates at an open end 110, and the open end 110 of each barrier screen member 106 does not contact any portion of the screen unit 104. In this manner, the screen 100 of the present disclosure eliminates portions of the screen member to reduce aerodynamic losses while maintaining the same foreign object protection. For example, referring to Figure 6 , the sieve 100 ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) eliminates a portion 200 of the screen member. In one exemplary embodiment, one screen member 200 is eliminated in each screen unit 104. In another exemplary embodiment, two screen members 200 are eliminated in each screen unit 104. In yet another exemplary embodiment, three screen members 200 are eliminated in each screen unit 104. In addition, the screen 100 of the present disclosure also reduces the overall weight of the screen 100.

[0052] refer to Figure 2 and 3 In one exemplary embodiment, at least one of barrier screen members 106 or at least one of screen units 104 from which a portion of the screen has been removed extends orthogonally to a portion of screen unit 104. Figure 2 , at least one screen unit 104 with a barrier screen member 106 or a portion of the screen removed can extend orthogonally any distance within the cavity 108 of the screen unit 104. In this manner, the screen 100 of the present disclosure is able to maintain the same level of FOD protection as conventional screens. For example, referring to Figure 2 , the screen 100 of the present disclosure is capable of preventing foreign matter 202 from passing through the screen unit 104 of the screen 100. The further the barrier screen member 106 extends within the cavity 108 of the screen unit 104, the smaller the foreign matter 202 that can be prevented from passing through the screen 100.

[0053] refer to Figure 5 In another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the barrier screen members 106 or at least one of the screen units 104 from which a portion of the screen has been removed extends obliquely to a portion of the screen unit 104. Figure 5 , at least one of the screen units 104 with the barrier screen member 106 or a portion of the screen removed may extend diagonally any distance within the cavity 108 of the screen unit 104. In this manner, the screen 100 of the present disclosure is able to maintain the same level of FOD protection as conventional screens. For example, the screen 100 of the present disclosure is able to prevent foreign matter 202 ( Figure 2 ) through the screen unit 104 of the screen 100. The further the barrier screen member 106 extends within the cavity 108 of the screen unit 104, the smaller the foreign matter 202 that can be prevented from flowing through the screen 100.

[0054] refer to Figure 3 In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of screen units 104 include a staggered and alternating arrangement of at least one of the barrier screen members 106 or the portion of the screen that has been removed. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the improved grid geometry of the screen 100 of the present disclosure may include a staggered and alternating arrangement of at least one of the barrier screen members 106 or the portion of the screen that has been removed, the barrier screen members 106 or the portion of the screen that has been removed at least one of the screen units 104 extending orthogonally to a portion of some of the screen units 104, and the barrier screen members 106 or the portion of the screen that has been removed at least one of the screen units 104 extending obliquely to a portion of some of the screen units 104.

[0055] refer to Figure 4 In another exemplary embodiment, each barrier unit 104 includes a second barrier screen member 120 that extends into cavity 108 of screen unit 104 and terminates at a second open end 122. Second open end 122 of each second barrier screen member 120 does not contact any portion of screen unit 104. Additionally, each screen unit 104 includes a first portion of removed screen and a second portion of removed screen.

[0056] refer to Figure 2-5 In the exemplary embodiment, screen 100 includes an assembly of screen components 102 that form a plurality of screen cells 104 in a rectangular configuration. Figure 7-10 In other exemplary embodiments, screen 100 includes an assembly of screen members 102 that form a plurality of screen cells 104 in a triangular, oblique, diamond, parallelogram, quadrilateral, or other configuration. Figure 2-5 7-10, the screen 100 of the present disclosure includes an assembly of screen components 102 forming a plurality of screen units 104 in an asymmetrical configuration. Figure 2-5 7-10, the screen 100 of the present disclosure includes an assembly of a screen member 102 that forms a plurality of screen units 104 using a continuous material.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the screen 100 of the present disclosure can be formed of any material having suitable rigidity to provide FOD protection. For example, although other materials can be envisioned, the screen 100 contemplated by the present disclosure can be formed of metal, wood, plastic, carbon fiber or other suitable materials.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the screen 100 of the present disclosure may be formed using precision casting, advanced machining, or other conventional manufacturing machines or methods. In an exemplary embodiment, the screen 100 of the present disclosure is formed using an additive manufacturing machine or method. As described in detail below, an exemplary embodiment of the formation of the screen 100 of the present disclosure may include the use of an additive manufacturing machine or method. As used herein, the term "additive manufacturing" or "additive manufacturing technology or process" generally refers to a manufacturing process in which successive layers of material are provided to each other to "build up" a three-dimensional component layer by layer. Successive layers are typically melted together to form a one-piece component that may have various integral sub-components.

[0059] While the additive manufacturing techniques described herein enable the manufacture of complex objects by building up the object point by point, layer by layer, particularly in the vertical direction, other methods of manufacture are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter. For example, while the discussion herein relates to the addition of material to form successive layers, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the methods and structures disclosed herein may be implemented using any additive manufacturing technique or manufacturing technology. For example, embodiments of the present invention may use a layer additive process, a layer subtractive process, or a hybrid process.

[0060] Suitable additive manufacturing techniques according to the present disclosure include, for example, fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), 3D printing (e.g., by inkjet and laser jetting), stereolithography (SLA), direct selective laser sintering (DSLS), electron beam sintering (EBS), electron beam melting (EBM), laser engineered net shaping (LENS), laser net shape manufacturing (LNSM), direct metal deposition (DMD), digital light processing (DLP), direct selective laser melting (DSLM), selective laser melting (SLM), direct metal laser melting (DMLM), and other known processes.

[0061] In addition to using a direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) or direct metal laser melting (DMLM) process in which an energy source is used to selectively sinter or melt portions of a powder layer, it should be understood that, according to an optional embodiment, the additive manufacturing process can be a "binder jetting" process. In this regard, binder jetting includes continuously depositing layers of additive powder in a manner similar to that described above. However, rather than using an energy source to produce an energy beam to selectively melt or fuse the additive powder, binder jetting includes selectively depositing a liquid binder onto each layer of powder. The liquid binder can be, for example, a photocurable polymer or other liquid binder. Other suitable additive manufacturing methods and variations are intended to be within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0062] The additive manufacturing processes described herein may be used to form the screen 100 of the present disclosure using any suitable material. For example, the material may be a plastic, a metal, a concrete, a ceramic, a polymer, an epoxy resin, a photopolymer resin, or any other suitable material that may be in a solid, liquid, powder, sheet, wire, or any other suitable form. More specifically, according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter, the additively manufactured components described herein may be formed in part, in whole, or in the form of, but not limited to, pure metals, nickel alloys, chromium alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, magnesium, magnesium alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, iron, iron alloys, stainless steel, and nickel or cobalt-based superalloys (e.g., the materials provided by Special Metals Corporation at The invention is formed by a combination of materials (those under the names of ) that are suitable for use in the additive manufacturing processes described herein. These materials are examples of materials suitable for use in the additive manufacturing processes described herein and may generally be referred to as "additive materials".

[0063] In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of materials and methods for bonding those materials may be used, and these materials and methods are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. As used herein, reference to "melting" may refer to any suitable process for producing a bonding layer of any of the above materials. For example, if the object is made of a polymer, melting may refer to producing a thermosetting bond between the polymer materials. If the object is an epoxy resin, the bond may be formed by a cross-linking process. If the material is a ceramic, the bond may be formed by a sintering process. If the material is a powdered metal, the bond may be formed by a melting or sintering process. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other methods of manufacturing parts by additive manufacturing of molten materials are possible, and the subject matter of the present disclosure may be implemented using these methods.

[0064] In addition, the additive manufacturing process disclosed herein allows the screen 100 to be formed by a variety of materials. Therefore, the components described herein can be formed by any suitable mixture of the above-mentioned materials. For example, the components can include multiple layers, segments or parts formed using different materials, processes and / or on different additive manufacturing machines. In this way, components with different materials and material properties can be constructed to meet the needs of any specific application. In addition, although the components described herein can be constructed entirely by additive manufacturing processes, it should be understood that in optional embodiments, all or part of these components can be formed by casting, machining and / or any other suitable manufacturing process. In fact, any suitable combination of materials and manufacturing methods can be used to form these components.

[0065] An exemplary additive manufacturing process will now be described. The additive manufacturing process uses three-dimensional (3D) information (e.g., a three-dimensional computer model) of the screen 100 of the present disclosure to manufacture a component. Therefore, the three-dimensional design model of the component can be defined before manufacturing. In this regard, a model or prototype of the component can be scanned to determine the three-dimensional information of the component. As another example, the screen 100 of the present disclosure can be constructed using a suitable computer-aided design (CAD) program to define the three-dimensional design model of the component.

[0066] The design model can include the three-dimensional numerical coordinates of the entire structure of the screen 100 of the present disclosure, which includes the outer surface and inner surface of the component. For example, the design model can define the main body, surface and / or internal passages, such as openings, support structures, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the three-dimensional design model is converted into multiple slices or segments, for example, along the center (e.g., vertical) axis of the component or any other suitable axis. Each slice can define the thin cross section of the component for the predetermined height of the slice. Multiple continuous cross-sectional slices form 3D components together. Then, the components are "stacked" piece by piece or layer by layer until completion.

[0067] In this way, the sieve 100 of the present disclosure described herein can be manufactured using an additive process, or more specifically, each layer can be formed continuously, such as by melting or polymerizing plastic using laser energy or heat, or by sintering or melting metal powder. For example, a specific type of additive manufacturing process can use an energy beam, such as an electron beam or electromagnetic radiation, such as a laser beam, to sinter or melt powdered materials. Any suitable laser and laser parameters can be used, including considerations about power, laser beam spot size, and scanning speed. The build material can be formed of any suitable powder or material to enhance strength, durability, and service life, especially at high temperatures.

[0068] While the thickness can be selected based on any number of parameters and can be any suitable dimension according to alternative embodiments, each successive layer can be, for example, between about 10 μm and 200 μm. Thus, utilizing the above-described additive forming methods, the components described herein can have a cross-section as thin as one thickness (e.g., 10 μm) of the associated powder layer used during the additive forming process.

[0069] In addition, using additive processes, the surface finish and characteristics of the screen 100 of the present disclosure can be varied as desired depending on the application. For example, the surface finish can be adjusted (e.g., made smoother or rougher) by selecting appropriate laser scanning parameters (e.g., laser power, scanning speed, laser focus spot size, etc.) during the additive process, especially in the periphery of the cross-sectional layer corresponding to the surface of the component. For example, a rougher finish can be achieved by increasing the laser scanning speed or reducing the size of the formed molten pool, and a smoother finish can be achieved by reducing the laser scanning speed or increasing the size of the formed molten pool. The scanning pattern and / or laser power can also be changed to change the surface finish in a selected area.

[0070] After completing the manufacture of the screen 100 of the present disclosure, various post-processing steps can be applied to the components. For example, the post-processing steps can include removing excess powder by, for example, blowing or vacuuming. Other post-processing steps can include stress relief treatments. In addition, thermal post-processing, mechanical post-processing, and / or chemical post-processing steps can be used to complete the parts to achieve the desired strength, surface finish, and other component properties or characteristics.

[0071] While the present disclosure is not limited to generally using additive manufacturing to form the screen 100 of the present disclosure, additive manufacturing provides a variety of manufacturing advantages, including ease of manufacturing, reduced costs, greater precision, and the like.

[0072] In addition, the above-mentioned additive manufacturing method can form more complex and complicated shapes and contours of the screen 100 described herein with very high accuracy. For example, such a component can include a thin additive manufacturing layer, a cross-sectional feature, and a component profile. In addition, the additive manufacturing process enables the manufacture of a screen 100 with different materials, so that different parts of the component can exhibit different performance characteristics. The continuous, additional nature of the manufacturing process enables the construction of these novel features. As a result, the screen 100 of the present disclosure formed using the method described herein can exhibit improved performance and reliability.

[0073] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method for forming a screen for an air intake portion of a machine is provided. The method includes forming an assembly of a screen member, the screen member forming a plurality of screen units; and eliminating a portion of the screen within each screen unit.

[0074] In certain exemplary aspects, the open end of each barrier screen member does not contact any portion of the screen unit.

[0075] Further aspects of the invention are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0076] 1. A screen for an air intake portion of a machine, the screen comprising: an assembly of screen members forming a plurality of screen units; wherein at least a portion of the screen units define an irregular configuration.

[0077] 2. A screen as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the screen comprises a barrier screen member extending into the cavity of at least one of the screen units.

[0078] 3. A screen as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the barrier screen member terminates at an open end, and wherein the open end does not contact any part of the screen unit.

[0079] 4. A screen as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses wherein the barrier screen member extends orthogonally to a portion of the screen unit.

[0080] 5. A screen as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses wherein the barrier screen member extends obliquely to a portion of the screen unit.

[0081] 6. A screen as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses wherein the plurality of screen units comprises a staggered and alternating arrangement of a plurality of barrier screen members.

[0082] 7. A screen as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses wherein each screen unit defines an irregular configuration.

[0083] 8. A screen for an air intake portion of a machine, the screen comprising: an improved mesh geometry of a screen member forming a plurality of screen cells; and a barrier screen member extending into a cavity of each screen cell.

[0084] 9. A screen as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses wherein each said barrier screen member terminates at an open end and wherein the open end of each said barrier screen member does not contact any part of the screen unit.

[0085] 10. A screen as claimed in any preceding clause wherein at least one of the barrier screen members extends orthogonally to a portion of the screen unit.

[0086] 11. A screen as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses wherein at least one of the barrier screen members extends obliquely to a portion of the screen unit.

[0087] 12. A screen as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses wherein the plurality of screen units comprises a staggered and alternating arrangement of barrier screen members.

[0088] 13. A screen according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein each of the screen units includes a second barrier screen member extending into the cavity of the screen unit and terminating at a second open end, and wherein the second open end of each of the second barrier screen members does not contact any portion of the screen unit.

[0089] 14. A method for forming a screen for an air intake portion of a machine, the method comprising: forming an assembly of screen members forming a plurality of screen units; and eliminating a portion of the screen in each screen unit.

[0090] 15. A method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein each screen unit of a portion of the removed screen extends into the cavity of the screen unit and terminates at an open end, and wherein the open end of each screen unit of a portion of the removed screen does not contact any part of the screen unit.

[0091] This written description uses examples to disclose aspects of the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable those skilled in the art to practice aspects of the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any combined methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims.

[0092] Although the present disclosure has been described as having an exemplary design, the present disclosure may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present application is intended to cover any variation, use or adaptation of the present disclosure using its general principles. In addition, the present application is intended to cover deviations from the present disclosure that are known practices or conventional practices in the art to which the present disclosure belongs and fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A screen for an air intake portion of an engine, characterized in that: The sieve comprises: an assembly of screen members forming a plurality of screen units; wherein at least a portion of the screen unit defines an irregular configuration, and wherein the screen unit covers an intake portion of the engine; The screen unit includes a first screen unit and a second screen unit, wherein the screen includes a barrier screen member including a first open end and a second open end, and wherein the first open end extends into a cavity of the first screen unit and the second open end extends into a cavity of the second screen unit.

2. The sieve according to claim 1, characterized in that Wherein the first open end does not contact any portion of the first sieve unit and the second open end does not contact any portion of the second sieve unit.

3. The sieve according to claim 2, characterized in that The barrier screen member extends orthogonally to a portion of the first screen unit and the second screen unit.

4. The sieve according to claim 2, characterized in that The barrier screen member extends obliquely toward a portion of the screen unit.

5. The sieve according to claim 2, characterized in that The plurality of screen units include a staggered and alternating arrangement of a plurality of barrier screen members.

6. The sieve according to claim 2, characterized in that Each of the screen units defines an irregular configuration.

7. A screen for an air intake portion of an engine, characterized in that: The sieve comprises: Improved mesh geometry of a screen member forming a plurality of screen cells; and a barrier screen member extending into a cavity of each of the screen units, and wherein the screen units cover an air intake portion of the engine; the screen units comprising a first screen unit and a second screen unit, wherein the barrier screen member comprises a first open end and a second open end, and wherein the first open end extends into the cavity of the first screen unit and the second open end extends into the cavity of the second screen unit.

8. The sieve according to claim 7, characterized in that Wherein the first open end does not contact any portion of the first sieve unit and the second open end does not contact any portion of the second sieve unit.

9. The sieve according to claim 7, characterized in that The plurality of screen units include a staggered and alternating arrangement of barrier screen components.

10. The sieve according to claim 7, characterized in that Each of the screen units includes a second barrier screen member extending into the cavity of the screen unit and terminating at a second open end, and wherein the second open end of each of the second barrier screen members does not contact any portion of the screen unit.

11. A method for forming a screen for an air intake portion of an engine, characterized in that The method comprises: forming an assembly of a screen member forming a plurality of screen units, wherein the screen units cover an air intake portion of the engine; and A portion of the screen in each of the screen units is eliminated.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that Each of the screen units from which a portion of the screen has been removed extends into a cavity of the screen unit and terminates at an open end, and wherein the open end of each of the screen units from which a portion of the screen has been removed does not contact any portion of the screen unit.

Images