Cylindrical Filter Panel Screen for Water Intake

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water intake filtration systems face issues such as clogging, fish mortality, and limited filtration efficacy due to debris and particle retention, particularly with thru-flow band screens, which restrict mesh openings and reduce treatment capacity.

Innovation Solution

A filtration device with a cylindrical or conical filter surface projecting from a frame-forming wall, featuring retaining members and a suction device that moves relative to the filter surface to increase filtration area and treat higher water flows without the drawbacks of prior systems, while protecting fish.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a movable filter member is used to clear debris periodically, then filtration function is restored, but fish are subjected to harmful impacts and mortality increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration functionVSAvoidfish mortality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of water jets on fish into a beneficial sorting mechanism. Fish are separated from debris during the washing phase, with debris being removed and fish returning to the water body, transforming a previously lethal process into a protective one

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary collection zone between the filter member and the water body where fish temporarily reside during the washing cycle. This intermediate space allows fish to be protected from direct water jet impacts while debris is removed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If mesh openings are reduced to increase filtration efficacy, then smaller particles are captured, but clogging occurs more frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficacyVSAvoidfiltration continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by continuously removing accumulated debris from the filter member surface during operation. The washing mechanism prevents complete clogging before it occurs, maintaining filtration efficacy over extended periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic washing cycles where the filter member is alternately subjected to filtration mode and cleaning mode. This periodic action removes accumulated debris regularly, preventing permanent clogging and maintaining continuous filtration productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Manufacturing precision

If a thru-flow band screen is used with small mesh openings, then filtration precision is improved, but the required clearance increases mesh opening size limitation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemesh opening sizeVSAvoidfiltration capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat filter surface to a three-dimensional cylindrical or conical filter surface. This dimensional change significantly increases the total filtration area and capacity while maintaining small mesh opening sizes, as the curved surface provides additional filtering perimeter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If the filtration surface area is increased to treat higher water flows, then treatment capacity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater treatment capacityVSAvoidfilter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs curved cylindrical or conical filter surfaces instead of flat panels. This curvature naturally increases the surface area within a compact footprint, enhancing water treatment capacity without proportionally increasing device complexity or space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

The solution enhances filtration capacity and reduces debris retention size, improving water treatment efficiency and fish survival rates by increasing the filtration surface area and using a counter-flow mechanism to remove debris effectively.

Implementation Method 1

at least one suction device which is disposed facing the retaining members... means for driving the filter member and/or said at least one suction device in a relative movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS9968872B2Cylindrical filter panel screen for a water intake

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 E BEAUDRY & CIE

AI summary

A device for filtering a stream of water in a channel (2), includes:a wall (6) adapted to be mounted in the channel and including a through-opening,a filter member (10) mounted on the wall opposite the through-opening and including a filter surface projecting relative to the wall, the filter surface having a larger area than would have a flat filter surface fitted in the through-opening, the filter member including retaining members face to face with the filter surface for retaining the bodies that do not pass through the surface,a suction device disposed facing the retaining members, andelements for driving the filter member and/or the suction device in a relative movement of one in relation to the other such that the suction device is successively brought face to face with each retaining member.