Dual-Side Traversing Screen Filtration System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional water filtration systems face issues with debris accumulation on screens, leading to reduced water flow and the need for system shutdowns or excessive water usage for cleaning.

Innovation Solution

A dual-side cleaning and traversing screen filtration system with top and bottom nozzles that simultaneously spray and clean both sides of the screen, allowing for continuous operation without backwash mode and utilizing reused water.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If high pressure spray nozzles are provided on the upstream side of the screen, then debris removal capability is improved, but debris gets lodged in the screen holes blocking water flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal capabilityVSAvoidwater flow continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from single-side (upstream) spraying to dual-side spraying by adding downstream nozzles that spray upward through the screen. This dimensional change allows simultaneous cleaning of both screen surfaces, preventing debris lodging while maintaining water flow continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning function is segmented into two independent spraying systems: upstream nozzles for the top surface and downstream nozzles for the bottom surface. This segmentation allows each side to be cleaned independently and simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between debris removal and flow continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a bar below the screen aerates the screen from the downstream side, then prevention of debris being lodged in the screen is improved, but large amounts of water must be sprayed upstream to adequately remove trapped debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris lodging preventionVSAvoidwater consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The downstream spray bar uses aerated water that rises through the screen to clean debris from both sides. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate high-volume upstream spraying, significantly reducing water consumption while maintaining effective debris removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The downstream spray bar performs multiple functions: it aerates the water, prevents debris lodging, and simultaneously cleans both the upstream and downstream surfaces of the screen. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional water spraying systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If conventional screen filtration systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but the system must be shut down to be cleaned of trapped debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidcontinuous filtration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The dual-side spray cleaning system enables continuous operation by cleaning the screen in-place during filtration. The upstream and downstream nozzles work simultaneously to remove debris without interrupting the water flow, eliminating shutdown requirements while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Ease of operation

If upstream spray nozzles are used to clean the screen, then cleaning action is provided, but debris accumulates on the screen reducing filtration efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen cleaning capabilityVSAvoidfiltration efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By adding downstream spray nozzles that shoot upward through the screen, the system cleans debris from both the top and bottom surfaces simultaneously. This dimensional approach prevents debris accumulation that would otherwise reduce filtration efficiency, while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 system effectively removes debris from both sides of the screen, reducing water usage by 30-75% compared to conventional systems and maintaining high filtration efficiency without requiring shutdowns.

Implementation Method 1

spraying fluid onto the screen from nozzles at an upstream side of the screen relative to the flow of the fluid; spraying fluid onto the screen from nozzles at a downstream side of the screen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS8297447B2Dual side cleaning and traversing screen filtration system

Publication Date: 2012.10.30 FRUIT GROWERS SUPPLY CO

AI summary

A dual-side cleaning traversing screen filtration system which generally comprises a main trough water containment housing, a traversing manifold having a multitude of top and bottom disposed spray heads, flexible plumbing, a substantially planar, rectangular supported screen which is disposed over, and spans the opening of, the main trough water containment housing which, in the preferred embodiment, has a rectangular box like shape, with the combined assemblage functioning as a filter to separate unwanted debris from the water that passes through the screen into the slightly inclined main trough water containment housing where it can be continually removed and re-used.