Elastic-Embedded Metal Grid for Air Intake Screen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bird and insect screen panels for air intake openings are difficult to install and remove, and their sharp edges pose a risk of injury to operators, while also causing turbulence that reduces the efficiency of air filtration systems in combustion engines.
Innovation Solution
A screen panel with a metal grid embedded in an elastic layer, allowing for safe and efficient installation and increased rigidity, which reduces air resistance and noise, and is made from austenitic metal with a specific bar configuration and a frame design that includes a U- or H-profile for secure clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal grid edges are left exposed for secure connection to frame, then connection strength is improved, but operator safety deteriorates due to injury risk from sharp edges
Solution Approach 1:
An elastic layer is introduced as an intermediary between the metal grid edges and the frame. This elastic layer covers the sharp edges to prevent operator injury during installation and removal, while still allowing the grid to be firmly clamped to the frame through the elastic material. The elastic layer thus mediates between the conflicting requirements of edge exposure for connection strength and edge coverage for safety.
2Loss of energy
If bar diameter is reduced to minimize air resistance, then air flow efficiency is improved, but grid rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The grid structure is enhanced by embedding it in an elastic layer, creating a composite structure. This allows the use of thinner metal bars (reducing air resistance) while the elastic layer provides additional structural support to maintain overall grid rigidity. The composite of metal grid and elastic layer together satisfies both the air flow efficiency requirement and the rigidity requirement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If grid is firmly clamped to frame for vibration reduction, then noise is reduced, but installation and removal difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic layer acts as a flexible intermediate layer between the rigid grid and frame. This flexible layer allows the grid to be easily installed and removed by deforming the elastic material, while when in use, it provides sufficient damping to reduce vibrations and noise. The flexibility of the elastic layer enables easy operation during installation/removal, while its elastic properties maintain vibration reduction during operation.
4Strength
If elastic layer width is increased to improve grid rigidity, then structural strength is improved, but air flow blockage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic layer is strategically positioned only at the circumferential edge of the metal grid where structural support is needed, rather than covering the entire grid surface. This localized application provides the necessary rigidity enhancement at the boundaries while minimizing the impact on air flow through the central grid area. The local quality approach ensures that the elastic layer's width is optimized for structural support without causing excessive air flow blockage.
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 enables quick, safe installation and removal of the screen panel, reduces air resistance, increases filter efficiency, and enhances durability by minimizing wear and noise, while eliminating the need for galvanic isolators and providing cost-effective production.
Implementation Method 1
By embedding at least a part of a circumferential edge of the metal grid in an elastic layer, the rigidity of the complete metal grid is increased
Implementation Method 2
By using an elastic layer, preferably a strip-like elastic layer, for the grid, it is possible to clamp this strip-like elastic layer of the grid firmly in the frame in such a manner that the grid in use of the combustion engine, is substantially vibration free connected to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a screen panel (7) for covering an air intake opening (5) of an air inlet house (1) of a combustion engine, which air inlet house (1) has at least one filter for filtering the air to be supplied to the combustion engine, wherein the screen panel (7) comprises at least a frame (13) to be connected to the air inlet house (1) of the combustion engine, and at least a metal grid (11) to be connected with the frame (13) for at least partly covering the air intake opening (5) of the air inlet house (1).