Filter Screen Tensioning Using Intermediary Handle Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing filter screens in oil drilling operations face challenges such as loss of screening performance and early failure due to improper tensioning and creasing of wire cloths, which can lead to slippage and damage during the bonding process.
Innovation Solution
The method involves attaching handle members to the edges of wire cloths, using a jig with tensioning means to apply orthogonal tension, and bonding the wire cloth to a screen frame, either by heat softening or adhesive, to ensure even tension and prevent creasing, with the handle members being either elongate bars or slots for secure engagement with the tensioning means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If clamps are used to grip the edges of wire cloth and drive outwardly to achieve tension, then the wire cloth can be tensioned across the screen frame, but the clamps may cause slippage of the cloth leading to loss of control of tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces handle members as intermediary elements that are attached to the edges of the wire cloth. These handle members serve as mediators between the clamps and the wire cloth, providing a secure gripping surface that prevents slippage. The clamps grip the handle members rather than directly gripping the wire cloth edges, ensuring reliable tension control without damaging or slipping on the delicate mesh material.
2Force
If clamps grip the edges of wire cloth to apply tension, then the wire cloth can be tensioned, but the grip may damage the cloth to the extent that tearing can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The handle members act as protective intermediaries that distribute the clamping force across a larger area of the wire cloth edge. Instead of the clamp jaws concentrating force on a small portion of the wire edge (which could cause tearing), the handle member provides a robust surface that spreads the load, preventing damage to the wire cloth while still enabling effective tension application.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the gripping interface by attaching handle members with increased surface area and structural strength to the wire cloth edges. This parameter change allows the clamps to exert the necessary tension force without exceeding the damage threshold of the wire cloth material, as the handle members are designed to withstand the clamping forces.
3Ease of manufacture
If wire cloth is tensioned without proper handling, then the process can be simpler, but creases or other defects in the tensioned cloths occur leading to loss of screening performance
Solution Approach 1:
The handle members serve as mediators that enable controlled and uniform tension application across the wire cloth. By providing dedicated attachment points at the edges, they ensure that the tensioning force is applied evenly and predictably, preventing localized stress concentrations that could cause creases. The handle members act as leverage points that facilitate smooth tensioning without distorting the wire cloth mesh pattern.
4Reliability
If multiple wire cloth layers are used with differing mesh size and wire diameters, then optimal screening performance is achieved, but each layer requires individual pretensioning to ensure correct tension
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies segmentation by providing separate handle members for each wire cloth layer. This allows each layer to be independently attached, tensioned, and controlled. The handle members enable each layer to be pretensioned to its specific requirements (different mesh sizes and wire diameters may require different tensions) without interfering with other layers, facilitating precise control over multiple layers simultaneously.
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 ensures consistent and even tensioning across the wire cloth, reducing the risk of creasing and damage, leading to improved screening performance and extended filter screen lifespan by securely gripping the wire cloth without causing tears or slippage.
Implementation Method 1
by heat softening the plastic and embedding the edge of the wire in the softened plastic
Implementation Method 2
by bonding with an adhesive
Implementation Method 3
operating the tensioning means to drive the handle members outwardly to tension the wire cloth in orthogonal directions
Implementation Method 4
bonding the wire cloth to the screen frame
Implementation Method 5
bonding the wire cloth to the screen frame... by heat softening the plastic surface of the frame and pressing the wire cloths into the softened plastic
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~3d
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a filtering screen includes: attaching handle members (3) to edges of at least one wire cloth (1); providing a jig comprising tensioning means (23); placing the at least one wire cloth (1) in the jig and engaging the handle members (3) with handle member engagement portions (15) of the tensioning means (23). The tensioning means (23) are operated to drive the handle members (3) outwardly to tension the wire cloth (1) in orthogonal directions. The method also includes pressing the tensioned wire cloth (1) against a screen frame (6); bonding the wire cloth (1) to the screen frame (6); and trimming the wire cloth.