Hopper Screen With Converging Slopes For Fluid Screed Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screens on hopper systems for fluid screeds and concrete transport machines hinder the flow of products with heterogeneous structures, compromising the homogeneity and characteristics of the transported material due to their design, which includes flat surfaces and interwoven metal wires.

Innovation Solution

A screen design featuring a frame with converging flow slopes forming a funnel shape, allowing for the efficient flow of products through the screen without altering the formulation, and incorporating adjustable angle irons and vibration means to enhance product flow and sieving functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a screen with flat metal sheeting or interlacing metal wires is used, then safety and sieving functions are provided, but product flow is impeded and homogeneity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety and sieving functionsVSAvoidproduct flow
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces flat metal surfaces with V-shaped profiles featuring converging slopes. This curvature change eliminates flat surfaces that cause product adhesion and flow resistance, allowing heterogeneous products to flow smoothly while maintaining screening functionality through the angled geometry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the screen structure by introducing converging slopes with specific angles. The V-shaped profile creates a flow-promoting geometry that changes how products interact with the screen surface, reducing resistance and improving flow characteristics without compromising sieving capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If flat surfaces are used in screen design, then manufacturing is simplified, but product flow resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen constructionVSAvoidflow resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The V-shaped profile with converging slopes replaces flat surfaces, eliminating flow resistance issues while remaining manufacturable through standard metal forming processes. The angular geometry is simple enough for practical fabrication but effective at promoting product flow

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 screen facilitates the flow of products with heterogeneous structures while maintaining safety and sieving functions, ensuring the homogeneity and quality of the transported material by minimizing flow resistance and allowing for adaptable dimensions to accommodate various aggregate sizes.

Implementation Method 1

The first and second flow slopes thus function in the manner of a funnel, and allow the product to flow along said slopes to the lower end of said slopes, towards the receiving hopper

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

incorporating adjustable angle irons and vibration means to enhance product flow and sieving functionality

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3308866B1Hopper comprising a screen with converging slopes
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 PL2M
  • EP3308866B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3308866B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3308866B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present description relates to a receiving hopper (106) for a product transport machine, the product being a fluid screed and/or concrete, the receiving hopper (106) defining a receiving volume and an inlet opening into the receiving volume, the receiving hopper comprising a screen (10), the screen (10) comprising a frame (12) delimiting a screening surface, and a plurality of screening openings formed in the screening surface to allow the flow of the product through the screen in a flow direction, the screening openings each being bordered by first and second flow slopes spaced apart and converging towards each other in the flow direction, the screen (10) extending over the inlet opening.