Modular Filter Screens for Localized Wear Repair

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional filter screens in industrial filtration systems suffer from wear and tear, leading to damage and reduced filtering efficiency, and are cumbersome to transport and replace, with plugs used for patching holes further reducing effectiveness and requiring significant retooling.

Innovation Solution

A modular filter screen design featuring a frame with interchangeable segments, each with varying cell sizes and mesh configurations, allowing for targeted replacement and repair of damaged areas, and enabling efficient installation and disposal of worn segments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional filter screens are used with fixed mesh design, then initial filtering efficiency is achieved, but operational life is reduced due to wear and damage in specific regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltering efficiencyVSAvoidoperational life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The filter screen is divided into multiple interchangeable segments or modules, each containing a portion of the mesh. When wear or damage occurs in specific regions, only the affected segments need to be replaced rather than the entire screen, thereby extending the overall operational life while maintaining filtering efficiency in undamaged areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the filter screen are designed with varying mesh configurations and cell sizes based on local wear patterns and particle distribution. High-wear areas receive reinforced or differently configured mesh segments, optimizing both durability and filtering performance in specific zones without compromising the entire screen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If plugs are installed to block damaged mesh areas, then particle leakage is prevented, but filtering ability is reduced and plugs cannot be reused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle separationVSAvoidfiltering ability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using plugs that block entire cells, the system uses segmented mesh panels where only the damaged portion is replaced. This maintains filtering capability in all other cells while eliminating the need for blocking materials that reduce overall filtering ability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular segments are designed to be easily removed and replaced, allowing damaged portions to be discarded while recovering and reusing the majority of the intact mesh structure. This approach preserves filtering ability better than plugs while enabling component reuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Strength

If conventional heavy filter screens are used, then structural strength is sufficient, but transportation and storage become cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidtransportation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter screen is divided into multiple lightweight segments that can be transported and stored separately. Each segment maintains sufficient structural strength for its local function, while the overall system achieves full strength when segments are assembled together. This segmentation dramatically improves transportation and storage ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, monolithic screen to a dynamic, modular assembly where segments can be easily configured, transported, and repositioned. This dynamic modular structure maintains structural integrity while significantly improving operational flexibility and ease of handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Duration of action of stationary object

If modular segments with varying cell sizes are implemented, then localized repair and extended operational life are achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational lifeVSAvoidsegment configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular segments are designed with standardized interfaces and configurations that can serve multiple functions and positions within the filter screen. This universality reduces the variety of unique segment types needed, simplifying the overall device complexity while still enabling localized repair and extended operational life through modular replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12415148B2Apparatus, system and/or method for modular filter screens

Publication Date: 2025.09.16 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A method and/or a system filters particles using a screen with modular segments installed into a frame. The frame has a perimeter structure and an orthogonal array of support members. The segments have a segment perimeter frame, an orthogonal array of ribs and a mesh stretched across the segment. When the mesh of the segments is damaged, the damaged segment is removed from the frame and a replacement segment is installed.