Molten Plastic Filtration Mesh with Variable Weave Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filtering systems for molten plastic materials face issues with contamination and high pressure, leading to mesh tears and material loss, especially when dealing with highly polluted materials or high pressures, and are inadequate for the increasing demand for filtering diverse materials with varying contamination levels.

Innovation Solution

A filtering device with a rotating hollow perforated cylinder and a movable cone that adjusts the entry and exit paths for the filtration mesh, allowing for continuous operation and partial mesh replacement without interrupting the workflow, while reducing pressure and material loss through an accumulation tank and motorized winder system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a metal mesh belt is used to filter highly polluted materials at high pressures, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but the mesh belt is prone to tearing and breaking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemesh belt durabilityVSAvoidmesh tear and breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mesh belt is designed with variable weave density along its length, transitioning from a tighter weave at the inlet to a looser weave at the outlet. This dynamic structural variation allows the mesh to adapt to different pressure and contamination conditions at different stages of the filtration process, reducing stress concentration and preventing tear propagation that would occur with a uniform mesh structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the structural parameter of the mesh belt by varying the weave density (tighter at inlet, looser at outlet) to optimize performance under different operating conditions. This parameter variation allows the same mesh belt to handle both high-pressure inlet conditions and lower-pressure outlet conditions effectively, improving overall reliability without requiring multiple belts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the mesh belt is continuously running to maintain production, then productivity is improved, but it becomes difficult to replace or repair the mesh when damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous filtration operationVSAvoidmesh replacement difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The mesh belt is segmented into multiple sections that can be independently accessed and replaced. The variable weave design creates natural segmentation points where the mesh structure transitions, allowing damaged portions to be replaced without shutting down the entire filtration system. This modular approach maintains continuous productivity while facilitating easy repair of specific mesh sections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mesh belt is designed with overlapping sections and pre-positioned replacement zones that allow for quick exchange. The variable weave pattern includes transition zones that can be pre-prepared for replacement, enabling maintenance personnel to quickly swap out damaged sections without interrupting the continuous operation of the filtration system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If high pressure is applied to force molten plastic through the mesh, then filtration speed is improved, but material loss increases through the inlet/outlet opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration speedVSAvoidmolten plastic material loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The mesh belt employs local quality variation by having different weave densities at different locations. The tighter weave at the inlet handles high-pressure material flow efficiently, while the looser weave at the outlet allows for better containment and reduced material loss. This localized optimization of mesh structure maintains high filtration speed while minimizing material loss through the opening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 device effectively filters molten plastic materials at high pressures, reduces mesh breakage, and minimizes material loss during mesh changes, ensuring continuous operation and efficient contaminant removal.

Implementation Method 1

a hollow perforated cylinder that rotates around its main axis inside the chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

a movable cone that creates, together with the body, the entry path and the exit path and that, in the first closing position, closes the entry path and closes the exit path and in the second opening position opens the entry path and opens the exit path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical movement:

Implementation Method 3

a filtration mesh strip that enters the chamber through the connection opening and exits through the connection opening after having carried out the filtration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11813556B2Device for the continuous filtration of molten plastic material

Publication Date: 2023.11.14 FIMIC SRL

AI summary

A filtering device for filtering molten plastic material that employs a filtration mesh belt that enters and exits a chamber, engaging an outer surface of a hollow perforated cylinder inside of the chamber, without losing any molten plastic material during the replacement of the filtration mesh belt and without tearing even when operating at high pressures inside of the chamber.