Multistage Screen Sorting Device with Dynamic Fill Level Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multistage screen sorting devices for cleaning fibrous stock suspensions face inefficiencies due to fluctuations in contaminant content and fibrous stock suspension volume, leading to overloading or underloading of separators and potential clogging or fiber loss.

Innovation Solution

A multistage screen sorting device with a fill level detection system for the second sorting stage, allowing for real-time adjustment of the fibrous stock suspension feed based on accumulation height, thereby optimizing the sorting efficiency and preventing overflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the fibrous stock suspension feed volume is increased to handle high contaminant content, then the productivity increases, but the sorting efficiency deteriorates due to overloading and clogging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefibrous stock suspension feed volumeVSAvoidsorting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the fibrous stock suspension feed volume based on real-time fill level detection in the second sorting stage. The feed volume is varied within a range to maintain optimal sorting efficiency while handling fluctuating contaminant loads, transforming the static feed system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a fill level detection system that provides feedback on the accumulation height in the second sorting stage. This feedback is used to automatically adjust the fibrous stock suspension feed volume, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents overloading and maintains optimal operating conditions despite variations in contaminant content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the fibrous stock suspension feed volume is decreased to maintain sorting efficiency, then the reliability improves, but the productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorting efficiencyVSAvoidfibrous stock suspension feed volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the feed volume rather than operating at a fixed reduced level. When the second sorting stage has sufficient capacity (lower fill level), the feed volume is increased to maximize productivity. When the fill level rises, the feed volume is decreased to maintain sorting efficiency, thus optimizing both parameters across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameter of feed volume within an optimal range based on the fill level detection. By varying this parameter dynamically, the system achieves both high productivity (when feed volume is higher) and high reliability (when feed volume is optimized), rather than being constrained to a fixed compromise value.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a compact design with directly connected separators is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates due to inability to handle fluctuating contaminant compositions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparator connection structureVSAvoidhandling of fluctuating contaminant composition
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The compact design is enhanced with a fill level detection system that provides feedback on the state of the second sorting stage. This feedback mechanism enables the compact system to adapt to fluctuating contaminant compositions by dynamically adjusting the feed volume, thus maintaining high adaptability without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment of the feed volume based on automatic fill level detection, without requiring external control or complex infrastructure. This self-service capability allows the compact design to handle varying contaminant compositions effectively, maintaining adaptability while keeping the device structure simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 fill level detection system enhances the efficiency of the second sorting stage by dynamically adjusting the feed, ensuring optimal operation despite changes in the composition of the fibrous stock suspension, and preventing overflow and fiber loss.

Implementation Method 1

a fill level detection ways for detecting an accumulation height in the second sorting stage is assigned to the second sorting stage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFill level detection:

Implementation Method 2

For extraction of heavy dirt, a vortex separator is provided below the inlet of the fibrous stock suspension. The heavy dirt can thus be discharged downwards via this vortex separator.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVortex separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 3

A centrifugal separator is arranged above the fibrous stock suspension inlet. Accepts that have passed through the screen are removed via an accepts discharge system.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentUS12239997B2Multistage screen sorting device
Publication Date: 2025.03.04 VOITH PATENT GMBH
  • US12239997B2 patent drawing
  • US12239997B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A screen sorting device for cleaning a fibrous stock suspension includes: an inlet for the fibrous stock suspension; a first sorting stage, which includes a first accepts discharge; at least one second sorting stage, which includes a second accepts discharge; and a fill level detection way, which is configured for detecting an accumulation height in the at least one second sorting stage and is assigned to the at least one second sorting stage.