Pivotable Elastomeric Belt Skimmer for Coolant Decontamination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid skimming systems fail to automatically adjust the position of the belt within the sump as fluid levels change, leading to inefficient separation of contaminants from coolant due to re-mixing of oils with coolant.

Innovation Solution

A fluid separation device with a pivotable arm and elastomeric belt system that adjusts to fluid levels, using a buoy to maintain contact with the upper surface of the fluid mixture, ensuring efficient separation of contaminants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the belt is positioned deep within the sump to ensure contact with fluid, then the belt can collect contaminants, but the coolant rinses the oil off the belt causing re-mixing and reducing separation efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidcontaminant removal rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the belt position adjustable through a float mechanism that automatically responds to fluid level changes. The float valve system allows the belt to be positioned at different depths based on real-time fluid conditions, preventing both premature engagement (which causes re-mixing) and disengagement (which reduces contamination collection). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing the belt position for maximum separation efficiency under varying operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the belt entry and exit points are fixed, then the structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to continuously changing fluid levels during machining operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid level adaptationVSAvoidbelt positioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle through the float valve mechanism that automatically adjusts belt positioning based on fluid levels without requiring external control systems. The float rises or falls with fluid level changes, automatically opening or closing valves to adjust belt position accordingly. This self-regulating mechanism provides adaptability to changing fluid levels while maintaining relatively simple device complexity, as the system uses the fluid's own properties (buoyancy) to drive the adjustment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the belt is kept submerged in coolant to ensure continuous contact with contaminants, then contamination collection is maximized, but the coolant continuously rinses the oil off the belt

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidoil loss to coolant
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by dynamically adjusting the belt's submersion depth based on real-time fluid level monitoring. The float mechanism ensures the belt remains engaged with the fluid interface where contaminants accumulate, while preventing excessive submersion that would cause coolant to rinse oil off the belt. This optimal positioning maximizes oil collection while minimizing re-mixing with coolant, thereby reducing oil loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 separates contaminants from coolant by maintaining belt contact with the upper fluid surface, reducing re-mixing and enhancing separation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The belt is formed of an elastomeric material that has an affinity to the first fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface affinity: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

A follower wheel assembly is aligned with the drive wheel... The follower wheel assembly is buoyant relative to the first fluid and the second fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS20250327259A1Fluid decontamination assembly
Publication Date: 2025.10.23 JENSEN JON
  • US20250327259A1 patent drawing
  • US20250327259A1 patent drawing
  • US20250327259A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A fluid decontamination assembly for separating two fluids includes a receiving vessel and a motor with a drive shaft. A drive wheel is coupled to the drive shaft. A follower wheel is aligned with the drive wheel. A belt couples the drive wheel to the follower wheel wherein the belt forms a loop extending between the drive wheel and the follower wheel. An arm extends between the drive wheel and the follower wheel. A pivot assembly pivotably couples the arm to a housing of the motor wherein the arm is pivotable upwardly and downwardly relative to the receiving vessel. The arm extends into a contaminated fluid vessel which holds a first fluid and a second fluid. An elastomeric material of the belt removably adheres to the first fluid to remove of the first fluid from the contaminated fluid vessel.