Retractable Shaker Dam Assembly for Solids Dryness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaker systems face challenges in achieving sufficient dryness of solids due to limited retention time, leading to incomplete drying of materials like cuttings and sand.
Innovation Solution
A dam assembly with a hinge and elastic cord mechanism that adjusts retention time by folding over to release solids into a receptacle, with adjustable tension and equilibrium points to manage the discharge of solids, allowing for increased dryness through controlled release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the dam assembly is held in a fixed closed position, then the retention time of solids is increased and dryness is improved, but the device complexity increases and operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dam assembly transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic movable structure that can automatically open and close based on the weight of accumulated solids. The hinge assembly allows the top portion to rotate between a closed position (blocking discharge) and an open position (allowing discharge), eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms while achieving automatic retention time management.
Solution Approach 2:
The dam assembly uses the weight of the solids themselves as the actuating force to open the dam. When solids accumulate and exceed a threshold weight, their gravitational force automatically triggers the dam to open via the hinge assembly, eliminating the need for external sensors, actuators, or control systems.
2Duration of action of moving object
If elastic cords are added to increase tension on the dam assembly, then the retention time is increased and dryness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Elastic cords are introduced as intermediary elements that connect the top portion of the dam to the frame. These cords provide the necessary tension to keep the dam closed during normal operation and automatically extend to allow opening when solids accumulate, serving as a simple mechanical mediator that increases retention time without adding complex control systems.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the shaker deck incline is increased, then the amount of solids required to open the dam is increased and retention time is improved, but the manufacturing precision and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The incline angle of the shaker deck is used as an adjustable parameter to control the operational characteristics of the dam assembly. By changing the incline angle, operators can adjust the threshold weight of solids needed to open the dam, providing a simple mechanical means to optimize retention time without adding complex control mechanisms or requiring high manufacturing precision.
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 dam assembly effectively increases retention time and dryness of solids by strategically releasing built-up materials, ensuring drier output through controlled folding and tension adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
one or more elastic cords attached to the first elongated bar portion via first attachment means and to the top of the top portion of the dam assembly via second attachment means
Implementation Method 2
the one or more elastic cords and the hinge assembly are configured to retain the dam assembly in the non-extended configuration until an applied first force greater than a first threshold amount is exerted
Implementation Method 3
a hinge assembly coupled between the top and bottom portions of the dam assembly, the dam assembly being positioned at a front of a shaker
Implementation Method 4
the top portion being fixed at a bottom first end at a connection point at the hinge assembly and being movable about the connection point at the hinge assembly
Implementation Method 5
As solids are conveyed to the end of the shaker, the solids will begin to pile up behind the dam assembly. Once enough solids of sufficient weight pile up behind the dam assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A dam assembly is provided which is used to increase retention time on the shaker and therefore achieve maximum dryness of solids, such as cuttings, sand, dirt, and other particles. As solids are conveyed to the end of the shaker, the solids will begin to pile up behind the dam assembly. Once enough solids of sufficient weight pile up behind the dam assembly, the dam assembly will fold over and release the solids.