Screen Frame Reinforcement with Embedded Wires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screen frames used in shakers for separating solids from liquids lack sufficient stiffness, particularly when extended over longer distances, leading to sagging and reduced effectiveness due to the lack of required rigidity, especially in large frames, and current solutions to enhance rigidity increase material costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A screen support frame design featuring a perimeter reinforced by two arrays of orthogonal structural wires with additional parallel structural wires spaced vertically between them, forming contact points to enhance stiffness without significant weight addition, which can be integrated into existing manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If metal wire structure is used to reinforce plastic screen frame, then weight is reduced, but stiffness is insufficient causing sagging under gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining plastic material with embedded metal wire reinforcement. The plastic frame provides lightweight construction while the embedded metal wires (arranged in orthogonal patterns) provide the necessary stiffness and structural integrity. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties - the plastic reduces weight while the metal reinforcement prevents sagging.
2Strength
If reinforcing ribs are added to screen frame, then rigidity is improved, but material cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reinforcement function into the existing frame structure by embedding metal wires directly within the plastic frame during the molding process. This integration eliminates the need for separate reinforcing ribs or additional assembly steps. The metal wires are positioned within cavities in the plastic frame, creating a unified structure that achieves enhanced rigidity without increasing manufacturing complexity or requiring modifications to existing processes.
3Area of stationary object
If screen frame size is increased for large screens, then screening area is improved, but wire stiffness decreases causing sagging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local reinforcement by strategically positioning embedded metal wires at specific locations within the plastic frame where structural support is most needed. Rather than uniformly thickening the entire frame, the metal wires are placed in orthogonal patterns that target areas prone to sagging. This localized approach maintains wire stiffness in large frames while preserving the overall lightweight design and allowing for larger screening areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A screen support frame comprising, a perimeter disposed in a horizontal plane, defining a vertical direction normal to said plane, said perimeter reinforced by an arrangement of reinforcing wires, said arrangement comprising a first array of substantially parallel structural wires extending between opposing regions of the perimeter in a first horizontal plane, a second array of substantially parallel structural wires extending between opposing regions of the perimeter in a second horizontal plane, said first and second arrays of structural wires being aligned at an angle to each other and in contact with each other thus forming a plurality of contact points between structural wires of the first and second array respectively, the arrangement further comprising at least one additional structural wire, said additional structural wire extending between opposing regions of the perimeter and being positioned parallel to, and substantially vertically spaced from, a wire in the first array of structural wires, and in contact with wires of the second array.