Screen Rod Tensioning System for Vibratory Screens

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vibratory screen apparatus face challenges such as complex and time-consuming mounting processes, poor sealing leading to leakage, and cumbersome handling due to rigid and bulky pretensioned screens, which result in downtime, material waste, and environmental impact.

Innovation Solution

The screen rod tensioning system allows for easy installation and replacement of screens by rolling them into segments, using a rod with a channel to maintain tension and reduce size for transport, and incorporates an airbag for tensioning and sealing, eliminating the need for sectional screens and minimizing bypass opportunities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional pretensioned screens with integral support frames are used, then screen tension is maintained, but the screens become bulky, heavy and difficult to handle, transport and store

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen tensionVSAvoidscreen weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The screen system is divided into separate components: the screen mesh is detached from the rigid support frame, allowing the screen to be handled independently. The support frame remains in the basket while the screen can be rolled up and removed easily, solving the handling and transport difficulties while maintaining tension through the rod mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The screen mesh is used without a rigid supporting frame, relying on its own flexibility and the tensioning mechanism. This eliminates the bulk and weight of traditional frames while maintaining screen integrity through proper tensioning and support rods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Strength

If hook strip screens are mounted in the basket, then screen tension can be applied, but the mounting process becomes complex and time consuming, resulting in significant downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen tensionVSAvoidmounting time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The screen is pretensioned on a separate support frame before being installed in the basket. This preliminary tensioning ensures proper screen tightness is achieved during installation, eliminating the need for complex on-site tensioning adjustments and reducing mounting time significantly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tensioning function is extracted from the installation process itself and performed separately on the support frame beforehand. This separates the tensioning operation from the mounting operation, allowing each to be optimized independently and reducing overall installation complexity and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If metal on metal seal is used between screen and basket, then sealing is provided, but leakage occurs and requires intricate fitting of rubber strips and gaskets

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesealingVSAvoidsealing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible seal member is introduced between the screen and basket to create an effective seal. This flexible element accommodates minor misalignments and surface irregularities, providing reliable sealing without requiring complex metal-to-metal fits or multiple gaskets, thereby reducing overall sealing structure complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Strength

If tension bolts are tightened to apply tension to the screen, then screen tension is achieved, but undesirable stresses are added to the machine frame

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen tensionVSAvoidframe stress

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning function is extracted from the machine frame and transferred to a separate support frame system. The screen is tensioned on the removable support frame, which then carries the tension loads independently, preventing stress transmission to the permanent machine frame structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This solution simplifies the installation and replacement of screens, reduces downtime, minimizes material waste, and improves sealing, making the process more efficient and environmentally friendly while allowing for easier handling and transport.

Implementation Method 1

an airbag to apply pneumatic pressure to tension the screen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

using a rod with a channel to maintain tension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10086409B2Screen tensioning system and method

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 M I LLC(US)

AI summary

A system and a method tension a screen having a generally rectangular shape defined by a length and a width. The screen has a profile with a shape extending the length of the screen. A rod has a channel configured to receive the shape of the profile of the screen therein. The rod has a plurality of segmented portions such that a first segmented portion of the plurality of segmented portions is separable from a second segmented portion of the plurality of segmented portions. The screen is positioned on a frame. The rod is positioned parallel to the length of the frame on two sides. A clamping mechanism tensions the screen with respect to the frame.