Screening Vortex for Plastic Sheet Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screens are ineffective in separating thin sheet materials like plastic bags and expanded materials from other residues due to their light weight and large surface area, which causes them to float above the screening surface and not be properly separated, and previous solutions like creating a vortex have limitations in differentiating these materials from other light residues.
Innovation Solution
A screen with a disc-type screening surface and a separation station that uses a combination of ascending air flows and suction to create a vortex above the screening surface, lifting and separating sheet or expanded materials from the residues, with adjustable suction mouth and air injection angles to optimize separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional screens (mesh screens, disc screens) are used for separating residues, then separation based on size is achieved, but sheet material (plastic films, bags) floats above the screening surface and is not separated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by introducing air flows beneath the screening surface to create lifting forces on sheet material. Air nozzles positioned under the disc screen surface inject air flows that lift and separate lightweight sheet materials (plastic films, bags) from the residue stream, enabling effective separation that gravity-based screening alone cannot achieve.
2Reliability
If aspirators are mounted above the screening surface to lift sheet material, then sheet material separation is improved, but light non-sheet residues are also affected and cannot be differentiated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning air nozzles specifically beneath the screening surface at locations where sheet material contacts the screen, creating localized lifting forces only where needed. This selective pneumatic action differentiates sheet material from other light residues based on their interaction with the screening surface, enabling precise separation without affecting non-sheet materials.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting aspirators above the screening surface as in conventional solutions, the patent inverts the approach by positioning air nozzles beneath the screening surface. This inverted configuration allows air flows to lift sheet material from below, creating a different separation mechanism that differentiates sheet material based on its sheet-like properties rather than just light weight.
3Reliability
If a vortex is created to lift sheet material, then separation is achieved, but the vortex cannot differentiate sheet material from other light residues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates localized air flows through strategically positioned nozzles beneath the screening surface rather than a general vortex. These localized flows interact specifically with sheet material at contact points, lifting it selectively based on its sheet-like characteristics and interaction with the screening surface, while leaving other light residues unaffected.
Solution Approach 2:
The screening surface acts as an intermediary between the air flows and the residues. Sheet material contacts the screening surface and is lifted by air flows beneath it, while other materials follow different paths. This intermediary mechanism enables differentiation based on how materials interact with the screen rather than just their weight.
4Area of stationary object
If disc screens with multiple rotating shafts are used, then screening surface area is increased, but sheet material still floats above and is not separated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges gravity-based disc screen separation with pneumatic lifting in a hybrid system. The disc screen provides the screening surface area for size-based separation, while integrated air nozzles beneath the screen provide pneumatic lifting for sheet material. This combination allows both separation mechanisms to work together, solving the limitation of disc screens alone.
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
Effectively separates sheet and expanded materials by utilizing a vortex to lift them from the screening surface, ensuring they are collected separately without compromising the separation of other residues, providing a reliable and versatile solution for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
insufflation means (15) which inject in the suction chamber (13) one or more lifting air flows (16) oriented in order to form a vortex (17)
Implementation Method 2
suction means (18) associated with the hood (11) in order to extract, from the suction chamber (13), a suctioned air flow (19) containing at least one part of the lifting air flow (16)
Implementation Method 3
one or more lifting air flows (16) oriented in order to form a vortex (17) having a rotation axis (Z) orthogonal to the screening surface (P)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Screen for separating solid residues, and in particular for separating sheet or expanded material, such as bags or parts of bags made of plastic, polystyrene, spongy material or another light material, which comprises a separation station (10) interposed between the inlet port (P1) and the outlet port (P2) of the screen above its screening surface (P) and preferably after the powders and the lightest portions have already been separated. The station (10) comprises a hood (11) delimiting a suction chamber (13), and insufflation means (15) for orienting at least one lifting air flow (16) in the suction chamber (13) at the screening surface (P). The lifting air flow (16) is oriented for forming a vortex (17) confined in said suction chamber (13) and with rotation axis (Z) orthogonal to the screening surface (P) capable of lifting the sheet material and delivering it to suction means (18) associated with the hood (11).