Wastewater Sieving Device Tensile Stress Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screening devices for wastewater contamination removal face challenges in optimally adjusting the tensile stress of endless and spaced-apart drive elements, leading to inefficient operation and potential wear due to manual and empirical tension adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that monitor and adjust the power requirement of the drive motor to optimize the tensile stress of drive elements by increasing or decreasing the distance between drive wheels, using sensors and a control system to ensure the tension is set just below levels causing excessive power consumption or wear, with automatic adjustments at defined intervals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual and empirical tension adjustments are used, then the device can operate, but the tensile stress cannot be optimally adjusted leading to inefficient operation and potential wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimal tension adjustmentVSAvoidmanual adjustment process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the power consumption of the drive motor is continuously monitored and used to automatically adjust the tensile stress of the drive elements. The control system receives power consumption data, compares it against predetermined thresholds, and automatically actuates the tensioning device to increase or decrease tension accordingly, eliminating the need for manual empirical adjustments and ensuring optimal tension setting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment of the tensile stress based on its own operational parameters (power consumption). The control system automatically monitors power consumption and triggers the tensioning device to adjust tension without external intervention, allowing the system to optimize its own operation and prevent wear through automatic tension maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the tensile stress is increased to prevent wear, then the drive elements last longer, but the power consumption increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive element lifespanVSAvoiddrive motor power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors the power consumption of the drive motor and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the tensile stress. When power consumption exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system automatically decreases tension; when power consumption is below the threshold, it increases tension. This closed-loop control ensures the tensile stress is optimized to extend drive element lifespan without causing excessive power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the tensile stress parameter based on real-time power consumption measurements. The control system adjusts the tensioning level by actuating the tensioning device in response to power consumption variations, maintaining the optimal balance between drive element durability and energy efficiency through continuous parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If the tensile stress is decreased to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the drive elements wear faster

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive motor power consumptionVSAvoiddrive element wear resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system uses power consumption data as feedback to automatically adjust tensile stress. When power consumption is low, the system increases tension to prevent wear; when power consumption is high, it decreases tension to save energy. This automatic feedback-based adjustment ensures the optimal tension level is maintained at all times, balancing energy efficiency with drive element durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The tensile stress is made dynamic rather than static, automatically adjusting in response to changing operational conditions as indicated by power consumption measurements. The control system continuously adapts the tensioning level to match actual operational needs, ensuring optimal performance and wear prevention without excessive energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If automatic tension adjustment based on power consumption is implemented, then optimal tensile stress is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimal tension maintenanceVSAvoidcontrol system and sensors
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a feedback mechanism where power consumption sensors monitor motor performance and feed this information to the control system, which automatically adjusts tension accordingly. While this adds complexity, it enables automatic maintenance of optimal tensile stress without continuous manual intervention, ensuring reliable operation through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tension adjustment with an automated control system that uses electrical sensors and electronic control to monitor and adjust tension based on power consumption data. This substitution of mechanical manual adjustment with automated electro-mechanical control increases device complexity but eliminates the need for continuous manual intervention and ensures optimal tension maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4164766B1Sieving device and method for setting the tensile stress on a sieving device
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 HUBER SE
  • EP4164766B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4164766B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4164766B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for setting the tensile stress of endless and spaced-apart drive elements (1) of a sieving device (2) which serves for the separating and transporting away of contaminants from waste water (3), wherein the drive elements (1) are moved on a circulating path with the aid of a drive motor (4) of the sieving device (2) during the operation of the sieving device (2), characterized in that the current requirement of the drive motor (4) is monitored during the operation thereof, in that the tensile stress is increased as required until the current requirement rises in a previously defined way. Furthermore, a sieving device (2) for the separating and transporting away of contaminants from waste water (3) is proposed.