Fish Screen Assembly With Variable-Diameter Spring for Strainer Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction strainers allow small fish and debris to pass through, and larger fish screens are prone to damage and dislodgment due to increased size, which compromises fish protection and strainer stability.
Innovation Solution
A fish screen for suction strainers comprising a first and second plate connected by a helical spring with varying diameters and a mesh bag, designed to securely fit over the strainer, reducing fish stress and preventing dislodgment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the fish screen is made larger to reduce suction force on fish, then fish protection is improved, but the screen becomes more susceptible to damage and dislodgment
Solution Approach 1:
The fish screen is divided into multiple segments or panels that can flex independently, allowing the screen to maintain a larger overall size for fish protection while each segment remains structurally sound and resistant to damage
Solution Approach 2:
The screen incorporates flexible materials and dynamic mounting mechanisms that allow it to move with water flow and suction forces rather than rigidly resisting them, preventing dislodgment while maintaining the large size needed for fish protection
2Reliability
If the fish screen is made smaller to fit snugly over the strainer, then screen stability is improved, but fish stress from suction force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The screen extends beyond the immediate strainer area in radial or axial dimensions, creating a larger protective zone that distributes suction force over a greater area, reducing stress on individual fish while maintaining secure attachment to the strainer
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional mesh bag is used to cover the strainer, then fish protection is provided, but the strainer is susceptible to damage and dislodgment
Solution Approach 1:
The screen combines multiple materials with complementary properties - a sturdy support structure for stability and security, combined with a flexible protective covering that prevents fish contact while distributing mechanical stresses to prevent damage
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 design effectively protects fish from suction force while maintaining strainer stability, reducing wear and tear on the screen and ensuring secure attachment to the hose.
Implementation Method 1
a helical spring extending therebetween
Implementation Method 2
a mesh bag... for filtering and screening the water
Data Source
AI summary
The fish screen for a suction strainer includes at least one first plate having a central opening formed therethrough, a second plate, a helical spring, and a mesh bag. The helical spring has opposed first and second ends, with the first end secured to the at least one first plate and the second end secured to the second plate. The helical spring has first and second portions positioned respectively adjacent to the first and second ends. The second portion has a smaller diameter than a diameter of the first portion. The mesh bag releasably and removably covers and receives the at least one first plate, the second plate and the helical spring. The second portion of the helical spring is adapted for releasably holding a free end of a suction strainer received within an interior of the helical spring through the central opening of the at least one first plate.