A filter core life prediction method and device, a water purification equipment and a storage medium

Abstract

The application provides a filter core life prediction method and device, a water purification equipment and a storage medium, which comprises the following steps: detecting the current water output of the wastewater end under the condition that the filter core reaches a permeation balance state; determining the current total dissolved solids concentration corresponding to the current wastewater quantity based on a first corresponding relationship; the first corresponding relationship is used to indicate the corresponding relationship between the multiple water outputs of the wastewater end and the multiple total dissolved solids concentrations of the water inlet end; predicting the remaining life of the filter core based on the current total dissolved solids concentration to obtain life prediction information; and the life prediction information is used to indicate the life balance state of the filter core. The application is based on the RO reverse osmosis technology, the corresponding current total dissolved solids concentration is determined according to the current water output of the wastewater end, and then the remaining life of the filter core is predicted according to the current TDS value, so that the accuracy is high, and the safety hidden danger caused by the setting of the TDS meter in the water purification equipment is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water purification equipment technology, and in particular to a method, device, water purification equipment and storage medium for predicting filter cartridge life. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, water purification equipment on the market calculates natural time through built-in or network connection. When the natural time accumulates to a certain threshold, it determines that the filter cartridge has reached the end of its lifespan. Alternatively, it calculates the total flow rate by measuring the water pump and the flow rate through the pump. When the total flow rate reaches a threshold, it determines that the filter cartridge has reached the end of its lifespan.

[0003] However, the above methods cannot accurately assess the actual lifespan of the filter cartridge, reducing the accuracy and efficiency of filter cartridge lifespan detection in water purifiers. Users cannot choose whether to replace the filter cartridge based on its actual lifespan, which may increase the failure rate of water purifiers, leading to unsafe water quality, or cause waste due to premature filter cartridge replacement, resulting in reduced user satisfaction. In addition, it is impossible to calculate the filter cartridge lifespan based on the actual total dissolved solids (TDS). Most existing TDS meters use metal probes to determine the TDS value by detecting the current value between the metal probes. If a TDS meter is built into the water circuit of a water purifier, it may cause problems such as metal rusting or scaling, posing a safety hazard. Therefore, the existing methods for predicting the lifespan of filter cartridges in water purifiers cannot balance accuracy and safety. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a method, apparatus, water purification equipment, and storage medium for predicting filter cartridge lifespan; the technical solution is as follows:

[0005] On one hand, the present invention provides a method for predicting filter cartridge lifespan, applicable to water purification equipment with filter cartridges, wherein the filter cartridges include an inlet end, a purified water outlet end, and a wastewater outlet end; comprising:

[0006] When the filter element reaches osmotic equilibrium, the current outflow rate at the wastewater end is detected;

[0007] Based on the first correspondence, the current total dissolved solids concentration corresponding to the current wastewater volume is determined; the first correspondence is used to indicate the correspondence between multiple outflow volumes at the wastewater end and multiple total dissolved solids concentrations at the inflow end.

[0008] Based on the current total dissolved solids concentration, the remaining lifespan of the filter element is predicted to obtain lifespan prediction information; the lifespan prediction information is used to indicate the remaining lifespan status of the filter element.

[0009] Furthermore, the water purification equipment includes an inlet pipe connected to the inlet end, an outlet pipe connected to the pure water outlet end, and a wastewater pipe connected to the wastewater outlet end. The inlet pipe is equipped with an inlet pump and an inlet valve, the outlet pipe is equipped with an outlet valve, and the wastewater pipe is equipped with a wastewater valve. Before detecting the current outflow rate at the wastewater outlet end, the method further includes:

[0010] With the inlet pump, inlet valve, outlet valve, and wastewater valve open,

[0011] Obtain the inlet flow rate of the inlet pipe;

[0012] When the inlet flow rate reaches the first preset flow rate, the inlet pump, the inlet valve, the outlet valve, and the wastewater valve are controlled to close.

[0013] In response to the filter element reaching osmotic equilibrium, the wastewater valve is opened, and the step of detecting the current outflow of wastewater is performed.

[0014] Furthermore, the prediction of the remaining lifespan of the filter element based on the current total dissolved solids concentration, to obtain lifespan prediction information, includes:

[0015] Based on the current total dissolved solids concentration and the current outflow rate of the water outlet pipe, estimate the cumulative total outflow rate of the water outlet pipe;

[0016] If the cumulative total water output exceeds the preset water output, the lifespan prediction information indicates that the remaining lifespan of the filter element has ended.

[0017] Furthermore, after estimating the cumulative total water flow of the outlet pipe based on the current total dissolved solids concentration and the current water flow rate of the outlet pipe, the method further includes:

[0018] If the cumulative total water output is less than or equal to the preset water output, the lifespan prediction information indicates the remaining lifespan of the filter cartridge.

[0019] Furthermore, before detecting the current effluent flow rate at the wastewater end when the filter element has reached osmotic equilibrium, the method further includes:

[0020] The current usage time of the water purification equipment is detected;

[0021] If the current usage time meets the preset time condition, the step of detecting the current outflow of wastewater at the wastewater end is executed when the filter element reaches the osmotic equilibrium state.

[0022] Furthermore, the current usage duration meeting the preset duration conditions includes:

[0023] The current usage duration indicates whether the water purifier is being powered on for the first time or whether the water purifier has reached the preset usage duration.

[0024] Furthermore, the method also includes:

[0025] During the water purification process of the water purification equipment, the current wastewater flow rate in the wastewater pipeline is detected when the wastewater valve is open.

[0026] When the current wastewater flow rate is zero, the wastewater valve is closed, the inlet valve, outlet valve, and inlet pump are opened, and the outflow time of the outlet pipe is detected.

[0027] When the water discharge time reaches the preset time, the inlet valve, the inlet pump, and the outlet valve are controlled to close, the wastewater valve is controlled to open, and the total amount of wastewater in the wastewater pipeline is detected.

[0028] If the total amount of wastewater is greater than or equal to the preset amount, the filter element is determined to be in an abnormal state.

[0029] On the other hand, the present invention provides a filter cartridge life prediction device, comprising:

[0030] The wastewater end detection module is used to detect the current outflow of wastewater when the filter element reaches a state of osmotic equilibrium.

[0031] The total dissolved solids concentration determination module is used to determine the current total dissolved solids concentration corresponding to the current wastewater volume based on a first correspondence relationship; the first correspondence relationship is used to indicate the correspondence between multiple effluent volumes at the wastewater end and multiple total dissolved solids concentrations at the influent end;

[0032] The prediction module is used to predict the remaining life of the filter element based on the current total dissolved solids concentration, and obtain life prediction information; the life prediction information is used to indicate the remaining life status of the filter element.

[0033] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a water purification device, including a filter element, the filter element including a water inlet end, a pure water outlet end and a wastewater end, the remaining life of the filter element being predicted based on the filter element life prediction method described in any of the above claims.

[0034] On the other hand, the present invention provides a storage medium storing at least one instruction or at least one program, wherein the at least one instruction or the at least one program is loaded and executed by a processor to implement the filter life prediction method as described above.

[0035] Implementing this invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0036] This invention is based on RO reverse osmosis technology. It utilizes the principle that, when the osmotic pressure inside the filter element reaches osmotic equilibrium, there is a primary correspondence between the outflow rate of wastewater and the total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration at the inflow point. By determining the current TDS concentration based on the detected current outflow rate, and then predicting the remaining lifespan of the filter element based on the current TDS value, this invention provides lifespan prediction information indicating the remaining lifespan of the filter element. This avoids the safety hazards such as metal rusting or scaling that might occur when installing a TDS meter in the water circuit of a water purification system. Simultaneously, it accurately predicts the remaining lifespan of the filter element, achieving a balance between accurate filter lifespan prediction and the safety of the water purification system, thus improving user satisfaction. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 A simplified water circuit diagram of a water purification device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 A logic structure diagram of a filter cartridge life prediction method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 A logic structure diagram of a triggering method for detecting the effluent flow rate at the wastewater end, provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 4 A logical structure diagram of a method for determining lifetime prediction information provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 5 A logical structure diagram of a method for determining the usage time of a water purification device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 6 A logical structure diagram of a filter element abnormality detection method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a filter cartridge life prediction device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 8 This is a hardware structure block diagram of an electronic device for performing a filter life prediction method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] The corresponding reference numerals in the attached figures are:

[0047] 1-Filter element, 2-Inlet pipe, 21-Inlet pump, 22-Inlet valve, 3-Outlet pipe, 31-Outlet valve, 4-Wastewater pipe, 41-Wastewater valve. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0049] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of the invention can be implemented in orders other than those shown in the figures or descriptions below. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or server that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0050] In view of the problem in the prior art that it is difficult to balance the accuracy of predicting the remaining life of filter cartridges and the safety of the water circuit in water purification equipment, the present invention provides a filter cartridge life prediction method, device, water purification equipment and storage medium. The filter cartridge life prediction method is applied to the water purification equipment provided in the present invention, and the filter cartridge life prediction method is implemented based on the filter cartridge life prediction device provided in the present invention.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a water purification device, including a filter element 1 for filtering water to achieve water purification. The filter element 1 includes an inlet end, a pure water outlet end, and a wastewater end. The water purification device also includes an inlet pipe 2 connected to the inlet end, an outlet pipe 3 connected to the pure water outlet end, and a wastewater pipe 4 connected to the wastewater outlet end. The inlet pipe 2 is equipped with an inlet pump 21 and an inlet valve 22. The inlet pump 21 is used to draw in external water and provide pressure to the water in the inlet pipe 2. The inlet valve 22 is used to control the opening and closing of the inlet pipe 2. The outlet pipe 3 is equipped with an outlet valve 31, which is used to control the opening and closing of the outlet pipe. The wastewater pipe 4 is equipped with a wastewater valve 41, which is used to control the opening and closing of the wastewater pipe 4.

[0052] This filter cartridge life prediction method first detects the current outflow rate of wastewater when the filter cartridge reaches osmotic equilibrium. Then, based on a first correspondence, it determines the current total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration corresponding to the current wastewater flow rate. This first correspondence indicates the relationship between multiple outflow rates at the wastewater end and multiple TDS concentrations at the inlet end. Next, based on the current TDS concentration, it predicts the remaining lifespan of the filter cartridge, obtaining lifespan prediction information. This lifespan prediction information indicates the remaining lifespan status of the filter cartridge. This method determines the corresponding current TDS concentration based on the detected current outflow rate at the wastewater end, and then predicts the remaining lifespan of the filter cartridge based on the current TDS value, obtaining lifespan prediction information to indicate the remaining lifespan status of the filter cartridge. This avoids the safety hazards such as metal rusting or scaling that may occur when installing a TDS meter in the water circuit of the water purification equipment. At the same time, it can accurately predict the remaining lifespan of the filter cartridge, achieving a balance between the accuracy of filter cartridge lifespan prediction and the safety of the water purification equipment, thus improving user satisfaction.

[0053] The filter life prediction method of this invention will be described in detail below. Please refer to the appendix of the specification. Figure 2 The method includes:

[0054] S101, when the filter element reaches a state of osmosis equilibrium, detect the current outflow of water at the wastewater end.

[0055] Among them, filter element 1 adopts RO reverse osmosis technology. The filter element is equipped with an RO reverse osmosis membrane. When the pressure on the concentrate side is greater than the osmotic pressure, reverse osmosis will occur, and the solvent will move to the pure water side. The osmotic pressure depends on the concentration on the concentrate side (i.e., the TDS value of the tap water in the inlet pipe) and the temperature. When the pressure of the inlet pump 21 (i.e., the water pressure on the concentrate side) is fixed, the osmotic pressure on the concentrate side will gradually increase as the solvent decreases. After the pressure of the inlet pump 21 and the osmotic pressure reach equilibrium, no osmosis will occur, that is, the osmotic equilibrium state is reached.

[0056] In some exemplary embodiments, the current outflow of wastewater can be obtained by monitoring a sensing element, such as a flow meter, or by monitoring the liquid level signal of the water storage device at the wastewater end.

[0057] It should be noted that water pressure can affect osmotic balance. In this embodiment, the wastewater end is located at the bottom of the filter element to control the water pressure. During the osmotic balance process, the water pressure is only the pressure generated by the weight of the water itself. However, after osmosis, the drain pump cannot be used to drain the water. This is to avoid the situation where the drain pump will cause a large change in water pressure, which would disrupt the original osmotic balance. It also avoids the problem that the water pump's impact on the osmotic balance cannot be assessed due to the generally poor consistency of water pumps.

[0058] Furthermore, the commonly used filter cartridges are rolled up, while the filter cartridges in this embodiment are placed vertically to avoid the adverse effects of horizontal placement on the osmosis balance phenomenon, and to facilitate the discharge of concentrated water.

[0059] S103, based on the first correspondence, determine the current total dissolved solids concentration corresponding to the current wastewater volume.

[0060] The first correspondence is used to indicate the correspondence between multiple effluent volumes at the wastewater end and multiple total dissolved solids concentrations at the influent end. The first correspondence between multiple effluent volumes and multiple TDS values ​​can be obtained through repeated laboratory tests and stored in advance in the form of a table. In this step, the corresponding TDS value can be quickly determined by looking up the table based on the current wastewater volume, saving computing power and improving efficiency.

[0061] Based on the principle of osmotic equilibrium, with the same influent volume, the higher the initial concentration on the concentrate side, the easier it is to reach osmotic equilibrium earlier, and the less pure water on the pure water side, i.e., the more wastewater, the more the TDS value of the tap water at the influent side can be determined based on the current outfluent volume at the wastewater end. The calculation is convenient and accurate, and there is no need to install a TDS meter in the pipeline of the water purification equipment, which effectively avoids safety hazards caused by metal rusting or scaling, and improves water quality safety.

[0062] In some exemplary embodiments, when the water temperature in the filter element is close to the inlet water temperature and the water pressure is constant, the inlet water flow rate is 'a'. The inlet pump pressurizes the concentrate side, causing reverse osmosis to occur inside the filter element. At this time, the water level on the concentrate side drops and the water level on the pure water side rises. During this process, the inlet pump is turned off, i.e., the pressurization on the concentrate side is canceled. Under the osmosis phenomenon, the water level on the concentrate side gradually increases and eventually stops. The water flow rate on the concentrate side at the time of osmosis is 'b'. The ratio between 'a' and 'b' corresponds to the TDS value, thereby enabling the determination of the current TDS value based on the detected current wastewater volume. The calculation is accurate, convenient, and efficient.

[0063] Furthermore, the TDS value of the water in the inlet pipe is not constant. During the process of determining the TDS value, software algorithms can be used to correct the TDS value and the subsequent filter life prediction multiple times to improve the accuracy of the subsequent filter life prediction.

[0064] In addition, during a single test, the wastewater output is 300mL to 2L; understandably, the wastewater output can be any value within the range of 300mL to 2L; for example, the wastewater output can be 300mL, 500mL, 800mL, 1L, 1200mL, 1500mL, 2L, etc.; thus, it avoids excessive prediction errors caused by inaccurate measurement due to insufficient water volume, which is limited by the size of the water purification equipment, and also avoids waste caused by excessive water volume.

[0065] During the testing process, the water temperature in the filter element is between 10℃ and 25℃; understandably, the water temperature can be any value between 10℃ and 25℃; for example, the water temperature can be 10℃, 12℃, 15℃, 20℃, 23℃, 25℃, etc.; the tested water temperature is close to the tap water temperature to avoid the impact of temperature changes on the osmotic balance and to improve the accuracy and reliability of the wastewater output and TDS value.

[0066] S105, based on the current total dissolved solids concentration, predict the remaining lifespan of the filter element to obtain lifespan prediction information.

[0067] This lifespan prediction information is used to indicate the remaining lifespan of the filter cartridge. If the filter cartridge still has a remaining lifespan, it means that the filter cartridge can still be used. If the filter cartridge has reached the end of its lifespan, it means that the filter cartridge can no longer effectively filter and needs to be replaced or cleaned. This method of determining the current TDS value based on the current wastewater volume and then predicting the lifespan of the filter cartridge can greatly improve the accuracy of the prediction, avoid the waste of manpower and filter cartridges caused by premature replacement, reduce the failure rate of filter cartridges and water purification equipment, improve water quality safety, and further avoid the safety risks that may arise from installing TDS meters in water purification equipment, greatly improving user satisfaction.

[0068] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, before detecting the current effluent flow rate at the wastewater end, i.e. before step S101, the method further includes:

[0069] S202, with the water inlet pump, the water inlet valve, the water outlet valve and the wastewater valve open, the water inlet flow rate of the water inlet pipe is obtained.

[0070] S204, when the inlet water flow rate reaches the first preset flow rate, control the inlet water pump, the inlet water valve, the outlet water valve and the wastewater valve to close.

[0071] S206, in response to the filter element reaching a osmosis equilibrium state, the wastewater valve is opened to perform the step of detecting the current outflow of wastewater.

[0072] First, all pipes in the water purification equipment are connected to allow water to flow into the inlet, outlet, and wastewater pipes. Next, the inlet flow rate is monitored and determined in real time to see if it reaches the first preset flow rate. If it does not, it indicates that the filter element and pipes are not full of water, and the TDS value cannot be determined based on the current outflow. In this case, the inlet pump, inlet valve, outlet valve, and wastewater valve remain open until the inlet flow rate reaches the first preset flow rate, indicating that the filter element and pipes are full of water. At this point, osmosis can occur to facilitate reaching osmotic equilibrium. Under these conditions, the TDS value can be accurately predicted. Then, the inlet pump, inlet valve, outlet valve, and wastewater valve are closed to keep the filter element relatively sealed, allowing osmosis to proceed stably until osmotic equilibrium is reached. Finally, the wastewater valve is opened to detect the current outflow, improving the accuracy and reliability of the current outflow detection.

[0073] In some exemplary embodiments, the first preset flow rate can be set according to the actual situation. The first preset flow rate can be a specific value or a range of values. The present invention does not make any specific limitation on this.

[0074] In some exemplary embodiments, whether the filter element has reached a permeation equilibrium state can be determined by monitoring the settling time. If the settling time has not reached the preset settling time, it indicates that the permeation process is still occurring inside the filter element, and the state after step S204 is maintained to continue permeation. If the settling time has reached the preset settling time, it indicates that the filter element has fully reached a permeation equilibrium state. In some exemplary embodiments, the preset settling time can be set according to the actual situation. The preset settling time can be a specific value, such as 1 hour, or a range of values, such as 1 hour to 2 hours. This invention does not specifically limit this.

[0075] Specifically, the preset settling time is 1h to 4h; understandably, the preset settling time can be any value from 1h to 4h; for example, the preset settling time can be 1h, 1.5h, 2h, 2.5h, 3h, 3.5h, 4h, etc.; in this way, the osmosis phenomenon can be fully completed, the accuracy of TDS value prediction can be improved, and adverse effects on the normal use of water purification equipment can be avoided.

[0076] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the prediction of the remaining lifespan of the filter element based on the current total dissolved solids concentration, and the resulting lifespan prediction information, includes:

[0077] S301, based on the current total dissolved solids concentration and the current outflow of the water outlet pipe, estimate the cumulative total outflow of the water outlet pipe.

[0078] S303, if the cumulative total water output exceeds the preset water output, determine that the life prediction information indicates the end of the remaining life of the filter element.

[0079] Specifically, after estimating the cumulative total water flow of the water outlet pipe based on the current total dissolved solids concentration and the current water flow rate of the outlet pipe, the method further includes:

[0080] S305, if the cumulative total water output is less than or equal to the preset water output, determine that the life prediction information indicates the remaining life of the filter element.

[0081] The TDS value can be further converted into a coefficient α. Based on the coefficient α and the recorded current water flow rate β of the outlet pipe, the cumulative total water flow rate c of the outlet pipe is estimated, where c = c0 + α × β. The coefficient α and the current water flow rate β of the outlet pipe are then cleared to execute the subsequent steps S303 or S305. The estimation process is simple, efficient, and accurate.

[0082] The preset output water volume is the total output water volume that a filter cartridge with a coefficient α of 1 can use under a fixed TDS setting. If the cumulative total output water volume is greater than the preset output water volume, it means that the filter cartridge has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced or cleaned to avoid causing greater failures in the water purification equipment. If the cumulative total output water volume is less than or equal to the preset output water volume, it means that the filter cartridge still has a lifespan remaining and can continue to be used. It is not likely to fail and also avoids the waste of filter cartridges caused by frequent replacements. At this time, after step S305, we can return to the initial stage of the filter cartridge life prediction method, such as step S402 below, and start a new round of prediction.

[0083] In some exemplary embodiments, the preset water output can be set according to the actual situation. The preset water output can be a specific value or a range of values. The present invention does not make any specific limitation on this.

[0084] In addition, when the TDS value is abnormal, an alarm signal can be generated directly. The alarm signal may include at least one of an indicator light signal and a buzzer signal, to indicate that the indicator light turns on and the buzzer sounds, to alert the user and remind the user to check whether the water quality is abnormal.

[0085] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, before detecting the current outflow rate of the wastewater at the filter element when it reaches osmotic equilibrium, i.e. before step S101, the method further includes:

[0086] S402, Detect the current usage time of the water purification equipment;

[0087] S404, if the current usage time meets the preset time condition, execute the step of detecting the current outflow of wastewater when the filter element reaches the osmotic equilibrium state.

[0088] The preset duration condition is used to indicate whether the water purification equipment has reached the set usage time, so as to determine whether the filter element needs to be replaced. If the current usage time meets the preset duration condition, the S101 step is executed. If the current usage time does not meet the preset duration condition, it means that the filter element can still be used. There is no need to further calculate the TDS value to determine the life of the filter element. The prediction accuracy is good and it also saves a lot of computing power.

[0089] Specifically, the current usage duration meets the preset duration conditions, including:

[0090] The current usage time indicator shows whether the water purifier is being powered on for the first time or whether the water purifier has reached the preset usage time.

[0091] In step S404, the process first determines whether the water purifier is being powered on for the first time. If so, the current usage time meets the preset time condition, and step S101 is executed directly to further predict the remaining lifespan of the filter cartridge. If it is not being powered on for the first time, the process further determines whether the usage time has reached the preset usage time.

[0092] If the usage time does not reach the preset usage time, it means that the filter cartridge still has a remaining lifespan. There is no need to further calculate the TDS value based on the wastewater output and then predict the remaining lifespan of the filter cartridge. At this time, you can return to step S402 to retest, so as to improve the real-time performance of the prediction method, which has high prediction accuracy and good prediction reliability. If the usage time reaches the preset usage time, the current usage time is reset to zero, and then step S101 is executed directly to further predict the remaining lifespan of the filter cartridge, which improves the prediction precision and further improves the prediction accuracy and reliability.

[0093] In some exemplary embodiments, the preset usage duration can be set according to the actual situation. The preset usage duration can be a specific value, such as 1 month, or a range of values, from 1 month to 1.5 months. The present invention does not make any specific limitation on this.

[0094] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, the method further includes:

[0095] S501, during the water purification process of the water purification equipment, the current wastewater flow rate in the wastewater pipeline is detected when the wastewater valve is open.

[0096] S503, when the current wastewater flow rate is zero, control the wastewater valve to close, control the inlet valve, outlet valve and inlet pump to open, and detect the outflow time of the outlet pipe.

[0097] S505, when the water discharge time reaches the preset time, control the inlet valve, the inlet pump and the outlet valve to close, control the wastewater valve to open, and detect the total amount of wastewater in the wastewater pipeline.

[0098] S507, if the total amount of wastewater is greater than or equal to the preset amount of water, the filter element is determined to be in an abnormal state.

[0099] In this step, when the filter cartridge is clogged or has a short lifespan, the pore size of the RO filter membrane inside the filter cartridge decreases, the permeation rate slows down, and the amount of purified water output per unit time and per unit influent volume decreases, resulting in an increase in wastewater volume. By detecting the wastewater volume, it is possible to determine whether the filter cartridge is operating normally, thereby improving the safety and stability of the water purification process of the water purification equipment.

[0100] In some exemplary embodiments, the preset time can be set according to the actual situation. The preset time can be a specific value, such as 1 minute, or a range of values, such as 1 minute to 2 minutes. The present invention does not make a specific limitation in this regard.

[0101] The preset water volume is used to indicate the critical water volume at which the filter element malfunctions or reaches the end of its lifespan. In some exemplary embodiments, the preset water volume can be set according to the actual situation. The preset water volume can be a specific value or a range of values. This invention does not make any specific limitation in this regard.

[0102] First, the wastewater valve is opened to drain the wastewater from the filter element. The current wastewater flow rate in the wastewater pipe is monitored to determine if the filter element has been emptied. Next, if the current wastewater flow rate is not zero, it indicates that the filter element is not yet empty. The wastewater valve remains open until the current wastewater flow rate reaches zero, indicating that the filter element has been emptied. At this point, the wastewater valve is closed, and the inlet valve, outlet valve, and inlet pump are opened. The water outlet time is monitored. If the water outlet time has not reached the preset time, the process continues for a period of time. In step 503, the wastewater valve is closed, while the inlet valve, outlet valve, and inlet pump are open until the water output time reaches the preset time. Next, the relationship between the inlet valve, inlet pump, and outlet valve is controlled, and the wastewater valve is opened. The total wastewater volume in the wastewater pipe is detected. If the total wastewater volume is less than the preset volume, it means that the filter element can still be used normally. If the wastewater volume is greater than or equal to the preset volume, it means that the filter element is abnormal or has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced or cleaned. At this time, a warning signal can be generated to remind the user to replace the filter element and avoid malfunction of the water purification equipment.

[0103] Corresponding to the filter life prediction method provided in the above embodiments of the present invention, the filter life prediction device provided in the embodiments of the present invention can implement the filter life prediction method in the above method embodiments, wherein, as Figure 7 As shown, the filter life prediction device may include:

[0104] The wastewater end detection module 710 is used to detect the current outflow of wastewater when the filter element reaches a state of osmosis equilibrium.

[0105] The TDS determination module 720 is used to determine the current total dissolved solids concentration corresponding to the current wastewater volume based on a first correspondence relationship; the first correspondence relationship is used to indicate the correspondence between multiple effluent volumes at the wastewater end and multiple total dissolved solids concentrations at the influent end;

[0106] The prediction module 730 is used to predict the remaining life of the filter element based on the current total dissolved solids concentration, and obtain life prediction information; the life prediction information is used to indicate the remaining life status of the filter element.

[0107] Specifically, the filter life prediction device may further include:

[0108] The inlet flow detection module is used to obtain the inlet flow rate of the inlet pipe when the inlet pump, the inlet valve, the outlet valve and the wastewater valve are open;

[0109] The water circuit control module is used to control the water inlet pump, the water inlet valve, the water outlet valve and the wastewater valve to close when the water inlet flow rate reaches the first preset flow rate;

[0110] The response control module is used to control the wastewater valve to open in response to the filter element reaching a osmotic equilibrium state, and to perform the step of detecting the current outflow of wastewater.

[0111] Specifically, the prediction module 730 may include:

[0112] The cumulative water output estimation module is used to estimate the cumulative total water output of the water outlet pipe based on the current total dissolved solids concentration and the current water output of the water outlet pipe.

[0113] The first filter cartridge life determination module is used to determine, when the cumulative total water output exceeds the preset water output, the life prediction information indicates the end of the remaining life of the filter cartridge.

[0114] Specifically, the prediction module 730 may also include:

[0115] The second filter cartridge life determination module is used to determine the remaining life of the filter cartridge by the life prediction information when the cumulative total water output is less than or equal to the preset water output.

[0116] Specifically, the filter life prediction device may further include:

[0117] The duration detection module is used to detect the current usage time of the water purification equipment;

[0118] The duration determination module is used to execute the step of detecting the current outflow of wastewater when the filter element reaches the osmotic equilibrium state if the current usage duration meets the preset duration condition.

[0119] Specifically, the filter life prediction device may further include:

[0120] Wastewater flow detection module is used to detect the current wastewater flow in the wastewater pipe when the wastewater valve is open during the water purification process of the water purification equipment;

[0121] The first control and detection module is used to control the wastewater valve to close, control the inlet valve, outlet valve and inlet pump to open, and detect the water discharge time of the outlet pipe when the current wastewater flow rate is zero.

[0122] The second control and detection module is used to control the inlet valve, the inlet pump and the outlet valve to close, control the wastewater valve to open and detect the total amount of wastewater in the wastewater pipeline when the water discharge time reaches a preset time.

[0123] The filter cartridge abnormality status confirmation module is used to determine that the filter cartridge is in an abnormal state when the total amount of wastewater is greater than or equal to a preset amount of water.

[0124] It should be noted that the filter life prediction device provided in the above embodiments is only illustrated by the division of the above functional modules. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. In addition, the filter life prediction device and the method embodiments provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept, and the specific implementation process can be found in the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0125] The filter cartridge life prediction device includes a processor and a memory. The processor (or CPU (Central Processing Unit)) is the core component of the filter cartridge life prediction device. Its main function is to interpret memory instructions and process the data fed back by various modules. The processor is roughly divided into an arithmetic logic unit and a register unit. The arithmetic logic unit mainly performs related logical calculations (such as shift operations, logical operations, fixed-point or floating-point arithmetic operations and address operations), while the register unit is used to temporarily store instructions, data and addresses.

[0126] A memory is a storage device used to store software programs and modules. A processor executes various functional applications and data processing by running the software programs and modules stored in the memory. The memory mainly includes a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system, including but not limited to Windows (an operating system), Linux (an operating system), etc., which are not limited in this invention. In addition, it may also store application programs required for functions. For example, the memory storage space also contains at least one instruction suitable for being loaded and executed by the processor; these instructions may be one or more computer programs (including program code). The data storage area may store data created according to the use of the device. Accordingly, the memory may also include a memory controller to provide the processor with access to the memory.

[0127] The methods and embodiments provided in this invention can be executed in electronic devices such as mobile terminals, computer terminals, servers, or similar computing devices. Figure 8 This is a hardware structure block diagram of an electronic device for a filter life prediction method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. (See diagram for example.) Figure 8As shown, the electronic device 800 can vary significantly due to differences in configuration or performance. It may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) 810 (CPUs 810 may include, but are not limited to, microprocessors such as MCUs or programmable logic devices such as FPGAs), a memory 830 for storing data, and one or more storage media 820 (e.g., one or more mass storage devices) for storing application programs 823 or data 822. The memory 830 and storage media 820 may be temporary or persistent storage. The program stored in the storage media 820 may include one or more modules, each module may include a series of instruction operations on the electronic device. Furthermore, the CPU 810 may be configured to communicate with the storage media 820 and execute the series of instruction operations in the storage media 820 on the electronic device 800. Electronic device 800 may also include one or more power supplies 860, one or more wired or wireless network interfaces 850, one or more input / output interfaces 840, and / or one or more operating systems 821, such as Windows Server™, Mac OS X™, Unix™, Linux™, FreeBSD™, etc.

[0128] The input / output interface 840 can be used to receive or send data via a network. Specific examples of the network described above may include a wireless network provided by the communication provider of the electronic device 800. In one example, the input / output interface 840 includes a Network Interface Controller (NIC), which can connect to other network devices via a base station to communicate with the Internet. In another example, the input / output interface 840 may be a radio frequency (RF) module used for wireless communication with the Internet.

[0129] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 8 The structure shown is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the structure of the electronic device described above. For example, the electronic device 800 may also include... Figure 8 The more or fewer components shown, or having the same Figure 8 The different configurations shown.

[0130] This invention also provides a storage medium storing at least one instruction or at least one program segment, wherein the at least one instruction or the at least one program segment is loaded and executed by a processor to implement the filter life prediction method described above. Optionally, the storage medium may be located in at least one of multiple network servers in a computer network. Furthermore, the storage medium may include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile memory (NVM), USB flash drive, portable hard drive, disk storage device, flash memory device, other volatile solid-state storage devices, and other storage media capable of storing program code.

[0131] According to one aspect of the present invention, a computer program product or computer program is provided, the computer program product or computer program including computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a computer device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and executes the computer instructions, causing the computer device to perform the methods provided in the various alternative implementations described above.

[0132] It should be noted that the order of the above embodiments of the present invention is merely for descriptive purposes and does not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments. Furthermore, specific embodiments have been described above. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps described in the claims can be performed in a different order than that shown in the embodiments and still achieve the desired result. Additionally, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require a specific or sequential order to achieve the desired result. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0133] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0134] The above description is merely some embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention can have various changes and improvements, and any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made in accordance with the present invention fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for predicting filter cartridge lifespan, applied to a water purification device with a filter cartridge, wherein the filter cartridge includes an inlet end, a purified water outlet end, and a wastewater outlet end; characterized in that, include: When the filter element reaches osmotic equilibrium, the current outflow rate at the wastewater end is detected; Based on the first correspondence, the current total dissolved solids concentration corresponding to the current wastewater volume is determined; the first correspondence is used to indicate the correspondence between multiple outflow volumes at the wastewater end and multiple total dissolved solids concentrations at the inflow end. Based on the current total dissolved solids concentration, the remaining lifespan of the filter element is predicted to obtain lifespan prediction information; the lifespan prediction information is used to indicate the remaining lifespan status of the filter element.

2. The filter cartridge life prediction method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water purification equipment includes an inlet pipe connected to the inlet end, an outlet pipe connected to the purified water outlet end, and a wastewater pipe connected to the wastewater end. The inlet pipe is equipped with an inlet pump and an inlet valve, the outlet pipe is equipped with an outlet valve, and the wastewater pipe is equipped with a wastewater valve. Before detecting the current water flow rate at the wastewater end, the method further includes: With the inlet pump, inlet valve, outlet valve, and wastewater valve open, Obtain the inlet flow rate of the inlet pipe; When the inlet flow rate reaches the first preset flow rate, the inlet pump, the inlet valve, the outlet valve, and the wastewater valve are controlled to close. In response to the filter element reaching osmotic equilibrium, the wastewater valve is opened, and the step of detecting the current outflow of wastewater is performed.

3. The filter cartridge life prediction method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The prediction of the remaining lifespan of the filter element based on the current total dissolved solids concentration, resulting in lifespan prediction information, includes: Based on the current total dissolved solids concentration and the current outflow rate of the water outlet pipe, estimate the cumulative total outflow rate of the water outlet pipe; If the cumulative total water output exceeds the preset water output, the lifespan prediction information indicates that the remaining lifespan of the filter element has ended.

4. The filter cartridge life prediction method according to claim 3, characterized in that, After estimating the cumulative total water flow of the water outlet pipe based on the current total dissolved solids concentration and the current water flow rate of the outlet pipe, the method further includes: If the cumulative total water output is less than or equal to the preset water output, the lifespan prediction information indicates the remaining lifespan of the filter cartridge.

5. The filter cartridge life prediction method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Before detecting the current effluent flow rate at the wastewater end, after the filter element has reached osmotic equilibrium, the method further includes: The current usage time of the water purification equipment is detected; If the current usage time meets the preset time condition, the step of detecting the current outflow of wastewater at the wastewater end is executed when the filter element reaches the osmotic equilibrium state.

6. The filter cartridge life prediction method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The current usage duration meets the preset duration conditions, including: The current usage duration indicates whether the water purifier is being powered on for the first time or whether the water purifier has reached the preset usage duration.

7. The filter cartridge life prediction method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: During the water purification process of the water purification equipment, the current wastewater flow rate in the wastewater pipeline is detected when the wastewater valve is open. When the current wastewater flow rate is zero, the wastewater valve is closed, the inlet valve, outlet valve, and inlet pump are opened, and the outflow time of the outlet pipe is detected. When the water discharge time reaches the preset time, the inlet valve, the inlet pump, and the outlet valve are controlled to close, the wastewater valve is controlled to open, and the total amount of wastewater in the wastewater pipeline is detected. If the total amount of wastewater is greater than or equal to the preset amount, the filter element is determined to be in an abnormal state.

8. A filter cartridge life prediction device, characterized in that, include: The wastewater end detection module is used to detect the current outflow of wastewater when the filter element reaches osmotic equilibrium. The total dissolved solids concentration determination module is used to determine the current total dissolved solids concentration corresponding to the current wastewater volume based on a first correspondence relationship; the first correspondence relationship is used to indicate the correspondence between multiple effluent volumes at the wastewater end and multiple total dissolved solids concentrations at the influent end; The prediction module is used to predict the remaining life of the filter element based on the current total dissolved solids concentration, and obtain life prediction information; the life prediction information is used to indicate the remaining life status of the filter element.

9. A water purification device, characterized in that, The filter element includes an inlet, a pure water outlet, and a wastewater outlet, and the remaining lifespan of the filter element is predicted based on the filter element lifespan prediction method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

10. A storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores at least one instruction or at least one program, which is loaded and executed by a processor to implement the filter life prediction method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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