A pump-equipped separator

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines struggle to effectively filter microfibers from effluent due to clogging issues with mesh filters, which leads to reduced pressure and flow rates, and existing microfiber separators are limited in location and effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A separator unit with a sieve structure and a filter pressure regeneration apparatus using a conduit and nozzle assembly to recirculate filtered fluid and dislodge debris, allowing for effective filtration below the water line and maintaining pressure over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mesh filter is used to filter microfibers from effluent, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but the filter clogs leading to reduced pressure and flow rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration effectivenessVSAvoidflow rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a portion of the filtered effluent itself to clean the sieve structure through recirculation. The cleaned effluent is pumped back through the sieve from the outlet side, automatically dislodging and flushing away accumulated microfibers and debris, thereby self-maintaining the filter's effectiveness without external intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system recovers and reuses the filtered effluent by recirculating it through the sieve structure for cleaning purposes. This transforms the filtered water from a waste product into a useful cleaning medium, maintaining filtration effectiveness while eliminating the need for external water supplies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Reliability

If a mesh filter is used to filter microfibers, then microfiber removal is improved, but installation location is limited due to pressure requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrofiber removalVSAvoidinstallation location

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses hydraulic principles by recirculating pressurized effluent through the sieve structure. The pump creates sufficient pressure to force the cleaning effluent through the sieve from the outlet side, effectively dislodging and removing accumulated microfibers without requiring manual intervention or limiting installation location

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If external water supply is used to clean the filter, then filter regeneration is improved, but water consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter regenerationVSAvoidwater consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system recovers and reuses the filtered effluent by recirculating it through the sieve structure for cleaning purposes. This transforms the filtered water from a waste product into a useful cleaning medium, maintaining filtration effectiveness while eliminating the need for external water supplies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a portion of the filtered effluent itself to clean the sieve structure through recirculation. The cleaned effluent is pumped back through the sieve from the outlet side, automatically dislodging and flushing away accumulated microfibers and debris, thereby self-maintaining the filter's effectiveness without external intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution enables efficient separation of microfibers from effluent without clogging, maintaining effective operating pressure and flow rates, and can be installed in various locations, including below the water line, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

a nozzle assembly having at least one cleaning jet directed towards the outlet side of the sieve structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJet: Jet

Implementation Method 2

the pump is arranged to recirculate the filtered fluid to the conduit of the filter pressure regeneration apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 3

a sieve structure forming a permeable barrier between the inlet and the outlet to filter the fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240216839A1A pump-equipped separator

Publication Date: 2024.07.04 INHERITING EARTH LTD

AI summary

A separator prevents microplastics from entering the environment by regenerating the pressure consumption of filters for removing microplastics in effluent from any source but in particular removing microfibers from domestic and commercial washing machine wastewater, industrial textile processing waste and roadside runoff. The separator separates microplastics from an effluent, and includes a chamber with an inlet and an outlet, a sieve structure forming a permeable barrier between the inlet and the outlet to filter the effluent, and a pump in fluid communication with the outlet of the chamber.