Aquarium Filter Water Stream Diversion System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aquarium maintenance solutions require additional equipment and disrupt the aquarium environment during water changes and gravel cleaning, lacking a versatile and efficient method for water removal and replenishment.
Innovation Solution
An aquarium filter with a water stream diversion system that can be reconfigured to function as a remote filter intake or outlet, allowing for easy water exchange and integration with gravel cleaning devices, using a pump and a flexible conduit system to manage water flow without the need for extra equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual siphons, separate pumps, hoses and automatic water exchange devices are used for water changing, then water exchange can be performed without manual pouring, but extra equipment must be purchased, set-up and stored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple aquarium maintenance functions (filtration, water exchange, gravel cleaning) into a single integrated filter device. The water exchange system merges the pump, hoses, and control mechanisms that were previously separate equipment, eliminating the need for multiple standalone devices while maintaining automated water exchange capability
Solution Approach 2:
The filter device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a filtration system and a water exchange system with interchangeable attachments. The universal design allows the same base unit to handle both filtering and water changing operations, reducing equipment complexity while improving operational ease
2Productivity
If gravel cleaners with rigid tubes are used to clean the gravel bed, then debris can be removed from the gravel, but the equipment cannot be reconfigured for other purposes and requires separate storage
Solution Approach 1:
The gravel cleaning system employs flexible, interchangeable tubes that can be attached and detached from the filter base. This dynamic configuration allows the tubing to be repositioned and reconfigured for different cleaning locations and purposes, enhancing adaptability while maintaining cleaning productivity through the powered suction system
Solution Approach 2:
The gravel cleaning equipment is segmented into a permanent base unit (the filter with motor) and removable flexible tubes. This segmentation allows the tubes to be interchangeable and adaptable for different positions and functions, while the base unit remains stationary and provides the powered suction capability for effective gravel cleaning
3Reliability
If traditional filtration systems are used, then water can be filtered through fixed intake and outlet positions, but the system lacks flexibility for remote intake/outlet configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes flexible tubing to connect the filter base to both water intake and outlet points. This flexible connection system allows the intake and outlet to be positioned at various locations within the aquarium while maintaining reliable filtration performance, as the flexible tubes can be routed to accommodate different spatial configurations without compromising the filtration mechanism
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
Facilitates easier and more efficient water removal and replenishment processes, reducing equipment requirements and minimizing environmental disruption, while enhancing aquarium maintenance flexibility and circulation.
Implementation Method 1
an aquarium pump having an intake to draw water into said pump and force water through an outlet
Implementation Method 2
Siphon cleaning devices may include mechanical means to get the siphon started such as a built in check valve or squeeze bulb valve that creates the suction and maintains the one-way water flow
Implementation Method 3
Air powered gravel cleaners use the lift created by dissolved air in the water introduced near the bottom of the rigid tube to induce suction at the gravel bed
Data Source
AI summary
An aquarium filter with water stream diversion system and method of use thereof, having an intake, an outlet, and a pump to draw water into the intake and discharge water from the outlet. The system further includes a water stream diversion conduit having a first open end, an opposite second open end, and a fluid channel between the first and second open ends. The first open end of the conduit can releasably connect to the intake of the pump or the outlet of the pump. When the conduit is connected to the outlet of the pump, the water is diverted from the outlet of the pump into the conduit, for discharge from the conduit. When the conduit is connected to the intake of the pump, water is drawn into the conduit and discharged from the conduit into the intake of the pump.