Axial Encryption Filter Cartridge for Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water filter devices lack design flexibility and ease of use, with potential for mismatched filter heads and cartridges, and limited options for adjusting water flow ratios, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased complexity in water treatment.

Innovation Solution

A water filter device with an encryption structure formed on the filter candle's end face, allowing for axial alignment and separate fixation, enabling various attachment methods such as tensioning, clipping, or magnetic fastening, and an adjusting device with a raw water distribution element and partial flow channel guide to control flow ratios between filter and bypass sections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an encryption structure is formed on the outer neck of the filter cartridge in a bayonet-like manner, then filter compatibility is ensured, but the radial expansion increases and space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter compatibilityVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The encryption structure is relocated from the radial direction (outer neck) to the axial direction (end face). This dimensional shift allows the encryption features to be positioned on the end face of the filter cartridge, reducing radial expansion while maintaining compatibility verification functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If an encryption structure is formed on the outer neck of the filter cartridge, then filter compatibility is ensured, but the insertion complexity and difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter compatibilityVSAvoidinsertion ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By moving the encryption structure to the axial direction on the end face, the insertion motion becomes more intuitive and aligned with the natural pushing motion, reducing insertion complexity compared to radial bayonet-style engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed attachment method is used for the filter cartridge, then structural stability is ensured, but the adaptability and flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidattachment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The filter head is designed with a universal attachment interface that can accommodate multiple attachment methods (tensioning, clipping, magnetic fastening) through the same axial encryption verification system, allowing one structure to serve multiple attachment functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic selection of different attachment methods while maintaining the same encryption verification principle, enabling the attachment mechanism to adapt to different operational requirements without compromising structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2749336B1Water filter device with locking structure
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 AQUIS WASSER LUFT SYST GMBH LINDAU ZWEIGNIEDE
  • EP2749336B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2749336B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2749336B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A keying structure is constructed on the end face of the filter cartridge (3) and/or on a component associated with its end face, the structure having axial extent. The keying structure is distinct from the fixing structure (12). It comprises an axial denticulation (13). This includes teeth in a given angular relationship. Teeth of this structure project towards or away from the filter cartridge. The teeth have differing lengths and/or sizes. Different numbers of teeth are used for different keying implementations. Differing numbers of teeth are included in set angular segments, for various keying implementations. The keying structure forms an adjuster for a filter head component. The latter includes a valve body. This has at least one inlet valve (8) and/or an outlet valve (9). The valve body comprises an expansion valve (10) and/or a flushing valve (10). The valve body includes a control profile and/or peg for an expansion valve and/or a flushing valve. The valve body includes a bypass valve (23). An adjuster changes flow distribution between two or more paths for unfiltered water. The flow path comprises a filtration path. The adjuster includes a component distributing raw water, and a complementary flow channel guidance component for a partial flow. This is located in or on the filter cartridge. The unfiltered water distribution component is arranged in or on the filter head. The effective areas opened when controlling the partial flows are of the same or different sizes.