Backflow-Preventing Filter Module for Spill-Free Cartridge Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional household water purifiers face issues with filter shell misplacement during cartridge replacement, leading to potential spillage of residual water.
Innovation Solution
A backflow-preventing filter module with a filter unit and a backflow-prevention valve that includes a flexible abutting portion to control the flow through an annular slot, preventing water spillage by switching between open and closed positions based on water pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the lid is removed from the filter shell to replace the filter cartridge, then the filter cartridge can be replaced, but the filter shell may be misplaced and tipped over causing residual water to spill
Solution Approach 1:
The backflow prevention valve is pre-installed in the filter shell to create a protective barrier against potential water spillage before the lid is removed. The valve remains closed during cartridge replacement, preventing residual water from flowing out if the filter shell is tilted or misplaced, thus eliminating the harmful effect before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The backflow prevention valve acts as an intermediary component between the residual water in the filter shell and the external environment. It controls the flow path through its valve body, allowing water to pass only when properly pressurized during normal operation, while blocking the path during cartridge replacement to prevent spillage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a backflow prevention valve is added to prevent water spillage, then water spillage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backflow prevention valve is designed to operate automatically based on water pressure differential without requiring external control mechanisms. During normal operation, incoming water pressure opens the valve; during cartridge replacement when pressure is absent, the valve automatically closes to prevent spillage. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators, sensors, or control systems, thereby minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve utilizes changes in water pressure as the operating parameter to control its state. When water flows into the filter shell during normal operation, the pressure differential opens the valve. When the lid is removed and water flow stops, the pressure equalizes and the valve closes automatically. This parameter-based control simplifies the mechanism by relying on natural physical changes rather than complex control systems.
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
Prevents residual water from spilling during filter cartridge replacement by blocking the flow path when the unit is tilted, ensuring smooth and safe replacement.
Implementation Method 1
The abutting portion is made of a flexible material and is movable between an open position and a closed position. When there is no water flowing into the filter shell, the abutting portion is expanded to block the flow path.
Implementation Method 2
When water flows into the filter shell, the abutting portion is pushed by the water to be away from the inner surrounding wall, so that the annular slot is not blocked.
Data Source
AI summary
A backflow-preventing filter module includes a filter unit and a backflow-prevention valve. The filter unit includes a filter cartridge that has a connector formed with an annular groove, and a filter shell that defines an accommodating space and that includes a connecting head. The connecting head has an inner surrounding wall defining an annular slot. The backflow-prevention valve is sleeved on the connector, and has a fixing portion disposed in the annular groove and an abutting portion moveable between an open position, where a distal end of the abutting portion is pushed by water to be away from the inner surrounding wall so that the annular slot is not blocked, and a closed position, where the abutting portion is expanded to abut the distal end thereof against the inner surrounding wall, thereby blocking the annular slot.