Adjustable Bypass Filter Cartridge for Water Carbonization Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Suction filter cartridges used in automatic drink dispensers face challenges in maintaining optimal water carbonization levels, leading to suboptimal beverage flavor and potential corrosion of machine components due to inadequate water quality, which existing designs fail to address effectively.

Innovation Solution

A suction filter cartridge with an adjustable bypass connecting the outlet opening to the inlet area, allowing controlled diversion of untreated water through the filter media, enabling adjustment of carbonization levels without increasing the cartridge's horizontal dimensions, and incorporating a rotating adjustment ring to optimize water quality for flavor and machine performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a bypass is added to allow untreated water to mix with filtered water, then water quality can be adjusted for optimal flavor and corrosion prevention, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater quality controlVSAvoidbypass structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass is integrated into the existing filter cartridge structure by utilizing the outlet sleeve and adjustment ring components that are already part of the cartridge assembly. The bypass channel is formed within the housing structure itself, merging the bypass function with the existing structural elements rather than adding separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment ring serves multiple functions: it controls the bypass opening degree to regulate water flow, provides sealing between the bypass and main flow paths, and maintains the structural integrity of the outlet assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the bypass cross-section is made adjustable to optimize water quality, then adaptability to different water conditions improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater quality adjustmentVSAvoidadjustable bypass structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass cross-section is made adjustable through the rotation of the adjustment ring, which dynamically changes the opening degree of the bypass channel. This allows the system to adapt to different water quality requirements by varying the bypass flow rate, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment ring changes the physical parameter of the bypass opening area by rotating to different angular positions. This parameter change controls the flow rate through the bypass, enabling optimization of water quality without requiring complex mechanical adjustments or multiple discrete components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If the bypass is arranged in the lower section to maintain compact dimensions, then the horizontal size of the cartridge is constrained, but the bypass may interfere with the filter bed compression

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge footprintVSAvoidfilter bed compression

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass is positioned in the lower section of the cartridge where it occupies a specific local space without interfering with the overall filter bed compression. The bypass channel is configured to flow along the housing wall, creating a localized flow path that does not disrupt the vertical compression of the filter media in the main chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass is arranged to flow in a direction parallel to the housing wall rather than vertically through the filter bed. This dimensional arrangement allows the bypass to coexist with the filter bed compression by utilizing the lateral space in the lower section, maintaining both compact dimensions and effective filter bed compression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 adjustable bypass allows for optimal water quality adjustment, extending filter cartridge performance and capacity, preventing corrosion, and ensuring consistent flavor, while maintaining compact dimensions and preventing unintended bypasses.

Implementation Method 1

the adjustable bypass is preferably sized such that not the entire crude water immediately flows from the inlet opening into the outlet opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMixing:

Implementation Method 2

passes the filter medium or filter media in the cartridge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

the mixture of filter means comprising activated carbon and ion exchangers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS9023205B2Filter cartridge

Publication Date: 2015.05.05 BRITA GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a filter cartridge (1), in particular a suction filter cartridge, in which the inlet region (10) and the outlet opening (20) are arranged in the base region. The outlet opening (20) is connected to the inlet region (10) via a by-pass, which is located in a lower section of the outflow chamber (2a) or below the outflow chamber (2a).