Compressed Salt Block Extension for Brine Tank Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional salt forms used in water softener systems, such as pellets and granules, occupy excessive space due to void spaces and can cause spillages, requiring larger brine tanks and additional handling devices.
Innovation Solution
A compressed salt block with an irregularly shaped extension portion that fits into the space between the water softener tank and the housing, maximizing tank space usage and preventing salt bridges, while an indented or curved functional side aids in positioning and gripping for easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional salt forms (pellets, granules, lumps) are used in the brine tank, then salt is readily available and easy to handle, but void spaces occupy excessive volume requiring larger tank sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The salt is transformed from traditional pellet, granule, or lump forms into a compressed block form with significantly reduced void spaces. This parameter change in physical state and density allows the same amount of salt to occupy much less volume, thereby reducing the required brine tank size while maintaining ease of handling through the unified block structure
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed salt block can be formed as a composite structure containing salt bound with a binding agent, creating a cohesive block that eliminates the void spaces between individual salt particles while maintaining the necessary salt content for brine generation. This composite approach allows dense packing without sacrificing functionality
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional salt forms are used in the brine tank, then salt replenishment is simple, but spillages occur and require additional devices such as funnels
Solution Approach 1:
The salt supply system is segmented into removable compressed salt blocks that can be individually handled and replaced. This segmentation allows the salt to be loaded as discrete units rather than loose material, eliminating spillages during replenishment while maintaining simplicity through the straightforward block replacement process
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed salt blocks are designed as disposable or easily replaceable units that eliminate the need for complex replenishment mechanisms like funnels. Each block serves its purpose and can be replaced without creating messes or requiring additional handling devices, simplifying the overall salt replenishment process
3Quantity of substance
If larger brine tanks are used to accommodate traditional salt forms, then sufficient salt capacity is achieved, but the apparatus occupies more space and becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the physical parameters of salt from loose granular form to compressed block form, the density is significantly increased. This allows the same salt capacity to be achieved in a much smaller volume, reducing the overall apparatus size while maintaining sufficient salt quantity for effective brine generation
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed salt blocks are designed to nest efficiently within the brine tank space, maximizing the utilization of available volume. The compact, uniform shape of the blocks allows them to be arranged space-efficiently, ensuring high salt capacity within a minimized apparatus footprint
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a compressed salt block and a liquid treatment apparatus provided therein with at least one such compressed salt block. The liquid treatment apparatus comprises a housing adapted to accommodate at least one liquid treatment tank and at least one compressed salt block. The housing comprises a first space portion for accommodating the at least one liquid treatment tank, and a second space portion for accommodating at least partially the at least one compressed salt block; wherein the at least one compressed salt block comprises an extension portion which extends into a space in the first space portion between an external surface of the at least one liquid treatment tank and an inner wall surface of the housing adjacent the external surface of the at least one liquid treatment tank to thereby position the at least one compressed salt block within the housing. The compressed salt block comprises an elongated body having an irregular cross section, the cross section comprising a base side and a functional side opposing the base side, wherein at least a portion of the functional side forms an acute angle to the base side thereby forming the extension portion of the salt block.