Conical filter with turbine powered scraper
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter systems in washing machines require offline maintenance for cleaning, leading to increased costs and reduced performance due to clogging.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly with a rotatable scraper cleaning structure that uses a stream of water to rotate the scraper, allowing for online, low-maintenance cleaning of filters without the need for electricity or high flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filter cleaning is performed offline by removing the filter device, then cleaning can be performed, but maintenance costs increase and filter system performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cleaning system performs self-service by using the filtered fluid itself to power the cleaning mechanism. The pressure differential across the filter during operation drives a turbine that rotates the cleaning elements, eliminating the need for external power sources or manual intervention. This allows continuous operation without maintenance downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning mechanism operates continuously during filter operation rather than requiring periodic shutdowns. The turbine-driven cleaning elements rotate as long as fluid flows through the filter, maintaining constant cleaning action that prevents fouling accumulation and ensures continuous optimal performance.
2Reliability
If traditional filter cleaning systems are used, then cleaning can be performed, but energy consumption increases and clean water is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses hydraulic power from the filtered fluid pressure to drive the turbine and cleaning mechanism. Instead of electrical motors or external power sources, the kinetic energy of the flowing fluid is converted to mechanical rotation, eliminating additional energy consumption while using only the fluid already present in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the pressure differential that naturally exists during filter operation into useful mechanical energy for cleaning. The same pressure that drives fluid through the filter also powers the turbine, turning a byproduct of the filtering process into the driving force for self-cleaning without requiring external energy input.
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 system effectively cleans filters online, reducing maintenance costs and improving filter performance while minimizing energy consumption and water usage.
Implementation Method 1
the element is rotationally engaged with the scraper such that the stream of water providing a rotational force to the element, rotates the scraper with respect to the first surface of the filter
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly (1) for filtering water comprising: a filter (10) forming a permeable receptacle for fluid to be filtered, an actuating inlet (300) for providing a stream of water, a filter fluid inlet (302) for providing fluid to be filtered to the filter (10), and, a rotatable cleaning structure (20) for cleaning the filter (10), wherein the structure (20) comprises at least one scraper (201) extending along and substantially abutting a first surface (101) of the filter (10), the scraper (201) being rotatable with respect to the first surface (101) of the filter (10), and wherein the structure (20) further comprises at least one rotatable element (250) arranged for receiving the stream of water, the stream of water being receivable in, and filterable by, the filter (10) and wherein the element (250) is rotationally engaged with the scraper (201) such that the stream of water providing a rotational force to the element (250), rotates the scraper (201) with respect to the first surface (101) of the filter.