Conical Showerhead Filter Cartridge Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Shower filters integrated into showerheads often suffer from reduced filtering capabilities and shortened lifespan due to mismatched cylindrical filter cartridges and conically shaped showerheads, leading to undesirable water distribution and filtration inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A conically shaped filter cartridge with deflector plates is designed to fit within a conically configured showerhead, maximizing filtration capacity and distributing water evenly throughout the filter element to prevent dead zones and extend lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a cylindrical filter cartridge is used in a conically shaped showerhead, then the showerhead can maintain a desirable external configuration, but the filtering capacity is reduced and the filter cartridge does not fit well within the showerhead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexternal configuration of showerheadVSAvoidfiltering capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter cartridge transitions from a conventional cylindrical shape to an asymmetric conical shape that matches the conical internal cavity of the showerhead. The filter cartridge has a first diameter at the inlet end and a second diameter at the outlet end, creating a tapered configuration that optimizes space utilization within the conical showerhead body while maintaining the desirable external configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of manufacture

If a cylindrical filter cartridge is used in a conically shaped showerhead, then installation is simpler, but the filter cartridge is too small to be effective and filtering capabilities are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidfiltering capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the filter cartridge from a uniform cylindrical configuration to a conical configuration with varying diameter along its length. This parameter change allows the filter cartridge to expand and utilize the available conical space more effectively, increasing the quantity of filter media that can be contained while maintaining ease of installation through a straightforward replacement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If a conical filter cartridge is used to maximize filtering capacity, then the filter element can be properly sized, but water distribution may become uneven creating dead zones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltering capacityVSAvoidwater distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conical filter cartridge is segmented into multiple functional zones with deflector plates positioned at strategic locations to divide and redirect water flow. These deflector plates create multiple flow paths that distribute water evenly across the filter media surface, preventing dead zones and ensuring uniform utilization of the entire filter element while maintaining the conical configuration for maximum capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 conical configuration and deflector plates ensure effective water distribution, enhancing the filtering capacity and longevity of the showerhead by utilizing the entire filter media and maintaining a desirable external configuration.

Implementation Method 1

The filter cartridge may additionally include one or more deflector plates which function to distribute water throughout the filter cartridge to maximize the effectiveness and lifespan of the filter cartridge.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow distribution:

Implementation Method 2

The filter cartridge is positioned such that water flows through the filter element as water is discharged from the showerhead. The filter element is positioned relative to the frame such that the upstream face of the filter element is in direct fluid communication with the at least one upstream void and the plurality of openings formed in the upstream plate, and the downstream face of the filter element is in direct fluid communication with the at least one downstream void and the plurality of openings formed in the downstream plate.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11465919B2Conical showerhead and filter

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 FARLEY DAVID K

AI summary

A filter cartridge for a showerhead includes a frame having an upstream plate and a downstream plate, both having a respective plurality of openings formed therein. The frame defines at least one upstream void outside of the upstream plate, and at least one downstream void outside of the downstream plate. A filter element is coupled to the frame and has a conical configuration including upstream and downstream faces, and a sidewall extending between the upstream face and the downstream face, with the upstream face being smaller than the downstream face. The filter element is positioned relative to the frame with the upstream face in direct fluid communication with the at least one upstream void and the plurality of openings formed in the upstream plate, and the downstream face in direct fluid communication with at least one downstream void and the plurality of openings formed in the downstream plate.