Contactless Reverse Osmosis Pump for Sediment-Resistant Water Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional water purification systems, such as reverse osmosis, face challenges in rural and underdeveloped regions due to high energy requirements and sediment buildup issues with low-power pumps, necessitating a more efficient, durable, and cost-effective solution for producing clean drinking water.

Innovation Solution

A water filtration system incorporating a Pressure Energy Transformer (PET) module, Contactless Reverse Osmosis (CRO) pump, and intelligent microcontroller-based system for solar-powered operation, which reduces energy consumption and prevents contamination by using contactless energy transfer and low-power pumping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high-power pumps are used for reverse osmosis water purification, then filtration efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical high-power pump with an acoustic field-based system. Ultrasound waves generate acoustic radiation pressure that drives water through the reverse osmosis membrane, eliminating the need for mechanical pumping while maintaining filtration efficiency. The acoustic field acts as a non-contact force field to move water molecules through the membrane.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and parameters of water by using ultrasound to create cavitation bubbles and acoustic streaming. These acoustic parameters (frequency, intensity, pressure) are optimized to enable water molecules to pass through the RO membrane without requiring high mechanical pressure from traditional pumps, thus reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If low-power pumps are used to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but sediment buildup damages pump components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidpump durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical contact between the pumping system and water by using acoustic radiation pressure. Since no mechanical pump components touch the water, there is no sediment buildup on impellers, seals, or moving parts. The acoustic field penetrates water without being affected by sediments, maintaining system reliability indefinitely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary between the energy source and water. The ultrasound transducer converts electrical energy to acoustic energy, which then acts as a mediator to drive water through the membrane without mechanical contact. This intermediary acoustic field avoids direct interaction with sediments that would damage mechanical pumps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If contactless energy transfer is implemented, then pump contamination is prevented, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump contamination preventionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical pump assemblies with a simpler acoustic field generation system. The ultrasound transducer and control circuitry are less complex than mechanical pumps with moving parts, seals, and bearings. The contactless acoustic driving mechanism eliminates the need for mechanical maintenance while reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides a long-lasting, cost-effective solution for producing clean drinking water, suitable for underserved communities and disaster areas, ensuring access to safe drinking water while reducing maintenance and energy burdens.

Implementation Method 1

a Pressure Energy Transformer (PET) module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure energy transformation:

Implementation Method 2

contactless energy transfer for the production of clean drinking water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectContactless energy transfer: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

capable of being solar powered

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar power conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 4

the most common process utilized for water purification is reverse osmosis (RO), in which pressurized water passes through a special filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReverse osmosis: Reverse Osmosis

Data Source

PatentUS20240342656A1Sustainable energy-based contactless reverse osmosis (CRO) by low energy pump for smart portable water filtration system

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a water filtration system that meets the need for production of clean, potable water. In particular, described herein is a system comprising a Pressure Energy Transformer (PET), a Contactless Reverse Osmosis (CRO) pump, and an intelligent microcontroller-based system that provides contactless energy transfer for the production of clean drinking water.