Curved Nozzle Filter Flosser for Cartridge Pleat Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning tools for cartridge filters in pools and spas are either too complex and expensive or inefficient, often damaging the filters and wasting water during maintenance, with no portable and eco-friendly solutions available.
Innovation Solution
A portable cartridge filter cleaning tool with a 100% dye cast aluminum handle, a composite plastic ball valve for water control, and a curved aluminum nozzle with evenly spaced holes for effective water dispersion, designed for easy use and reduced water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressure washers are used to clean cartridge filters, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but the filter material is damaged and filter life is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the water pressure parameter from high pressure (pressure washer) to low pressure (garden hose compatible), and introduces a specific nozzle geometry with multiple small holes to achieve effective cleaning at lower pressures, thereby protecting filter material while maintaining cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The specialized nozzle acts as an intermediary device between the garden hose and the filter cartridge, distributing water through multiple small holes to create an effective cleaning pattern that would not be achievable with direct hose application, thus enabling efficient cleaning without damage
2Productivity
If sand filters back wash water reversely through the system, then debris is removed, but a large amount of water is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the water waste problem by using a targeted approach - water is applied only to the filter cartridge surface through the specialized nozzle, rather than flushing the entire filtration system, thus achieving debris removal with minimal water consumption
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of complete system backwashing, the invention applies partial action by cleaning only the external cartridge surface where debris accumulates, which is sufficient for maintenance while avoiding excessive water usage associated with full system backwash
3Productivity
If existing cleaning tools are used, then filters can be cleaned, but the tools are complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the cleaning tool into simple, separate components: a standard garden hose connection, a ball valve for water control, and a specially designed nozzle with multiple holes. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function using simple, inexpensive parts rather than a complex integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves universality by designing a tool that works with standard garden hoses (common household item) rather than requiring specialized equipment. The nozzle design with multiple holes provides multi-functional cleaning capability for different filter cartridge types, reducing the need for multiple specialized tools
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 tool reduces cleaning time, minimizes water waste by 50%, and is more durable than existing solutions, ensuring efficient and eco-friendly maintenance without damaging the filters.
Implementation Method 1
The nozzle recited in 1(c) has seventeen 1/16′′ holes drilled from end to end at 3⁄8′′ apart for even dispersion of water for cleaning in between pleats
Implementation Method 2
The ball valve recited in 1(b) is 1⁄2′′ a ball valve made from composite plastic and is used to turn on/off water flow
Implementation Method 3
The handle recited in 1(a) is threaded at both ends; one end to receive a standard garden hose and the other end to receive the nozzle portion of the unit
Data Source
AI summary
Filter Flosser is a tool designed for cleaning cartridge filters that are used in pools, spas and industrial filtration systems.There is an ergonomically designed handle with an on/off ball valve switch to turn water flow on or off. There is a nozzle portion that is curved to wrap partially around the shape of a cartridge filter. There are holes in the nozzle portion which are evenly spaced that spray water into the cartridge filter elements to get between the pleats and remove dirt deposits.