Disposable Strainer Insert with Removable Liner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional strainer baskets for pool and spa systems often clog due to debris getting trapped in their openings, reducing efficiency and increasing maintenance difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A disposable insert with a removable liner that matches the size and shape of the strainer basket openings, featuring smaller openings to capture debris and prevent clogging, along with an optional inner frame for structural support, which can be easily installed, used, and replaced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional strainer basket with openings is used to strain debris from water, then water can pass through the openings, but debris becomes trapped in or on the openings causing clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by providing a replaceable insert with a filter screen that can be easily removed and discarded after capturing debris. This disposable insert prevents clogging of the permanent strainer basket by intercepting debris first, and when it becomes clogged, the entire insert is replaced rather than cleaned, maintaining continuous pumping efficiency without requiring maintenance of the permanent basket.
Solution Approach 2:
The replaceable insert acts as an intermediary element between the water flow and the permanent strainer basket. It captures debris that would otherwise accumulate on the permanent basket's openings, serving as a sacrificial filter that protects the main straining system from clogging and maintains reliable operation.
2Productivity
If the strainer basket openings are made smaller to capture more debris, then straining efficiency improves, but the frequency of clogging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable insert with fine mesh screen that can be manufactured with small openings for high straining efficiency. When this insert becomes clogged, it is simply replaced rather than cleaned, converting the time-consuming cleaning operation into a quick replacement operation and reducing overall maintenance time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtering function is segmented into a separate replaceable insert with fine mesh screen, distinct from the permanent strainer basket. This allows the fine-screening function to be optimized independently with small openings for high efficiency, while the permanent basket maintains its larger openings for continuous flow, and the segmented insert is replaced when clogged.
3Reliability
If a disposable insert with smaller openings is added to the strainer basket, then clogging is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable insert with fine mesh screen is designed to nest within the existing permanent strainer basket structure. The insert fits into the basket's cavity and uses the basket's existing flange and opening structure for support and attachment, adding the fine-screening function without requiring a completely new complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent strainer basket is designed with universal features including a standardized flange, cavity shape, and opening pattern that can accommodate the disposable insert. This universal design allows the same basket structure to function both as a standalone strainer and as a holder for the enhanced disposable insert 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 disposable insert effectively prevents clogging, reduces the frequency of strainer basket cleanings, and simplifies maintenance by capturing debris that would otherwise clog the system, ensuring continuous efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a removable liner that includes a plurality of openings that are the same size as, or smaller than, the openings of a conventional strainer basket, and which is inserted into the strainer basket to strain water
Data Source
AI summary
Debris filtration and strainer systems for a fluid handling device are provided herein. The strainer systems can include one or more of a strainer basket, a removable insert, and an adapter for removably engaging the removable insert with the strainer basket. The removable insert includes a liner having a plurality of openings that are the same size as, or smaller than, the openings of a the strainer basket, and which is inserted into the strainer basket to capture debris from water passing therethrough, preventing clogging of the strainer basket and reducing the frequency of cleanings of the strainer basket. The liner can be fabricated from a biodegradable material, and thus can be easily removed, disposed of, and replaced. The removable insert can include a rigid connection tab with one or more features for removably engaging the strainer basket and/or an adapter positioned between the strainer basket and the removable insert.