External Non-Woven Felt Filter for Washing Machine Microfiber Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wastewater filtration systems for household and light industrial applications are ineffective in removing fine particles, particularly microfibers and lint, which can clog septic systems and sewer lines, and fail to meet regulatory requirements for particle removal from washing machine discharge.
Innovation Solution
A filter system utilizing a non-woven felt media positioned downstream of a washing machine's drainage outlet, either gravity-based or motorized, with a centrifugal force mechanism to capture particles smaller than 200 microns, including a dual-stage filtration mechanism for enhanced efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing wastewater filtration systems are used, then basic filtration is provided, but fine particles including microfibers and lint are not effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is divided into multiple stages with different filter media. The first stage uses a coarse filter to remove larger particles, while the second stage uses a fine filter to capture microfibers and lint. This segmentation allows each stage to specialize in removing particles of specific sizes, achieving high overall particle removal efficiency without requiring a single overly complex filter
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous filter media with specific pore size distributions. The coarse filter has larger pores for capturing bigger particles, while the fine filter has smaller pores designed to trap microfibers and lint. The porous structure of these materials enables effective particle removal through physical filtration while maintaining water flow
2Adaptability or versatility
If a filter system is positioned external to the washing machine, then installation flexibility is improved, but the system requires additional space and mounting infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is designed to be compact and can be nested within or adjacent to the washing machine structure. The housing accommodates both the coarse and fine filters in a space-efficient arrangement, allowing the system to be installed in limited spaces near the washing machine without requiring extensive additional area
3Use of energy by moving object
If a gravity-based filter system is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but filtration efficiency for fine particles is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration process is segmented into two distinct stages. The first stage uses gravity-based coarse filtration for energy-efficient removal of larger particles. The second stage employs a fine filter that can operate with enhanced filtration mechanisms to capture microfibers and lint. This segmentation allows the system to maintain low energy consumption while achieving high particle removal efficiency through the combined action of both stages
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 removes over 50% of microfibers and other fine particles, reducing septic system failures and sewer line clogging, while meeting regulatory standards for particle removal, thereby protecting both septic and city sewer systems.
Implementation Method 1
a non-woven felt material filter is positioned within a wastewater stream from a washing machine wherein the filter is positioned downstream of a washing machine wastewater drainage outlet
Implementation Method 2
one or both of the filter holder and the filter are rotatable by rotation of the drive shaft for removing particles from the wastewater by centrifugal force
Implementation Method 3
the filter system comprises a housing having an inlet positioned above an outlet with the filter media positioned therebetween and using gravity within the housing to remove particles from the wastewater discharge
Data Source
AI summary
A method of filtering a wastewater stream and a filter media comprising a non-woven felt material for filtering particles from a wastewater stream wherein the non-woven felt material filter is positioned within a wastewater stream from a washing machine and wherein the filter is positioned downstream of a washing machine wastewater drainage outlet. The filter media may be configured for use with a gravity based wastewater filter mountable to a surface external to the washing machine or may be configured for use with a motorized wastewater filter mountable to a surface external to the washing machine.