Filter apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines discharge water containing pollutants like microplastics, which need to be filtered to protect the environment, but existing technologies lack effective solutions for efficient filtration and monitoring of filter clogging.
Innovation Solution
A filter apparatus connectable to a washing machine's drain device, equipped with sensors and a controller for monitoring water flow, detecting clogging, and a cleaning mechanism, which transmits signals to the washing machine or user device for maintenance and provides visual feedback through a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter is installed in the drain device to filter pollutants from discharge water, then environmental protection is improved, but the filter will eventually clog and require maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through sensors that detect filter clogging conditions and communicate this information to the washing machine controller. The sensor monitors parameters such as water flow rate or pressure differential across the filter, and when clogging is detected, the system provides feedback to alert the user or automatically initiate maintenance procedures, ensuring the filter system remains reliable over time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a self-cleaning mechanism where the washing machine controller automatically activates a cleaning program when filter clogging is detected. The system uses the washing machine's existing resources (water circulation, heating elements, or mechanical agitation) to clean the filter without requiring external intervention, allowing the filter to serve itself and maintain its filtering function
2Adaptability or versatility
If a filter apparatus is positioned outside the washing machine, then installation flexibility is improved, but connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the filter apparatus with universal connection features that can interface with standard washing machine drain outlets. The filter apparatus incorporates multi-functional components such as a detachable connector that can be easily attached and detached, and a controller that communicates with various washing machine models through standard protocols, making the system adaptable to different installation scenarios without increasing complexity
3Measurement precision
If sensors and communication devices are added to the filter apparatus, then monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the filter apparatus's control functions with the washing machine's existing control system. The sensor and communicator in the filter apparatus communicate with the washing machine controller through a standardized interface, allowing the filter monitoring functions to be integrated into the washing machine's existing circuitry. This combining approach improves measurement precision for clogging detection while avoiding the need for separate complex control systems
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
Effectively filters pollutants from washing machine discharge water, alerts users to filter clogging, and facilitates easy maintenance, ensuring continuous operation and environmental protection.
Implementation Method 1
a filter detachably installable in the filter case so that water flowing through the inlet is flowable through the filter, and then to the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A filter apparatus positionable outside a washing machine and connectable to a drain device of the washing machine. The filter apparatus includes a housing; a filter case in the housing and including an inlet and an outlet that are configured so that, with the filter apparatus positioned outside the washing machine and connected to the drain device, water from the drain device is flowable through the inlet into the filter case, and water in the filter case is flowable through the outlet out of the filter case; a filter detachably installable in the filter case so that water flowing through the inlet is flowable through the filter, and then to the outlet; and circuitry between the housing and the filter case and including a controller configured to control the filter apparatus, and a communicator configured to transmit information obtained by the filter apparatus to at least one of the washing machine or a user device.