Filter-as-You-Pour Container Design for Rapid Water Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pour-through pitcher systems require several minutes for water to be filtered and ready for drinking, as they rely on a reservoir-based filtration system with slow flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A reservoir-less 'filter-as-you-pour' system where a filter assembly is integrated into the container body or lid, allowing water to be filtered as it is poured, providing high flow rates and contaminant removal efficiencies similar to traditional systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reservoir-based filtration system is used, then contaminant removal efficiency is achieved, but filtration time is prolonged to several minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional filtration sequence by placing the filter assembly at the outlet rather than the inlet. Water flows directly into the container body without pre-filtration, and only gets filtered as it exits through the outlet. This reversal eliminates the reservoir waiting period while maintaining contaminant removal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly is pre-positioned in the outlet path, ready to filter water immediately as it flows out. This preliminary positioning ensures that filtration occurs continuously during pouring without requiring advance preparation or reservoir storage time.
2Reliability
If a reservoir-based system is used, then filtration is achieved, but flow rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the filtration location to the outlet, the system allows water to flow freely into the container body at high rates, then filters only the portion being dispensed. This maintains high overall flow rates while ensuring filtered water is delivered to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly is localized specifically at the outlet where water dispensing occurs, rather than filtering the entire volume in a reservoir. This localized approach maintains high flow rates for filling while providing filtered water at the point of use.
3Productivity
If a filter assembly is integrated into the container body, then filtration occurs during pouring, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is merged with the container body structure, integrating filtration functionality directly into the existing container rather than adding a separate reservoir system. This combination achieves rapid filtration during pouring while minimizing additional structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration function is extracted from the traditional reservoir system and placed specifically at the outlet. This extraction allows the rest of the container body to remain simple and reservoir-less, while concentrating filtration complexity only where needed for rapid pouring filtration.
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
Enables rapid filtration of water as it is poured, achieving flow rates of at least 0.3 GPM and contaminant removal efficiencies comparable to traditional systems, while eliminating the need for a reservoir, thus reducing filtration time.
Implementation Method 1
a filter assembly which may be attachable to the container body or an associated lid body, and which may be disposed so as to be in a flow stream of the water as the water is poured from the container body through the system outlet
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to container bodies configured to be used in filter-as-you-pour systems, where filtering is achieved as the user pours water from the container. Such container bodies may have an undivided internal storage volume, so as to not include a reservoir compartment for unfiltered water. They may be part of systems configured to filter water both as water is introduced into a container body of the system and as water is poured from the container body of the system. The filter assembly may be attached to the container body at a location proximate the outlet of the system. Filter media of the filter assembly may comprise an activated carbon textile material that presents a curved surface to water passing through the filter assembly. The container body may be configured as a pitcher, carafe, water bottle, jug, or other shaped container.