Filter Assembly with Flow-Variable Bypass for Ion Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter assemblies struggle to adjust the content of solid materials like Ca and Mg ions in purified water while maintaining a simple structure and reducing manufacturing costs, due to complex internal structures and increased component counts.

Innovation Solution

A filter assembly with a flow-variable bypass flow path in the filter cartridge header, allowing for adjustable inflow into a bypass pipe, which bypasses the solid material elimination filter, and includes a bypass flow rate control unit using a rotational dial to adjust the flow rate, enabling adjustment of Ca and Mg contents by controlling the flow through a Cl elimination filter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a solid material elimination means is added to the filter housing to eliminate solid materials, then the elimination capability is improved, but the filter housing structure becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolid material elimination capabilityVSAvoidfilter housing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the solid material elimination means directly into the filter housing structure, merging the elimination function with the housing structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate elimination components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining effective solid material removal capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the filtration system, and incorporates the solid material elimination means. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an adjusting means is added to the solid material elimination means to adjust solid material contents, then the adjustability is improved, but the internal structure becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolid material content adjustabilityVSAvoidinternal structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a flow rate control valve that allows dynamic adjustment of water flow through the solid material elimination means. This enables users to adjust the degree of solid material removal according to their needs, providing adaptability without requiring complex internal structures or multiple separate adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system adjusts solid material content by changing the flow rate parameter through the elimination means. By controlling the flow rate, the system can vary the contact time and filtration intensity, thereby adjusting the final solid material content in the purified water without adding complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a bypass flow path is added to allow direct flow without solid material elimination, then the flow flexibility is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow path flexibilityVSAvoidfilter housing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the water flow into two separate paths: a main flow path that goes through the solid material elimination means and a bypass flow path that goes directly through the filter housing. This segmentation allows flexible control over the proportion of water subjected to solid material elimination, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple structure through clear path separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution allows for precise adjustment of Ca and Mg contents in purified water, simplifies the filter assembly's structure, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances user convenience through easy maintenance and operation.

Implementation Method 1

a bypass flow rate control unit (300) capable of adjusting an inflow amount of original water flowing into the bypass flow pipe (112)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow rate control through rotational adjustment:

Implementation Method 2

a filter assembly in which a flow-variable bypass flow path is formed in a filter head so as to adjust a percentage of solid materials such as calcium (Ca) ions, magnesium (Mg) ions, and the like included in original water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3733258B1Filter assembly capable of adjusting elimination of solid materials using flow-variable bypass flow path
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 MICROFILTER CO LTD
  • EP3733258B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3733258B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3733258B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a filter assembly capable of adjusting elimination of solid materials using a flow-variable bypass flow path. The filter assembly includes a filter portion (100) which includes a cover portion (110) formed on top to have a shape in which a bypass flow pipe (112) and a water discharge pipe (113) sequentially surrounds a perimeter of a vertically protruding original water inflow pipe (111) in a stepped structure and accommodates a filter body therein and a filter cartridge header (200) in which the cover portion (110) of the filter portion (100) is accommodated therebelow and which includes a bypass flow rate control unit (300) capable of adjusting an inflow amount of original water flowing into the bypass flow pipe (112). Accordingly, there is present an effect of providing a filter assembly capable of adjusting a content of solid materials such as Ca ions, Mg ions, and the like included in original water by forming a flow-variable bypass flow path in a filter cartridge header and additionally forming a flow path directly passing through a Cl elimination filter without passing a solid material elimination filter corresponding to the bypass flow path in addition to a flow path basically configured to sequentially pass through a solid material elimination filter and the Cl elimination filter in a filter portion.