Filter assembly for use in a fluid container of a domestic appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing domestic appliances using fluid, such as coffee makers and water purifiers, face calcification issues leading to appliance failure due to the inconvenience and environmental impact of disposable filters, which are costly, difficult to find, and not environmentally friendly.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly comprising a filter element with a semi-permeable skin and a filter housing that encloses the fluid retrieval pipe, allowing filtered fluid to exit the container while minimizing solid plastic usage, enabling longer lifespan and environmental friendliness, with the filter element being disposable and the housing being durable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable filters made of solid plastic are used, then calcification prevention is achieved, but environmental pollution increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element uses a porous structure made of biodegradable material instead of solid plastic, allowing fluid to pass through while trapping particles. The porous nature enables filtration function while the biodegradable property reduces environmental pollution.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is designed as a disposable component made from biodegradable materials, replacing expensive solid plastic filters. After use, it can be safely disposed of without causing environmental harm, resolving the contradiction between reliability and environmental impact.
2Reliability
If disposable filters are used, then calcification is prevented, but the filters need frequent replacement and are difficult to find
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is designed with a universal interface that can be used across multiple appliance models. The filter element combines multiple functions (filtration, structural support, sealing) in a single component that fits standard appliance configurations, reducing the time and effort needed for replacement.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a filter assembly with filter housing is used, then filter lifespan is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element integrates multiple functions including filtration, structural support, and sealing elements into a single combined component. This merging reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining extended filter lifespan through the robust filter housing design.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly is segmented into a reusable filter housing and a disposable filter element. This segmentation allows the durable housing to be retained and reused, extending the overall system lifespan while the simple filter element can be easily replaced without complex disassembly.
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 solution effectively prevents calcification and extends the lifespan of the filter by using a biodegradable filter medium and semi-permeable skin, reducing environmental impact and costs, while ensuring filtered fluid is always provided, thus maintaining appliance functionality and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
which semi-permeable skin is adapted to let fluid pass while preventing particles of the filter medium from being extracted from the filter element under the influence of a fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
the filter element having a filter medium and a semi-permeable skin for at least partially enclosing the filter medium
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly (10) which is suitable for use in a fluid container (1) of a domestic appliance comprises a filter element (30) and a filter housing (40) for delimiting a portion (8) of a fluid container (1) in which a fluid retrieval pipe (4) is present and in which the filter element (30) is to be arranged, the filter housing (40) being adapted to let fluid into the delimited portion (8) of the fluid container (1) and to direct a fluid flow from an inlet position (41) to an inlet (5) of the fluid retrieval pipe (4) through the filter element (30), the filter element (30) being configured for at least partially enclosing the fluid retrieval pipe (4), and the filter element (30) having a filter medium and a semi-permeable skin for at least partially enclosing the filter medium.