Filter Bottle Buffering Device for Water Hammer and Freezing Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filter assemblies are prone to damage from water hammer and freezing, leading to rupture and leakage due to pressure fluctuations and temperature changes, especially in outdoor installations.
Innovation Solution
A buffering device for a filter bottle with a movable top and chamber that adjusts pressure through an air gap, using an elastic element and piston to absorb pressure changes and prevent rupture, while maintaining airtightness and allowing air exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional filter assembly is installed outdoors, then it can filter water, but it is prone to freezing and rupture in low temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air gap chamber above the water in the filter bottle that acts as a cushioning space. When water freezes and expands, the air gap absorbs the expanding volume, preventing the filter bottle from rupturing. This beforehand cushioning mechanism protects against freezing damage without requiring complex heating or insulation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The air gap serves as an intermediary substance between the freezing water and the filter bottle wall. Instead of direct contact between expanding ice and the brittle bottle wall, the air gap mediates the pressure, absorbing the expansion forces and preventing direct damage to the container.
2Productivity
If a conventional filter assembly is used, then it can filter water, but it is damaged by water hammer causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The air gap chamber is positioned to receive and cushion water hammer impacts before they can propagate to the filter bottle wall. The compressible air space absorbs the shock waves generated by sudden valve closures or pipeline pressure surges, preventing damage to the filtration system.
Solution Approach 2:
The air gap acts as an intermediary buffer between the water flow and the filter bottle structure. When water hammer occurs, the air gap absorbs the pressure fluctuations and shock waves, preventing direct transmission of damaging forces to the bottle wall and connection points.
3Reliability
If the chamber is sealed to maintain pressure, then it can prevent leakage, but it cannot allow air exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different sealing characteristics to different parts of the chamber. The lower portion of the chamber is sealed to maintain pressure and prevent leakage, while the upper portion contains an air gap that remains open to the environment for air exchange. This local differentiation allows the chamber to simultaneously achieve both leakage prevention and air ventilation.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber is segmented into two functional zones: a sealed lower region for pressure containment and an open upper region for air exchange. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently, with the sealed portion preventing leakage and the open portion allowing air to enter and exit for pressure equalization.
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 buffering device effectively reduces the risk of leakage and rupture by managing pressure fluctuations and expanding volumes due to water hammer and freezing, ensuring structural integrity and operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
The chamber communicates with an exterior via an air gap for air exchange. A filter bottle having the buffering device can provide a function of anti-water-hammer
Implementation Method 2
using an elastic element and piston to absorb pressure changes and prevent rupture
Implementation Method 3
In low temperature environments, the water in the conventional filter assembly is prone to freezing. After freezing, the liquid volume of the water expands to increase the pressure inside a filter bottle
Data Source
AI summary
A buffering device for a filter bottle. The buffering device is disposed on a body of the filter bottle and has a sidewall, a top, a bottom, and a chamber. The top of the buffering device is moveable up and down along the sidewall of the buffering device. The chamber is formed between the sidewall, the top, and the bottom of the buffering device, and does not communicate with an interior of the filter bottle. The chamber communicates with an exterior via an air gap for air exchange. A filter bottle having the buffering device can provide a function of anti-water-hammer, can reduce a risk of leakage at a connection between the filter bottle and a valve head, and can provide an anti-freeze effect to reduce a risk of rupture of the filter bottle.