Water Filter Cartridge Blending Valve Automatic Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water filter systems lack the ability to easily adapt to specific water quality requirements without manual adjustment, leading to potential calcification of machines and quality issues in food preparation, due to the need to reset blending ratios with each filter cartridge change.
Innovation Solution
A water filter system with a filter head and replaceable cartridge, featuring a raw water distribution element and complementary partial flow channel guiding element, which automatically sets the blending ratio upon cartridge installation, allowing for easy adjustment and secure operation without manual alignment, and includes a control element for readjustment as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the blending device is integrated into the filter cartridge, then the filter cartridge can be adapted to specific requirements, but the blending ratio must be manually reset with each cartridge change
Solution Approach 1:
The default blending ratio is pre-set during filter cartridge manufacturing by positioning the partial flow channel guiding element in a predetermined orientation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual reset during installation, as the cartridge automatically assumes the correct configuration upon insertion into the filter head.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cartridge is designed to self-configure upon installation. The complementary partial flow channel guiding element automatically aligns with the raw water distribution element in the filter head, enabling the system to set the blending ratio autonomously without requiring user intervention or manual adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If the blending valve is integrated into the filter head, then the head design becomes complex with separate routing of multiple volume flows, but the blending ratio can be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The blending ratio adjustment functionality is extracted from the filter head and transferred to the filter cartridge through the partial flow channel guiding element. This extraction simplifies the filter head design by removing the need for complex internal blending mechanisms, while maintaining adjustability through the cartridge's own configuration capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the raw water distribution element in the filter head and the partial flow channel guiding element in the filter cartridge. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while preserving adjustment functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed bores are used in the cartridge head, then the design is simple, but the blended water remains unfiltered and cannot be adapted to specific requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed bore design is transformed into a dynamic system through the rotatable partial flow channel guiding element. This element can be positioned to create different flow path configurations, enabling the system to adapt between filtered and unfiltered blended water modes while maintaining a simple overall design structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The simple bore structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides water flow, and works in conjunction with the partial flow channel guiding element to enable both filtered and unfiltered blending modes. This multi-functionality maintains design simplicity while achieving adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a water filter (1), consisting of filter head (2) and exchangeable filter cartridge (3) having blend adjusting element which is situated in the filter cartridge. The water filter is distinguished in that the blend adjusting element with the filter cartridge, during the process of installation of the exchangeable filter cartridge into the filter head, is positioned via adjustable or fixed carriers (8) on the filter head. In a further embodiment, the water filter is distinguished in that an adjusting device comprises a raw water distribution element arranged in or on the filter head and, complementary thereto, a substream channel guidance element arranged in or on the filter cartridge.