Water Filter Cartridge Locking Mechanism for Pressure-Stable Sealing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water filtration devices face challenges in securely and efficiently attaching filter cartridges due to water pressure, which leads to cartridge displacement and requires complex locking and sealing mechanisms, making replacement difficult and costly.

Innovation Solution

The relocation of inflow and outflow openings on the connection head to align perpendicularly with the cartridge's axis, combined with a simplified valve system and a spring-loaded locking mechanism, allows for a stable and secure attachment without rotational stress, enabling easy replacement and reduced manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the filter cartridge is inserted against the direction of flow of unfiltered water, then the water inlet opening can be provided on the front side of the connection head, but the cartridge is pushed out of its position by water pressure during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion directionVSAvoidcartridge position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional insertion direction by having the cartridge insert in the direction of water flow rather than against it. This reversal changes the pressure distribution so that water pressure pushes the cartridge into its seating position rather than pushing it out, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and position stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the orientation parameters of the inlet and outlet openings on the connection head to accommodate the reversed insertion direction. By modifying the geometric parameters and flow direction parameters, the system achieves stable cartridge positioning while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a locking device is designed to prevent cartridge displacement under water pressure, then the cartridge can be securely fixed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecartridge fixation securityVSAvoidlocking device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of water pressure (which previously pushed the cartridge out) into a beneficial force that assists the locking mechanism. The water pressure now works together with the locking device to maintain cartridge positioning, reducing the burden on the locking mechanism while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

By inverting the insertion direction, the patent reduces the load on the locking device. The locking mechanism no longer needs to counteract full water pressure alone, as the reversed flow direction provides supporting force, thereby simplifying the locking device structure while maintaining reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If the inflow and outflow openings are relocated to align perpendicularly with the cartridge axis, then the cartridge is not pushed out by water pressure, but the valve device design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecartridge position stabilityVSAvoidvalve device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent relocates the inlet and outlet openings from the axial direction to the radial direction (perpendicular to the cartridge axis). This dimensional change in opening orientation creates a pressure distribution that stabilizes the cartridge position while the valve device adapts to this new geometric configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the connection head by changing the orientation and position of the openings. This parameter change achieves stable cartridge positioning, and the valve device is accordingly adapted to work with this new configuration, balancing reliability with manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If a complex valve design and large number of sealing elements are used, then drip losses are prevented when dismantling, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrip loss preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of water leakage during dismantling into a benefit by using the water pressure itself to maintain sealing. The reversed insertion direction ensures that water pressure continues to support the cartridge and sealing elements even during removal, reducing the need for complex sealing mechanisms while preventing drip losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the water flow and pressure themselves to maintain the sealing function during cartridge dismantling. The fluid dynamics automatically support the sealing elements without requiring additional active control mechanisms or complex designs, thereby preventing leakage while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 design ensures a secure fit of the filter cartridge, prevents displacement under water pressure, simplifies the valve mechanism, and facilitates easy replacement without compromising water flow, thereby enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the filtration system.

Implementation Method 1

a spring device (90) which acts on the valve element (51), in particular to move the valve element (51) from the closed into the open position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

contain at least one filter medium, for example in granular form, which is used for the chemical and/or mechanical removal and/or reduction of organic and/or inorganic impurities

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

those which, in addition to a sieve-like structure, contain at least one filter medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2310106B1Apparatus for treating water, particularly filter apparatus, and cartridge
Publication Date: 2014.03.05 BRITA GMBH
  • EP2310106B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2310106B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2310106B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device (1) for treating water is described, comprising a cartridge (10), which includes a container (12) for receiving treatment means and a connecting head (20). Furthermore, a connecting device (40) is provided, which is equipped with a holder (42), a valve device (50), and a locking device (80). The holder (42) has at least one side wall (44a, b), on which the inflow and outflow openings (48a, b) are disposed. The valve device (50) has a valve element (52), which surrounds the connecting head (20) at least partially and is disposed movably in the holder (42). The associated cartridge (10) provides at least one inlet opening (30a) and at least one outlet opening (30b) on at least one side surface. The cartridge has at least one recess (124) and/or a lug (24) for the engagement of a locking element (81) of a locking device (80) of the connecting device (40).