Filter Cartridge Leak Collector With RFID Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water leaks can occur at the interface between filter cartridges and manifolds in water filter assemblies, making it difficult to detect and potentially causing damage, especially in remote locations within refrigerator appliances.
Innovation Solution
A filter cartridge with a casing that includes a leak collector with a trough for collecting liquid and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag for detecting leaks, allowing for remote monitoring of liquid presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual monitoring is used to detect leaks, then detection is possible, but it is difficult or infrequent in remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated sensor-based detection system. Sensors are integrated into the filter cartridge to automatically detect liquid presence and transmit signals wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical access to remote locations for monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors for leaks and provides real-time feedback through wireless communication when liquid is detected. This automatic feedback mechanism enables remote monitoring without requiring periodic manual inspection of hard-to-reach locations.
2Ease of repair
If filter cartridges are removably mounted for replacement, then servicing is enabled, but water leaks can form at the interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect leaks at the interface before they cause significant damage. The early detection allows for timely intervention and replacement of the filter cartridge, preventing worsening leakage conditions while maintaining the removable mounting design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of interface leakage into a beneficial detection opportunity. By placing sensors at the interface area, the system uses the presence of leaked liquid as a detectable signal, transforming a harmful condition into useful information for triggering alerts and enabling preventive maintenance.
3Productivity
If high water pressure is used for filtration, then filtering capacity is improved, but leaks are more likely to develop at connections
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system provides continuous feedback on connection integrity by detecting the presence of leaked liquid. When high water pressure causes micro-leaks at connections, the sensors detect these early signs and trigger alerts, allowing for maintenance before complete connection failure occurs, thus maintaining reliability under high-pressure operation.
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
Enables effective detection of leaks, even in hard-to-reach locations, by using a leak collector and RFID technology to monitor for liquid presence, preventing damage and improving maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag is mounted to the casing at the exterior surface of the casing.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter cartridge includes a casing that is mountable to a filter manifold. A leak collector is mounted to the casing at a bottom portion of the casing. The leak collector has a trough that extends about a sidewall of the casing. The trough of the leak collector is sized and positioned for receiving liquid flowing down the sidewall of the casing at the bottom portion of the casing.