Water Tank Filter Cartridge With Riser Adapter and Axial Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter cartridges for water storage tanks in beverage machines lack a universal adapter solution to accommodate various tank shapes, requiring separate deep water inlet openings and complicating installation and operation.
Innovation Solution
A filter cartridge with an exchangeable adapter part featuring a riser that connects to the water storage tank, allowing adaptation to different connections and ensuring water supply without a separate inlet, and incorporating a top-to-bottom flow design with an axial seal for efficient filtration and easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate deep water inlet opening is provided in the filter cartridge, then water supply is ensured, but the filter cartridge cannot be arranged at a height above the tank bottom and the water storage tank cannot be emptied completely
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply system is segmented into two functional parts: the adapter part with water inlet opening fixed at the tank bottom, and the filter cartridge that can be positioned at different heights. This segmentation allows the tank to be emptied completely while maintaining reliable water supply to the filter cartridge through the adapter connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter part acts as an intermediary component between the water storage tank and the filter cartridge. It provides the water inlet opening at the tank bottom and connects to the filter cartridge via a connection element, enabling both complete tank emptying and reliable water supply without requiring a deep inlet in the filter cartridge itself.
2Reliability
If the filter cartridge is designed with a fixed connection for specific tank shapes, then connection reliability is improved, but adaptability to different tank shapes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter part is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different tank shapes and connection elements. By providing standardized connection elements (threaded connections, bayonet connections, or press-fit connections) on the adapter, the system achieves both reliable connection and adaptability to various tank configurations without requiring multiple specialized filter cartridges.
3Reliability
If a radial seal is pressed against a radial sealing seat, then tight closure is achieved, but frictional forces increase and handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism transitions from a radial seal configuration to an axial seal configuration. The axial seal is pressed in the axial direction rather than radially, which significantly reduces frictional forces during installation and removal while maintaining tight closure effectiveness. This asymmetric change in sealing direction improves handling ease without compromising sealing reliability.
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 universal connection to various water storage tanks, eliminates the need for a deep inlet, ensures reliable water supply, and reduces flow resistance through gravity-assisted filtration, ensuring only filtered water is dispensed while simplifying the filter cartridge's installation and operation.
Implementation Method 1
Frictional forces that can occur, for example, when a radial seal is pressed against a correspondingly shaped radial sealing seat, are avoided here
Implementation Method 2
the flow through the entire filter bed is possible from top to bottom in the so-called downflow process, i. H. the entire filter bed is flown through with the help of gravity
Implementation Method 3
the flow through the entire filter bed is possible from top to bottom in the so-called downflow process, i. H. the entire filter bed is flown through with the help of gravity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A filter cartridge is proposed for use in a water storage tank of a drinks machine, such as an espresso machine or the like, comprising a casing in which a filter bed formed from filter material is arranged, and an adapter part is provided for connection of the outlet of the filter cartridge to a connecting element of the water storage tank. The filter cartridge should be designed such that different connections can be realized with the aid of the adapter part; this is achieved in accordance with the invention by virtue of the adapter part having a riser line (17) to the filter cartridge (1), which is connected to the water storage tank, for water supply into the filter cartridge from the water storage tank.