Beverage Machine Filter Cartridge With Separated Water Outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter cartridges for beverage machines, such as coffee machines, fail to ensure that only treated water is released due to contamination through bypasses, and user regulation of the bypass is difficult, leading to inconsistent water quality.
Innovation Solution
A filter cartridge design with dual outlet openings connected via a channel, equipped with sieves to prevent filter material entry, and a housing configuration that allows for predictable water treatment, ensuring only filtered water is dispensed, with adjustable ratios of treated water flow to maintain water quality and extend filter life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a bypass is provided in the filter cartridge to allow water flow, then water can pass through the filter cartridge, but untreated contaminated water flows through the bypass into the outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet is divided into two separate outlet openings: an upper outlet opening that receives only treated water from the filter material, and a lower outlet opening that receives untreated water. This segmentation allows the system to separate treated and untreated water streams, preventing contaminated water from mixing with treated water at a single outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the outlet structure by positioning outlet openings at different heights (upper and lower). This spatial differentiation in the vertical dimension allows treated water to be collected at the upper outlet while untreated water exits at the lower outlet, resolving the contradiction between maintaining flow and preventing contamination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bypass fracture opening is made adjustable, then water flow can be regulated, but it becomes difficult for the user to regulate since the filter cartridge is mounted in the water tank
Solution Approach 1:
The regulation function is extracted from the bypass structure and transferred to the outlet openings. Instead of requiring users to adjust a bypass fracture opening that is inaccessible once mounted, the system provides adjustable outlet openings that allow users to control water flow and selection after the filter cartridge is installed in the water tank.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If filter material is used to treat water, then water quality is improved, but filter material may get into the channel and outlet
Solution Approach 1:
Sieves are introduced as intermediary elements between the filter material and the outlet openings. These sieves act as protective mediators that allow water to pass through while blocking filter material particles, preventing filter material from entering the channel and outlet while maintaining effective water treatment.
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 design consistently improves water quality by reducing hardness while maintaining pH levels, ensuring clean, dechlorinated water is dispensed, and extends the filter's lifespan by optimizing water flow and treatment efficiency over time.
Implementation Method 1
Granular filter material is located inside of the water filter cartridge to soften water flowing through the filter cartridge. Furthermore therewith small particles can be filtered out.
Implementation Method 2
Granular filter material is located inside of the water filter cartridge to soften water flowing through the filter cartridge
Implementation Method 3
For sucking the water through the filter cartridge the beverage machine can comprise a suction pump.
Data Source
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AI summary
The filter cartridge for a beverage machine according to the invention comprises a housing (2) with an inlet (2.21) and an outlet (2.32) and with filter material (4) located in the housing (2). Furthermore, an upper outlet opening (6) for filtered water and a lower outlet opening (7; 8; 11) for filtered water are provided which are connected to the outlet (2.32).