Water Filter Cartridge Threaded Seal for Easy Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water filter pitcher systems face challenges in ease of cartridge replacement and disposal, leading to plastic waste generation, with consumers often struggling to properly seat new cartridges and create effective seals, while there is a growing need to reduce plastic waste.
Innovation Solution
A water filter pitcher system featuring both disposable and reusable cartridges with a common engagement mechanism using radially projecting pins and helical threads, providing tactile feedback for full engagement and ensuring a secure seal, along with integral gripping tabs for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid plastic cartridge housing is used to enclose filter media, then the cartridge structure is durable and maintains filter media integrity, but plastic solid waste is generated when the cartridge is disposed of
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into separate components: a reusable rigid housing and disposable filter media. The housing can be refilled with new filter media cartridges, separating the durable structural element from the consumable filtering component. This allows the housing to be reused multiple times while only the filter media is discarded.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter media is designed to be removable and replaceable within the housing. When the filter media becomes spent, it can be discarded and replaced without disposing of the entire cartridge housing. The housing is recovered and reused for subsequent filter media installations, reducing overall plastic waste.
2Reliability
If the cartridge engagement structure is designed for secure sealing, then water treatment effectiveness is improved, but the cartridge becomes difficult to remove and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is segmented into a permanent thread formed in the housing and a removable cap with engagement features. The cap can be detached for cartridge replacement while the threaded bore remains in the housing. This segmentation allows for secure engagement during use while enabling easy removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement system transitions from a static permanent thread to a dynamic system where the cap can be easily attached and detached. The cap's engagement features provide secure sealing during operation but can be quickly released by unscrewing, making cartridge replacement simple while maintaining reliability during use.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a permanent thread is formed in the housing for cartridge engagement, then the engagement structure is durable and reusable, but the filter media cannot be easily removed and replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge assembly is segmented into a permanent threaded housing and a removable cap that seals onto the housing. The cap can be easily unscrewed and removed to access and replace the filter media. The threaded housing remains in place and is reused, while the cap and filter media can be quickly exchanged without affecting the durable engagement structure.
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 system facilitates easy and secure replacement of cartridges, reduces plastic waste through reusable options, and ensures effective water treatment by preventing untreated water from bypassing the filter, enhancing user experience and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
Once fully threaded, the cap exerts a compression force that pushes the seal against the landing
Implementation Method 2
A replaceable filter cartridge is conventionally engaged in the reservoir, and treats the tap water placed into the reservoir
Data Source
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AI summary
A water treatment system includes a main container (12) defining an interior and having an upper edge (16), a reservoir (16) removably insertable into the interior and located upon the upper edge, the reservoir defining a cartridge seat (18) including a plurality of holes (20) in communication with a helical thread (22), and an annular landing (24) vertically depending from the thread, a filter cartridge (10) including a cap (28) associated with a sump body (30) and having a filter media (42) in the sump body, the cap having a plurality of radially outwardly projecting pins (48) constructed and arranged for engaging the holes and the helical thread, an annular seal (50) disposed externally on the sump body and spaced below the cap. The filter cartridge and the cartridge seat are configured so that upon the cap pins engaging the helical thread, upon reaching a fully engaged position of the cap in the thread, the seal is compressed against the annular landing.