Filter Cartridge Assembly with Vertical Push Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter cartridge assemblies for water purification systems require complex locking mechanisms and significant force for assembly and disassembly, making frequent exchanges difficult and prone to damage, while also complicating the switching between bypass and water purification passages.
Innovation Solution
A filter cartridge assembly with an inner structure that elastically moves up and down within the filter head, allowing the filter cartridge to be easily coupled or separated by vertical pushing, forming either a water purification or bypass passage without direct water pressure, and featuring a locking/unlocking mechanism to simplify the exchange process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a locking unit requiring additional manipulation (such as rotation) is used to fix the filter cartridge, then the filter cartridge can be firmly fixed to withstand water pressure, but it becomes difficult to exchange the filter cartridge frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using a dynamic locking mechanism that automatically locks when the filter cartridge is inserted and automatically unlocks when water pressure increases. The locking unit includes a locking protrusion and locking groove that engage passively during insertion, providing firm fixing strength. When water pressure builds up, it automatically actuates the unlocking mechanism, allowing easy removal without manual manipulation. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between strong fixing and easy exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates autonomously based on water pressure conditions. During normal operation, the locking unit self-activates to secure the filter cartridge firmly. When water pressure reaches a certain level, the system self-unlocks automatically without requiring user intervention. This self-service characteristic eliminates the need for additional manipulation (such as rotation) while maintaining both strong fixing and easy exchange capabilities.
2Reliability
If the filter cartridge is tightly fitted into the filter head with an O-ring tightly closed to a sealing part, then water leakage is prevented, but great force is applied making it difficult to assemble or disassemble the filter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing function from the mechanical fitting function. The O-ring sealing part is designed to contact a specific sealing surface on the filter head, creating a reliable seal. The locking unit is positioned separately to provide mechanical retention. This segmentation allows the O-ring to maintain tight sealing reliability while the locking mechanism handles the assembly and disassembly forces, reducing the effort required by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit acts as an intermediary between the user and the tightly fitted filter cartridge. Instead of the user directly overcoming the friction and sealing forces of a tightly fitted cartridge, the locking unit mediates by providing a mechanical advantage through its protrusion-groove engagement. This intermediary mechanism enables easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining the tight fit and sealing reliability of the O-ring.
3Ease of operation
If a latching assembly with bracket and spring is used for rotational operation, then the filter cartridge can be assembled or disassembled, but the structure becomes complex with several components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking and latching functions into a single integrated locking unit. The locking unit comprises a locking protrusion and locking groove that combine the benefits of positive locking with automatic latching. This merged structure eliminates the need for separate brackets and springs required in traditional rotational latching assemblies, significantly reducing component count and structural complexity while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of automatic locking and latching from the complex multi-component assembly and implements it through a simplified locking unit. By taking out only the necessary elements (locking protrusion and groove) and eliminating unnecessary components (separate brackets, springs, rotational mechanisms), the design achieves ease of operation with minimal structural complexity.
4Ease of operation
If a rack type detaching scheme with spaced apart supply and discharge flow passages is used, then the filter cartridge can be detached, but bypass function does not exist and another spring is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating the bypass passage directly into the filter head structure. The bypass passage is positioned to allow water flow when the filter cartridge is removed, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms. The locking unit simultaneously provides detachment functionality and enables bypass operation, reducing the need for additional springs and components while maintaining ease of detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detachment mechanism with the bypass passage configuration. The locking unit's design allows it to perform both the mechanical detachment function and to enable the bypass flow path. By combining these functions into a single integrated system rather than using spaced apart passages requiring separate mechanisms, the structure complexity is reduced while maintaining ease of 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 convenient and durable filter cartridge exchange with improved safety, reduced manufacturing costs, and enhanced durability by simplifying the assembly and disassembly process while maintaining sealing integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (130) installed at the inner structure (300), wherein the elastic member (130) elastically moves the inner structure (300) upward when the filter cartridge (200) is pushed into the filter head (100)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Disclosed are a filter head installed on a water purification line in which water is purified by using a filter and a filter cartridge assembly detachably attached to the filter head. In the filter cartridge assembly, the filter cartridge is automatically detachable from the filter head by repeatedly pushing the filter cartridge in a vertical direction without any manipulation. In addition, when the filter cartridge is detached by repeatedly pushing the filter cartridge, a bypass passage and a water purification passage are selectively formable. By repeatedly pushing the filter cartridge, the filter cartridge is automatically coupled or decoupled. The filter cartridge can be stopped when moving up and move down when the stop state is released.