Filter Cartridge Container with Dynamic Drain Valve

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing containers for filter cartridges are not adaptable to accommodate both ion exchange and reverse osmosis cartridges, as they are designed specifically for one type and lack the necessary features to handle the unique requirements of each, such as concentrate disposal and flow direction.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical container with a peripheral side wall, a base, and a discharge line that includes a shut-off valve and throttle valve to accommodate either ion exchange or reverse osmosis filter cartridges, allowing for vertical flow and efficient filtration and concentrate management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a container is designed specifically for ion exchange cartridges with a closed bottom, then ion exchange filtration efficiency is improved, but the container cannot accommodate reverse osmosis cartridges that require concentrate drainage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer compatibilityVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container base is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate both ion exchange cartridges (with closed bottom) and reverse osmosis cartridges (with concentrate drainage). The base includes a drain opening with a valve that can be configured for different filtration modes, allowing the same container to serve multiple functions for different cartridge types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a container includes a drain opening and valve for reverse osmosis concentrate disposal, then reverse osmosis functionality is enabled, but ion exchange cartridges cannot be properly sealed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter cartridge compatibilityVSAvoidsealing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The drain valve in the container base is designed to be dynamically configurable. During ion exchange filtration, the valve remains closed to maintain the sealed bottom structure required for proper filtration. During reverse osmosis operation, the valve can be opened to allow concentrate drainage, thus adapting the sealing characteristics based on the operational mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If ion exchange cartridges are used, then high filtration efficiency is achieved with no concentrate, but the resin must be periodically replaced at high cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidresin replacement cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows switching between different filtration modes (ion exchange and reverse osmosis) by changing operational parameters such as valve configuration and flow conditions. This enables the user to select ion exchange mode for high-efficiency applications and reverse osmosis mode for cost-effective operation, optimizing the trade-off between filtration efficiency and operational costs based on specific needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Quantity of substance

If reverse osmosis cartridges are used, then lower costs per liter are achieved, but output is reduced and concentrate must be disposed of

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost per literVSAvoidwater output

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The container system enables dynamic switching between reverse osmosis operation (for lower cost per liter) and ion exchange operation (for higher water output). The drain valve and base structure allow concentrate disposal when reverse osmosis is used, while maintaining the capability to switch to ion exchange mode when maximum water output is the priority, thus dynamically optimizing performance based on requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 the use of either ion exchange or reverse osmosis filter cartridges based on needs, optimizing filter performance and reducing costs by allowing for the advantages of each type to be utilized, while effectively managing concentrate disposal and flow resistance.

Implementation Method 1

a shut-off valve (12)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectValve: Valve

Implementation Method 2

a throttle valve (22)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThrottle valve: Valve

Implementation Method 3

reverse osmosis filter cartridges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReverse osmosis: Reverse Osmosis

Implementation Method 4

ion exchange filter cartridges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Data Source

PatentEP3144053B1Container for a filter cartridge and filter set

Publication Date: 2020.11.04 ELYSATOR GENOSSENSCHAFT

Figure 1
Figure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a container (1) for a filter cartridge (13) and a filter set with such a container. The container (1) has a base (2) with a drain (8) connecting a receptacle (4) for the filter cartridge (13) to the outside of the container (1) and a side wall (3) which forms a receptacle (4) for a filter cartridge (13) filled with a filter material (20). To allow the use of both an ion exchange filter cartridge and a reverse osmosis filter cartridge, the drain (8) includes, in addition to an extension (11) that can accommodate a throttle valve, e.g., an orifice plate, for the use of a reverse osmosis filter cartridge, a ball valve (12) which is closed when the filter cartridge (13) is an ion exchange filter cartridge and open otherwise.