Filter element, sealing assembly and coffee machine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The instability of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) sintered filter elements in coffee machines leads to low water flow and caking of filter materials, reducing their performance and efficiency over time due to unstable porosity and material compaction.
Innovation Solution
A staged filter element design with a perforated partition dividing the filter body into two chambers, one filled with adsorption filter material and the other with ion exchange material, separated by activated carbon and resin, which enhances filtration and descaling while preventing material mixing and caking, and includes a central pipe for improved water flow and sealing ribs for leak prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PP or PE sintered filter element is used as the end-stage filter element, then filtration function is provided, but water flow is reduced and filter material caking occurs due to unstable porosity
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is divided into multiple filtering layers with different functions: a first filtering layer (PP/PE sintered filter) for mechanical filtration and a second filtering layer (activated carbon layer) for adsorption filtration. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with water flow, resolving the contradiction between providing reliable filtration and maintaining high water flow.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the filter element are assigned different filtering materials with specific properties: the PP/PE sintered filter provides structural support and mechanical filtration, while the activated carbon layer provides adsorption capacity. This local differentiation ensures that each material performs its best function, maintaining both filtration reliability and water flow efficiency.
2Reliability
If PP or PE sintered filter element is used, then filtration is achieved, but filter material compaction occurs after long-time service reducing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element uses a composite structure combining PP/PE sintered filter material with activated carbon. The PP/PE sintered filter provides a stable porous structure that resists compaction, while the activated carbon layer provides adsorption functionality. This composite material approach ensures long service life by preventing the compaction issues that occur with single-material filters.
3Reliability
If filter material is mixed in the filter element, then comprehensive filtration is achieved, but material caking occurs reducing water flow
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is divided into distinct segmented layers: a first filtering layer containing PP/PE sintered filter material and a second filtering layer containing activated carbon. These segments are arranged in sequence with clear boundaries, preventing material mixing while achieving comprehensive filtration. This segmentation eliminates the caking problem that occurs when different materials are mixed together.
Solution Approach 2:
The PP/PE sintered filter layer acts as an intermediary between the water source and the activated carbon layer. It provides a stable structural framework that prevents the activated carbon particles from moving and mixing, thereby preventing caking while still allowing water to pass through to the adsorption layer for comprehensive filtration.
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 staged filter element structure increases water flow, prevents material caking, and extends the service life of the filter, ensuring consistent performance and efficiency in coffee machines by separating filtration stages and using a sealing assembly for reliable sealing.
Implementation Method 1
the first chamber is filled with an adsorption filter material... activated carbon and resin are separately filled on both sides of the perforated partition
Implementation Method 2
the second chamber is filled with an ion exchange filter material... ion exchange filter material is used to remove metal ions in the water, soften the influent water
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a filter element comprising a filter element body having a cavity, a water inlet and a water outlet, an end cap, and a perforated partition, and the perforated partition is configured to divide the filter element body into a first chamber filled with an adsorption filter material and a second chamber filled with an ion exchange filter materials. In the present disclosure, the filter element is divided into two stages, and the primary filter material and the softening filter material are filled separately, and functions of both filtration and descaling are realized, addressing the issues blocking of water and reduced water flow in the coffee machine using a PP/PE filter element. Meanwhile, reduction in water flow caused by the mixing of the filter materials and the caking of the filter material is also solved.