Filter Insert with Integrated Aerator for Germ-Free Drinking Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Faucets with integrated drinking water filters are prone to contamination due to germ nucleation in water-carrying parts behind the filter, especially in warm regions, which can lead to filtered water being contaminated with germs.
Innovation Solution
A filter insert design with a closed outer surface and an integrated aerator, where filtered water flows directly from a mouthpiece without contacting the filter housing, combined with a nanoporous polymer membrane and additional filter layers for enhanced purification, and a sterile seal to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an integrated drinking water filter is installed in the fitting body with water-carrying parts behind the filter, then filtered drinking water can be provided, but germs can settle and contaminate the filtered water in the water-carrying parts behind the filter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water-carrying parts (valves, tubular outlets, waterways) that were previously integrated into the fitting body behind the filter and relocates them to a separate drinking water container. This separation removes the potential contamination sources from the filtered water path while maintaining the filtering function at the faucet outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into two independent parts: the fitting body with filter and aerator that provides filtered water, and a separate drinking water container that holds the filtered water for later consumption. This segmentation prevents germ nucleation in integrated waterways while preserving the benefits of integrated filtration.
2Ease of operation
If a separate aerator is used on the outlet side of the filter housing, then water can be aerated, but the aerator becomes a separate source of germ formation
Solution Approach 1:
The aerator function is merged with the filter housing, creating a single integrated component that performs both filtration and aeration. This eliminates the aerator as a separate water-carrying part that could harbor germs, while maintaining the aeration benefit for the filtered water stream.
3Reliability
If retrofittable filter attachments are screwed onto the water outlet, then drinking water can be filtered, but the attachments are bulky and get in the way during normal faucet use
Solution Approach 1:
The filter housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the filtration function, houses the aerator, and acts as a decorative cover for the faucet outlet. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for bulky external attachments while maintaining filtration capabilities and preserving normal faucet usability.
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 ensures nearly 100% removal of suspended matter, microorganisms, and pathogens, while maintaining a high flow rate and preventing germ formation, thus improving hygiene and safety of filtered drinking water.
Implementation Method 1
a filter insert design with a closed outer surface and an integrated aerator, where filtered water flows directly from a mouthpiece without contacting the filter housing, combined with a nanoporous polymer membrane and additional filter layers for enhanced purification
Implementation Method 2
at least part of its outer surface is designed as a filter-active surface through which the water to be filtered penetrates from the outside to the inside
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
In a filter insert (1) for use in a water outlet fitting with an integrated drinking water filter, which has a completely enclosed design with an inner cavity and in which at least part of its outer surface is designed as a filter-active surface through which the water to be filtered penetrates from the outside to the inside, an outlet piece (6) in the form of a collar extending outwards and forming an opening is arranged, which can be received by an opening in a filter housing on the fitting side and from which filtered water from the inner cavity can flow freely without contact with the filter housing. The outlet piece (6) has an integrated aerator (7).