Water Purifier Filter Lock Mechanism for Quick Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter assemblies for water purifiers are difficult to assemble and disassemble, which complicates maintenance and replacement, affecting the efficiency and speed of filter replacement processes.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly with a lock mechanism that includes a guide, pusher, stopper, and cam system, allowing for easy locking and releasing of filters by linear and rotational movements, facilitating quick assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional filter assembly structure is used, then the filter can be securely held in the water purifier, but the filter is difficult to assemble and disassemble
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism employs dynamic components including a movable stopper that can shift between locked and unlocked positions, and a cam that rotates to control the stopper's movement. This dynamic design allows the filter to be easily assembled by pushing it in (which automatically engages the lock) and disassembled by actuating the release button (which moves the stopper to unlock). The elasticity component provides automatic resetting of the stopper after release, creating a simple user interaction despite the internal mechanical complexity.
2Reliability
If a simple filter holder structure is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the filter cannot be securely locked
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a stopper that physically blocks the filter's removal path, a cam that converts rotational motion into linear movement of the stopper, an elasticity component that provides resetting force, and a release button that initiates the unlocking sequence. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve secure locking. The filter holder itself is segmented with guide coupling holes that receive guide protrusions, creating a modular assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam component utilizes curved surfaces to convert rotational motion of the release button into linear movement of the stopper. The cam's curved profile ensures smooth transition between locked and unlocked states, providing reliable engagement and disengagement. The guide protrusions and guide coupling holes also incorporate curved guiding surfaces to ensure proper alignment and smooth insertion of the filter into the holder.
3Ease of operation
If a complex lock mechanism is used, then the filter can be securely locked and easily released, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism incorporates self-service features where the act of inserting the filter automatically engages the locking mechanism through the interaction of guide protrusions and guide coupling holes, and the release button automatically actuates the cam and stopper to unlock. The elasticity component provides self-resetting functionality, automatically returning the stopper to its blocking position after release, eliminating the need for manual resetting operations. This reduces the operational steps required while maintaining the necessary mechanical complexity for secure locking.
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 easy assembly and disassembly of filters, improving production and working speed for filter replacement, thus enhancing maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pusher including an elastic member, and the pusher configured to transmit a force in a direction opposite to the direction, into which the filter is inserted, by the elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly includes a filter holder into which a part of the filter is insertable, and a lock mounted to the filter holder and configured to lock and release the filter to and from the filter holder. The lock includes a guide coupled to the filter holder and configured to be linearly movable to transmit a force in a direction into which the filter is inserted, a pusher configured to transmit a force in a direction opposite to the direction, into which the filter is inserted, by an elastic member, a stopper rotatably received in the pusher to be arranged between the pusher and the guide, and configured to linearly move the filter holder by being linearly moved by the guide and the pusher, and a cam configured to lock and release the filter to and from the filter holder by guiding rotation and linear movement of the stopper.