Water Filter Spool Nozzle Asymmetry Ejection Hazard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water filter assemblies for appliances are difficult to maintain, particularly due to the laborious process of replacing filter media and the risk of high-velocity ejection during removal, which requires precise installation and can be hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A water filter assembly design featuring a spool and filter cartridge configuration with a nozzle oriented at an acute angle, allowing for easier installation and reduced ejection velocity during replacement, utilizing a spring-biased spool mechanism and locking system to facilitate secure positioning and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter medium is used in a water filter assembly, then filtering performance is improved, but the filter medium requires precise installation and orientation to function properly, increasing installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cartridge is designed with asymmetric features including a tapered outer surface that fits into a corresponding tapered cavity, and a nozzle with outlets oriented at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the cartridge axis. This asymmetric design provides automatic orientation during installation, ensuring the filter medium is correctly positioned without requiring precise manual alignment by the installer.
2Reliability
If water pressure builds up in the filter assembly, then filtering effectiveness is improved, but the filter medium is ejected at high velocity during removal, creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and redirects the high-pressure water flow from the filter medium area through a specifically designed nozzle that directs flow away from the filter cartridge removal path. The nozzle outlets are positioned and angled to channel pressurized water through the spool assembly rather than toward the filter cartridge, eliminating the ejection hazard while preserving filtering effectiveness.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the filter cartridge, then operational security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the spool assembly that already exists in the filter housing. The spool serves dual functions: controlling water flow to the filter cartridge and providing mechanical retention through engagement features. This integration achieves operational security without adding separate locking components, maintaining simplicity while ensuring the filter cartridge remains securely positioned during 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
The design enhances the ease of filter cartridge installation and removal, reducing the risk of ejection velocity and allowing for proper alignment at any angular orientation, thereby simplifying maintenance and ensuring secure operation.
Implementation Method 1
The nozzle includes an outlet defining an acute angle with the axial centerline such that the filter cartridge is pressed towards the inserted position when water flows therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A water filter assembly is provided including a body defining a body cavity, a spool slidably positioned in the body cavity, and a filter cartridge. Once the filter cartridge is inserted into the spool cavity and body cavity, the filter cartridge is configured to filter water from an inlet of the body. Additionally, the filter cartridge includes a nozzle for providing such filtered water to an outlet of the body. The nozzle includes an outlet directed back towards the filter medium such that the filter cartridge is pressed into the spool cavity and body cavity when water flows therethrough.