Filter unit, water-conducting automatic machine comprising such a filter unit, method for detecting the use state of a filter unit and method for determining the service life of a filter unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-conducting machines face challenges in efficiently filtering low-quality water and managing filter units, particularly in detecting their state of use and determining service life without complex electronics, leading to user effort and potential inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A filter unit with a membrane-sealed water inlet or outlet that is destroyed upon insertion into the machine or by the pump's negative pressure, allowing for simple identification of usage and integration with a water-carrying machine that records pressure and flow changes to determine filter unit status and service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If complex electronic communication elements with antennas are used to detect filter unit insertion, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from complex electronic systems and implements it through simple mechanical features: a protrusion on the filter unit that engages with a corresponding recess in the reservoir, and a simple presence/absence detection mechanism in the control unit. This eliminates the need for electronic communication elements with antennas while maintaining reliable detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive mechanical detection components instead of expensive electronic communication systems. The protrusion-recess mechanical coding structure and simple sensor provide sufficient detection functionality at minimal cost, aligning with the principle of using cheap, simple objects rather than complex expensive ones.
2Ease of operation
If filter unit is integrated into existing water reservoir, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of water quality treatment deteriorates due to poor local water quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary filtration action by integrating the filter unit directly into the water reservoir before water enters the beverage preparation system. The filter unit with its filter element performs water treatment in advance, removing impurities and ensuring consistent water quality regardless of local water conditions. This preliminary action ensures reliable water quality treatment while maintaining ease of operation through integrated design.
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
This solution simplifies filter unit handling and detection, reduces user effort, and enables precise determination of filter unit service life, leading to a more compact and cost-effective water-carrying machine design.
Implementation Method 1
the membrane being destroyable by inserting the filter unit into the water-carrying automatic device or by the negative pressure of the pump of the flow line system of the water-carrying automatic device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
Filter unit, water-carrying machine with such a filter unit, method for detecting the condition of use of a filter unit and method for determining the service life of a filter unit. The invention relates to a filter unit (1) for use in a water-carrying machine (2), wherein the filter unit (1) through which the water to be filtered flows has a water inlet (3) and a water outlet (4), and according to the invention, the water inlet (3) or the water outlet (4) of a new, unused filter unit (1) is closed with a membrane (5). Furthermore, a water-carrying machine (2) with such a filter unit (1), a method for detecting the condition of use of such a filter unit (1), and two different methods for determining the service life of the filter unit (1) are described.