Filter Unit Engagement Protrusion with Segmented Curvature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter unit systems face challenges in secure and efficient engagement with filter head assemblies, particularly due to interference issues and the need for precise alignment and sealing to prevent cross-contamination and ensure proper water flow.
Innovation Solution
A filter unit design featuring a cylindrical body with recessed engagement surfaces, a laterally extending key member, and a concave engagement protrusion with varying radii of curvature, which includes seals and an electronic device for usage tracking, allowing for secure interfacing and repositioning to facilitate full insertion and prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional filter unit design is used, then the structure is simple, but secure engagement with the filter head assembly cannot be achieved due to interference issues
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement protrusion is divided into multiple segments with different radii of curvature (first portion with first radius, second portion with second radius). This segmentation allows each portion to perform a specific function: the first portion engages with the receiver for alignment, while the second portion provides interference prevention and secure locking, thereby achieving reliable engagement through divided functional zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement protrusion employs asymmetric geometry with varying radii of curvature along its periphery. The first portion has a smaller radius of curvature for precise engagement, while the second portion has a larger radius to prevent interference. This asymmetric design enables the protrusion to interact differently with the receiver at various stages of insertion, ensuring both alignment and secure engagement.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is required for engagement, then sealing accuracy improves, but the difficulty of detection and measurement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement protrusion utilizes curved surfaces with defined radii of curvature instead of flat or angular geometries. The first portion has a first radius of curvature and the second portion has a second radius of curvature, creating smooth transition zones that guide alignment during insertion. These curved surfaces naturally accommodate minor misalignments and provide tactile feedback for proper positioning, making alignment detection easier while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If seals are added to prevent cross-contamination, then sealing performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Seals are incorporated as flexible elements within the engagement protrusion structure. These seals conform to the receiver surface and create watertight barriers that prevent cross-contamination between the filter unit and head assembly. The flexible nature of the seals allows them to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations without requiring complex sealing mechanisms, thus preventing harmful factors while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
4Loss of information
If an electronic device is added for usage tracking, then information storage capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An electronic device is integrated into the filter unit to store and track usage information such as filter capacity and replacement timing. This single electronic component performs multiple functions: it records operational data, provides maintenance alerts, and potentially communicates with external systems. By consolidating these information management functions into one universal device, the patent prevents information loss while avoiding the need for multiple separate tracking systems, thus limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter unit includes a substantially cylindrical body portion having a proximal end and a distal end. First and second recessed engagement surfaces traverse at least part of the body portion. The first and second engagement surfaces include a first segment that extends substantially parallel with the longitudinal extent of the body portion. A second segment extends at an angle between 50 degrees and 60 degrees from the direction of the first segment. A third segment extends substantially orthogonal to the first segment. A laterally extending key member is disposed on the body portion between the first recessed engagement surface and the second recessed engagement surface. An engagement protrusion extends from the proximal end and has a sidewall with a water inlet and a concave engagement wall with a water outlet. The engagement wall includes a first portion that angles inward to the water outlet at a first angle. A second portion angles inward to the water outlet at a second angle different than the first angle. A periphery of the engagement wall at the first portion includes a first radius of curvature. The periphery of the engagement wall at the second portion includes a second radius of curvature that is larger than the first radius of curvature. First and second seals are disposed about the sidewall. The water inlet is disposed between the first and second seals.