Filtered drinking straw
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water filtration methods are inefficient for on-demand purification, particularly in outdoor settings, as they require time-consuming processes or multiple containers, and chemical disinfectants can be slow and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A filtered drinking straw with a filter medium, such as activated granulated carbon and anti-bacterial materials, that allows for real-time filtration of impurities like bacteria, viruses, and metals as water is consumed, eliminating the need for separate filtration systems or chemical treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large containers or pitchers with embedded filters are used to filter tap water, then water filtration is achieved, but the water takes a significant amount of time to pass through the filter before it can be consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is segmented into a portable straw device with integrated filter media, separating the filtration function from large stationary containers. This allows filtration to occur at the point of consumption rather than requiring bulk water storage and slow filtration through large pitcher filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from horizontal/vertical filtration through large pitcher containers to a vertical straw geometry that delivers filtered water directly to the user. This dimensional change enables immediate access to filtered water by eliminating the need to wait for bulk filtration or transfer water from storage containers.
2Reliability
If filter pumps or other mechanisms are used to filter water outdoors, then water can be filtered from sources like streams or lakes, but the process is time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The straw device is self-service in that the user simply places the end in the water source and drinks, with filtration occurring automatically as water is suctioned through the straw. No manual pumping, stirring, or complex operation is required - the act of drinking itself drives the filtration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex pump and filtration mechanisms are extracted and replaced with a simple straw design that relies on natural suction during drinking. This removes the laborious pumping action while maintaining filtration capability through the integrated filter media in the straw walls.
3Reliability
If chemical disinfectants such as iodine-based or chlorine-based pills are used to purify water, then water purification is achieved, but the process takes approximately 30 minutes or more to complete
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical disinfection process is replaced with a physical filtration system using activated carbon and other filter media embedded in the straw walls. This mechanical/physical filtration occurs instantly as water passes through the straw, eliminating the 30+ minute waiting period required for chemical tablets to work.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter media is pre-loaded and prepared within the straw structure before use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site chemical mixing or waiting periods, as the filtration capability is already in place and ready to immediately remove contaminants as water is drawn through the straw.
4Reliability
If filter pumps require multiple containers and in some cases multiple people, then water can be filtered and transferred for consumption, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration function and drinking function are merged into a single integrated straw device. The filter media is embedded within the straw walls, combining what were previously separate functions (filtration device plus drinking vessel) into one unified tool that requires no additional containers or personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The straw serves multiple functions: it acts as both the filtration device and the drinking vessel simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate filtration equipment, storage containers, and transfer operations, reducing the system to a single universal tool that handles the entire water filtration and consumption process.
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 immediate access to purified water by filtering fluids as they are consumed through the straw, reducing impurities and providing a convenient, time-efficient solution for various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a filter medium disposed within the internal passage and configured or structured to filter impurities, including bacteria and viruses, as well as chlorines, iodine, metals (such as lead and copper), sediments, etc., from a liquid (e.g., water) passing through the internal passage
Implementation Method 2
The filter medium may include, but is not limited to, activated carbon, anti-bacterial material, chlorine beads, chlorine grain, zeolite, or any other suitable material
Data Source
AI summary
A filtered drinking straw for providing on demand filtered drinking water is presented herein. The straw includes an elongated body defining a first end, a second end and an internal passage disposed there between. At least one filter is positioned within the internal passage of the body for reducing an amount of impurities that may be contained in the fluid as the fluid flows there through. The filter may include a core with a mix of granulated materials such as activated granulated carbon, chlorine grain, and zeolite. One or more retention structures may also be provided for retaining the filter within the body of the straw. The retention structure(s) include one or more internal projections, a mouth cap and/or end cap.