Filtering Jug Lid With Automatic Fill-Cycle Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water filtering jugs with replaceable cartridges require manual operation to count filtering cycles, making it inconvenient and uncertain whether the cartridge needs replacement, as accidental openings can occur without filling, leading to uncertainty about the cartridge's life.
Innovation Solution
A water filtering jug with a lid-mounted blocking mechanism and actuating means that automatically opens and closes with water flow, incorporating a proximity sensor and display to count cycles without user intervention, determining the filter cartridge's remaining life based on fillings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a manual counting device is installed on the lid to indicate filtering cycles, then the number of filtering cycles can be tracked, but the user must use both hands to operate the closure member, causing inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic cycle counting through sensors that detect when the jug is filled and when the filter cartridge is replaced, eliminating the need for manual operation by the user. The control unit automatically updates the cycle count based on sensor inputs, making the system self-servicing.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical counting mechanism is replaced with an electronic sensing and control system. Sensors detect physical events (jug filling, cartridge replacement) and convert them into electronic signals that the control unit processes to update the cycle count, substituting mechanical operation with electronic automation.
2Measurement precision
If the counting device is actuated by manually opening the closure member, then the filtering cycle can be recorded, but accidental openings may occur without filling, leading to uncertainty about cartridge life
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect actual filling events and provides feedback to the control unit, which then updates the cycle count only when a genuine filling occurs. This feedback mechanism ensures that the counting is based on actual usage rather than mere opening events, improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical counting mechanism is replaced with an electronic sensing and control system. Sensors detect physical events (jug filling, cartridge replacement) and convert them into electronic signals that the control unit processes to update the cycle count, substituting mechanical operation with electronic automation.
3Ease of operation
If automatic sensing is implemented to detect filling events, then manual operation is eliminated, but the device complexity increases with additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system serves multiple functions: detecting jug filling events, detecting filter cartridge replacement events, and providing input to the control unit for cycle counting. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each detection task, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that receives signals from sensors, processes the information, and manages the cycle counting logic. This centralized intermediary simplifies the system architecture by consolidating control functions in one unit rather than distributing complex logic across multiple components.
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 automatic counting of filtering cycles, ensuring timely replacement of the cartridge without manual effort, reducing user inconvenience and uncertainty about the cartridge's life.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating means comprise a helical spring 9, the opposed ends of which are secured, respectively, to the arm 8 and to the lid 3
Implementation Method 2
The counting device 11 comprises a sensor 12 capable of detecting the passage of the blocking plate 7 from the closed position on the aperture 4 to the open position
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
A jug (1) for filtering liquids, comprising : a lid (3), an aperture (4) provided through said lid (3) for the filling of the jug (1), a blocking mechanism (5) mounted on the lid (3) at the aperture (4) and displaceable between a first position, in which it closes said aperture, and a second, open position, actuating means associated with said blocking mechanism (5) for urging it into said first position and such as to allow its passage into the second position under the action of the flow of liquid admitted into the jug (1) through the aperture (4), a counting device (11), on said lid (3), for counting the cycles of opening and/or closure of said blocking means (5) as a result of the admission of liquid into said jug (1).