Filtration Cartridge Flow Redistribution for Even Liquid Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration cartridges for liquid purification devices, such as coffee machines, face issues with uneven raw liquid distribution, ineffective use of filtration material, air bubble formation, and non-uniform purification rates, leading to reduced capacity and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A filtration cartridge design featuring a body with raw water inlets and a purified water tube, equipped with a flow redistribution means such as a circular frame with stiffening ribs, utilizing at least two types of sorbents with different hydrophilic properties and particle sizes, placed in layers or mixed, to ensure even distribution and maximize the utilization of filtration material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the raw liquid channel is made narrow with few openings, then the device complexity is reduced, but the raw liquid flow distribution becomes uneven and only part of the filtration material operates
Solution Approach 1:
The raw liquid distribution system is segmented into multiple inlet openings (at least three) arranged in a triangular pattern on the bottom of the cartridge, with each opening serving a specific zone of the filtration material. This segmentation ensures even distribution of raw liquid across the entire filtration material volume, maximizing filtration capacity while maintaining simple structure.
2Device complexity
If air bubbles form near the raw liquid channel, then the device complexity remains low, but the liquid filtration process is blocked and working capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration cartridge is designed with a specific geometric arrangement of inlet openings and filtration material zones that prevents air bubble formation in the first place. The triangular arrangement of inlet openings ensures proper liquid distribution from the start, eliminating the need for complex air removal mechanisms while maintaining reliable filtration operation.
3Device complexity
If multiple flow paths with different purification rates are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the liquid purification rate becomes non-uniform and capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration cartridge employs local quality by dividing the filtration material into distinct zones (first, second, and third zones) with different properties and functions. Each zone is associated with specific inlet openings and has tailored characteristics optimized for its location, ensuring uniform purification rate across all zones while maintaining simple overall structure.
4Reliability
If mesh is placed on inlet openings to catch impurities, then the initial filtration effectiveness is improved, but the mesh blocks with impurities over time and durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration cartridge utilizes porous filtration material with controlled pore sizes and distributions in different zones. The material itself acts as the filtering mechanism throughout the entire flow path, eliminating the need for separate mesh screens that would block with impurities. The porous structure maintains filtration effectiveness while allowing continuous flow and extending cartridge durability.
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 design enhances the effective volume of filtration material used, increases water purification effectiveness, and ensures quicker and more even filtration, thereby improving the overall performance and capacity of liquid purification devices.
Implementation Method 1
Both chambers are filled with filtration material... flows through filtration material of the chambers
Implementation Method 2
flows through filtration material of the chambers. Purified liquid flows out
Implementation Method 3
The raw liquid through the inlet opening flows in the outflow chamber... flows through filtration material
Data Source
AI summary
The provided invention relates to replacement filtration elements for liquid purification devices of different type, including liquid purification devices of gravity type, and liquid purification units of beverage preparation systems, for example dispensers or coffee machines. Filtration cartridge, comprises the body with the raw water inlets made in its basement, filled with the filtration material with the purified water tube inside, connected to purified water outlet, made in the central part of the body, characterized in that is equipped with redistribution means of raw water flows.