Filtration device for a water-conducting household appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filtration systems in water-carrying household appliances are ineffective in removing microplastic particles and fibers, which can harm aquatic life and humans, and often clog quickly, requiring frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A filtration device with a housing containing a first hollow-cylindrical filter element and a second planar filter element, where water passes through the first element and microplastics settle due to gravity, allowing easy removal of filtered particles from the second element, which can be displaced and emptied simply, using a pretensioning and locking mechanism for automatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter with high filtration effectiveness is used to remove microplastic particles, then the filtration efficiency is improved, but the filter clogs quickly requiring frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration device is divided into two distinct filter elements with different functions: a first filter element for initial filtration and a second filter element for capturing microplastic particles. This segmentation allows each filter to be optimized for its specific role, preventing the first filter from clogging with fine particles while maintaining high filtration efficiency for microplastics in the second filter.
Solution Approach 2:
The first filter element acts as an intermediary component that pre-filters the water flow, removing larger particles and reducing the load on the second filter element. This intermediary filtration stage protects the main microplastic filter from rapid clogging, extending maintenance intervals while maintaining effective microplastic removal.
2Reliability
If a filter design that captures microplastic particles effectively is used, then the filtration performance is improved, but the filter becomes difficult to clean and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the filtration function into two independent filter elements, the second filter element that captures microplastic particles can be designed and removed separately for cleaning. This segmentation enables easy maintenance of the critical microplastic filtration component without affecting the first filter element or the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The second filter element is designed to be removable from the housing, allowing it to be extracted for easy cleaning or replacement. This extraction capability maintains high microplastic removal efficiency while significantly improving ease of maintenance, as users can access and clean the microplastic filter without disassembling the entire device.
3Reliability
If a complex filtration system is used to effectively remove microplastics, then the filtration effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is segmented into two simple, distinct filter elements rather than one complex filter. This segmentation achieves effective microplastic removal through a straightforward two-stage process: preliminary filtration followed by microplastic capture, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high filtration effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it contains both filter elements, provides structural support, and facilitates the removable design of the second filter element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, maintaining simplicity while achieving effective microplastic filtration.
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
Effectively filters microplastic particles and fibers, simplifying maintenance by allowing easy cleaning and reducing the need for frequent filter replacements, ensuring effective filtration and easy operation.
Implementation Method 1
After completion of the pumping process, a large part or almost all of the filtered microplastic particles or fibers will reach the second filter element. This takes place due to the gravitational force acting along the height axis Z.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a filtration device, in particular for the filtration of microplastics for a water-carrying household appliance, wherein the filtration device comprises a housing in which a first filter element is arranged, wherein the first filter element is designed in such a manner that it encloses an inner cavity which is fluidly connected to a first discharge element, wherein between the first filter element and the housing there is an intermediate space into which the water to be filtered can be introduced, wherein a second filter element is provided between the intermediate space and a second discharge element.