Low Profile Flat Filter for Rainwater Reclamation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water filtration systems for rainwater reclamation are large due to exposure requirements and have deep profiles, leading to maintenance issues and inefficiencies, particularly when buried underground, as debris accumulates on the filter plate and requires manual removal.
Innovation Solution
A filter apparatus with a low profile design where the inlet delivers fluid in a lengthwise direction and the outlet is positioned below, incorporating a flushing mechanism with a downwardly inclined fluid carrying surface and quadrangular fluid jets to ensure all areas are cleaned, reducing debris accumulation and facilitating high flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter apparatus is designed with sufficient exposure area for effective filtration, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but the device size and height increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional vertical flow configuration to a horizontal flow configuration where water flows lengthwise across the filter plate rather than vertically through it. This dimensional change allows the filter to achieve sufficient exposure area in the horizontal plane while maintaining a compact vertical profile, directly resolving the contradiction between filtration effectiveness and device height.
2Ease of operation
If spray nozzles are configured to clean the filter plate, then debris removal is improved, but dead zones remain where jets do not reach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-cleaning mechanism where the horizontal flow of water itself serves to flush debris off the filter plate and into the collection chamber. The flow direction and velocity are designed to naturally propel debris toward the outlet, eliminating the need for external spray nozzles and their associated dead zones, thereby achieving both ease of operation and consistent filter performance.
3Ease of operation
If the outlet is positioned to maintain low profile, then installation ease is improved, but flow through rate may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves both low profile and high flow rate by changing the flow direction to horizontal. The water flows lengthwise across the filter plate in the horizontal dimension, allowing the outlet to be positioned close to the inlet vertically while maintaining sufficient flow path length horizontally, thus preserving flow rate despite the compact vertical configuration.
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
The solution enables efficient filtration with reduced maintenance needs, maintaining high flow rates and preventing debris buildup, thus enhancing the effectiveness and convenience of underground installations.
Implementation Method 1
a filter means disposed between the inlet and the outlet, the filter means having a lengthwise direction and a widthwise direction
Implementation Method 2
the outlet being disposed on an opposing portion of the filter means in the lengthwise direction and a distance below the inlet portion
Data Source
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AI summary
A filter apparatus comprising an inlet for receiving a target fluid to be filtered, an outlet for allowing exit of filtered target fluid and a filter plate disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The filter plate having a lengthwise direction and a widthwise direction and the inlet being disposed proximal one portion of the filter plate for delivering at least some of the fluid onto the filter means initially in a lengthwise direction along the filter plate. The outlet being disposed on an opposing portion of the filter plate in the lengthwise direction and at a distance just below the inlet such that the filter apparatus maintains a low profile in a heightwise direction.