Flexible Fiber Netting Filter Insert for Swimming Pool Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cartridge filters for swimming pools have limited filtering capacity, require frequent replacement, and are difficult to clean and reuse due to their rigid shape and limited absorption capability, resulting in incomplete water purification and compatibility issues with different filter types.

Innovation Solution

A filter insert comprising a flexible bag with multiple fiber nettings that allow fluid to flow through, agglomerating solids and providing a long filter path without the need for specific geometry, manufactured in a cost-efficient manner using various fibers and materials, which can be easily exchanged and reused.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a rigid cartridge filter insert with specific geometry is used, then the filter can be manufactured with precise dimensions and fit the housing, but the filter has limited absorption capability and requires frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter geometry precisionVSAvoidfiltering capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using a flexible bag made of textile material instead of a rigid cartridge structure. The bag can deform and adapt to the housing space, maximizing the filter path length while maintaining compatibility with the housing. This flexible structure allows for greater absorption capability compared to rigid cartridge filters with fixed geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional surface filter (cartridge filter) to a three-dimensional volume filter by filling the housing with a bag containing fiber nettings. This dimensional change increases the filtering surface area and absorption capacity within the same housing volume, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a cartridge filter insert with limited absorption capability is used, then the filter structure remains simple, but the filter requires frequent exchange and generates waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter structure simplicityVSAvoidtime for filter exchange
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible bag structure maintains simplicity in terms of components (still a single replaceable unit) while dramatically increasing absorption capability through the three-dimensional arrangement of fiber nettings. This resolves the contradiction by keeping the device structure simple but improving performance to reduce exchange frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials consisting of textile bag material combined with fiber nettings (cellulose, synthetic fibers, or natural fibers). This composite structure provides both the simplicity of a single replaceable unit and the enhanced absorption capability needed to reduce exchange frequency, thereby addressing the time loss issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If a rigid cartridge filter with fixed geometry is used, then the filter can be easily manufactured, but it is difficult to clean and reuse

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter manufacturing easeVSAvoidfilter cleaning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible bag structure allows the filter media to be loosely arranged rather than tightly packed in a rigid structure. This makes it easier to access and clean the fiber nettings by removing the bag from the housing and rinsing or mechanically cleaning the fibers, thereby improving ease of repair while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the filter into a removable bag containing fiber nettings, separating the filter media from the housing structure. This segmentation allows for easy removal, cleaning, and reuse of the filter media without disassembling the entire housing, thus improving ease of repair while keeping manufacturing simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Volume of stationary object

If a short filter path is used in the filter, then the filter structure remains compact, but the filtration efficiency is insufficient and water turbidity remains high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter housing volumeVSAvoidfiltration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a three-dimensional arrangement of fiber nettings within the flexible bag to maximize the filter path length within the available housing volume. The fibers are distributed throughout the bag volume rather than being confined to a flat surface, creating multiple flow paths and increasing the effective filtration length without increasing housing volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible bag allows the fiber nettings to be arranged in a three-dimensional configuration that optimizes the filter path length. The bag can be filled to maximize space utilization, creating a long and tortuous flow path through the fibers that enhances filtration efficiency without requiring a larger housing volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 flexible fiber netting filter insert achieves improved filtration efficiency with reduced energy consumption and extended replacement intervals, allowing for effective and efficient cleaning of liquids while being compatible with various filter housings and reducing clogging and pressure requirements.

Implementation Method 1

The fibers filter solids floating in the fluid by agglomerating the solids to the fibers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAgglomeration: Coagulation

Data Source

PatentEP3067107B1Improved filter for filtration of water
Publication Date: 2019.05.29 FIBALON GMBH
  • EP3067107B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention discloses a filter insert, having - a plurality of fiber nettings each comprising a plurality of fibers and through which a fluid may flow and - a bag in which a plurality of fiber nettings are arranged and through which a fluid may flow.