Floatable Filter Pitcher for Continuous Filtration While Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water filtration pitchers require multiple fills due to a small filtered water reservoir and slow filling times, leading to frustration and inefficiency, as the unfiltered water reservoir needs to be filled multiple times to achieve a fully filled filtered water reservoir.
Innovation Solution
A portable drinking water pitcher with a floatable body and seal that auto-retracts as water is dispensed, allowing for continuous filtration and efficient use of space, where the floatable body moves between positions to maintain engagement with the pitcher's sidewalls and channel, ensuring filtered water is dispensed without manual repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the unfiltered water reservoir is enlarged to increase the unfiltered water capacity, then the unfiltered water capacity increases, but the filtered water reservoir size decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the filter reservoir movable rather than fixed. The filter reservoir can automatically move between positions (e.g., from a first position near the unfiltered water reservoir to a second position near the dispensing spout) based on operational needs. This dynamic positioning allows the system to optimize space utilization at different times: when the unfiltered reservoir needs space, the filter reservoir can be positioned elsewhere, and vice versa, thereby resolving the contradiction between maximizing unfiltered water capacity and maintaining adequate filtered water reservoir volume.
2Productivity
If filtering is done while filling or dispensing water, then continuous filtration is achieved, but the fill or dispensing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the water handling process into distinct spatial zones: an unfiltered water reservoir area, a filter reservoir area, and a dispensing spout area. The filter reservoir can be selectively positioned in different locations depending on whether filling or dispensing is the priority. When rapid filling is needed, the system can bypass filtration temporarily or use a pre-filled filter reservoir; when dispensing filtered water is needed, the filter reservoir moves into position. This spatial segmentation allows the system to optimize for either speed or continuous filtration depending on the operational phase, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
3Device complexity
If the filter reservoir is small, then the device complexity is reduced, but multiple fills are required to fill the filtered water reservoir
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling the filter reservoir to be pre-filled or pre-positioned before it is actually needed for dispensing. The system can accumulate filtered water in the movable filter reservoir in advance during periods when dispensing demand is low, so that when dispensing is needed, the pre-positioned and pre-filled filter reservoir is already in place and ready to serve. This eliminates the need for multiple manual filling operations during high-demand periods, reducing the time loss associated with repeated fills while maintaining a relatively simple, compact filter reservoir design.
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 eliminates wasted space in water filtration systems, allowing for continuous filtration and efficient use of the filtered water capacity, reducing the need for multiple fills and improving filling times by maintaining fluid communication through the filter while dispensing filtered water.
Implementation Method 1
a floatable body surrounding a filter opening adapted to receive and engage a replaceable water filter therein, the floatable body having a seal extending outward of an outer surface of the floatable body... as water is dispensed through the spout, the floatable body auto-retracts towards the base
Data Source
AI summary
A portable drinking water filter system, such as a pitcher, having a sleeve and a floatable body including a filter opening configured to receive a water filter, the floatable body having a seal extending outward from an outer surface of the floatable body. The floatable body is disposed in a sleeve cavity such that a body seal engages the sidewall and restricts water from passing between the floatable body and the sidewall. The seal is configured to create friction with the sidewall, wherein the friction created when the floatable body rises in the sleeve is different than when the floatable body lowers in the sleeve. The friction created when the floatable body rises in the sleeve is greater than when the floatable body lowers in the sleeve, allowing the floatable body to auto-retract toward a cavity base without burping.