Push Filter Floating Key Lock for Spill-Free Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water filtration systems in refrigerators are difficult to replace due to their design and placement, often requiring manual insertion and removal with complex valve activation mechanisms, leading to awkward access and potential spillage during filter changes.
Innovation Solution
A push-actuated filter housing apparatus with a floating key lock mechanism that allows for easy attachment and detachment, featuring a filter key with spaced protrusions for identification and a sliding lock for fluid-tight shutoff, enabling simple and tool-free filter replacement without leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual insertion and removal mechanism is used for filter replacement, then the filter can be securely attached to the mechanical support, but the filter replacement process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The filter housing incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism with movable locking elements that transition between engaged and disengaged states. When axial force is applied during push-pull operation, the locking elements automatically shift to release the filter from the mechanical support, enabling quick replacement without manual manipulation of multiple fasteners
Solution Approach 2:
The filter housing self-activates the locking and unlocking mechanisms through the push-pull operation itself. The axial force applied during filter replacement automatically triggers the locking elements to engage or disengage, eliminating the need for separate manual locking or unlocking actions by the user
2Reliability
If the filter housing is securely locked to prevent accidental detachment, then the filter remains firmly attached during operation, but the filter becomes difficult to remove for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses spring-loaded or resilient locking elements that maintain constant engagement force during normal operation, ensuring secure attachment. When axial pull force is applied during replacement, the locking elements automatically disengage, providing both security and ease of removal
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are pre-positioned to engage with complementary features on the mechanical support, creating automatic locking upon insertion. This preliminary engagement prevents accidental detachment during operation, while the same mechanism allows controlled release when replacement is intended
3Productivity
If the filter housing is designed for easy removal and replacement, then the filter can be quickly changed, but the risk of spillage during replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter housing incorporates an internal shutoff valve that automatically closes when the filter is disconnected from the mechanical support. This preliminary shutoff action prevents water spillage by stopping flow before the filter housing is fully removed, enabling quick replacement without leakage risks
Solution Approach 2:
The internal shutoff mechanism is pre-positioned to close automatically upon disconnection, counteracting the potential harmful effect of spillage before it can occur. This preliminary protective action allows rapid filter changes while maintaining system integrity and preventing water loss
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
Facilitates frequent and easy filter changes with minimal downtime, ensuring optimal performance by preventing leaks and spills through the axial push mechanism and resilient retraction forces, while allowing specific filter configurations to be identified and accepted.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member in contact with the floating lock providing a retraction force when the floating lock is acted upon by the filter housing assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly for fluid filtration having a push-activated lock and release mechanism. A push filter design activates a floating key lock upon insertion and extraction, where the filter key may be used simultaneously as a lock and as an identifier for particular filter attributes. The filter base may be situated inline, and in fluid communication, with influent and effluent piping, such as within a refrigerator. The filter housing assembly may be attached to, and removed from, the filter base by a push-actuated release. Upon insertion, the filter key shifts the filter lock longitudinally to receive interlocking segments. Upon extraction, the same axial push shifts the filter lock further to align the interlocking fingers within gaps that allow for easy extraction. The specific key lock design allows a user to identify and match certain filter configurations received by the mechanical support, and reject other filter configurations.