Flow Control Device for Filter-As-You-Pour Water Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pour-through pitcher systems take several minutes to filter water, making them inefficient for immediate access to filtered drinking water.
Innovation Solution
A filter-as-you-pour system with a flow control device, such as a valve or grating, integrated into the pouring spout, which includes a filter assembly with activated carbon textile material to regulate and increase the flow rate of filtered water, allowing for faster filtration as water is poured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is filtered through a traditional pitcher filter, then contaminants are removed, but the filtration process takes several minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is positioned perpendicular to the pouring direction, creating a lateral flow path through the filter media. This dimensional change allows water to be filtered as it exits the spout rather than requiring vertical passage through a deep filter bed, dramatically reducing filtration time while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a reservoir for unfiltered water, a spout for controlled discharge, and a filter assembly positioned at the exit point. This segmentation allows the filter to operate on a small portion of water at a time (only what is being poured), rather than filtering the entire volume, thus reducing overall filtration time
2Productivity
If a filter assembly is positioned in the flow stream at the spout, then filtration occurs during pouring, but the flow rate of filtered water needs to be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device is designed to be adjustable, allowing the user to dynamically modify the flow rate of filtered water according to needs. The device can be positioned at different heights or angles within the spout, creating variable restrictions that enable flexible control over pouring speed and flow volume
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control device changes the physical parameters of water flow by introducing controlled restriction points. By adjusting the opening size, angle, or position of the control device, the velocity, pressure, and volume of filtered water can be modified to achieve desired pouring characteristics
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 system provides filtered water at significantly higher flow rates, from 0.3 to 2 gallons per minute, compared to traditional systems, while maintaining effective contaminant removal, including chlorine, and extending the filter's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
Filter media of the filter assembly may comprise an activated carbon textile material that presents a curved surface to the flow stream of water
Implementation Method 2
The flow control device may be disposed proximate the outlet to regulate and exit flow rate of water being poured through the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to filter-as-you-pour water filtration container systems. Such a system may include a container body, an outlet through which water within the container body may be poured and simultaneously filtered, a lid that may be releasably attachable over the container body, and a filter assembly attachable to at least one of the lid or the container body. The filter assembly may be disposed so as to be in a flow stream of the water, as the water is poured out of the container body through an outlet of the system, so that the stream of water exiting through the outlet is simultaneously filtered as it is poured from the container body. The system may further include a flow control device (e.g., a valve, grating, screen, etc.) disposed proximate (e.g., in or over) the outlet to regulate an exit flow rate of water being poured through the outlet.