Gradient Perforated Filter Element Preventing Partial Blockage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing filter element assemblies with water inlet and outlet at the same end experience uneven pressure distribution, leading to premature blocking of the filter screen due to increased dirt accumulation near the water outlet.

Innovation Solution

The filter element assembly features a perforated structure with an increasing opening ratio along the direction away from the water outlet, reducing pressure differences and preventing partial blocking by distributing the permeable area more evenly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the permeable holes are evenly distributed in the length direction of the filter element frame, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the pressure difference near the water outlet increases, causing faster dirt accumulation and partial blocking of the filter screen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the permeable holes non-uniformly distributed along the length direction of the filter element frame. Specifically, the opening ratio of the permeable holes increases progressively from the water inlet end toward the water outlet end. This local variation in hole characteristics compensates for the pressure difference along the flow path, preventing excessive dirt accumulation near the outlet while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through a systematic gradient design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the filter screen is used at high usage rate, then the filtration efficiency is improved, but the dirt accumulates faster near the water outlet, causing partial blocking

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses this contradiction by implementing a gradient distribution of permeable holes where the opening ratio increases toward the water outlet end. This local quality adjustment ensures that areas with higher flow velocity and pressure difference (near the outlet) have larger effective opening areas, balancing the dirt accumulation rate across the entire filter screen and preventing partial blocking even at high usage rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the opening ratio of the permeable holes along the length direction of the filter element frame. The opening ratio serves as the key parameter that changes progressively from the water inlet to the water outlet, allowing the filter to maintain uniform dirt distribution and prevent blocking while operating at high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This design enhances the overall efficiency of the filter screen by reducing differential pressure values and preventing partial blockages, ensuring consistent filtration performance.

Implementation Method 1

the closer the filter element frame is to the water outlet, the greater pressure difference exists in the water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4527482A1Filter element assembly, filter, water path control system, and water heater
Publication Date: 2025.03.26 WUHU MIDEA KITCHEN & BATH APPLIANCES MFG CO LTD
  • EP4527482A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4527482A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4527482A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed are a filter element assembly (400), a filter (100), a water way control system and a water heater. The filter element assembly (400) includes a filter element frame (410) having a water filtering cavity (700). An end of the water filtering cavity (700) is a water outlet (411). The filter element frame (410) has a perforated structure (413) adjacent to the water outlet (411). The perforated structure (413) has permeable holes (P) communicating with the water filtering cavity (700). The perforated structure (413) has an opening ratio increasing continuously or stepwise along a direction away from the water outlet (411). The filter includes a copper head component (200), a filter bottle (300), a mesh cover (500), and a filter element assembly (400). The water way control system includes a processor, a water way breaking actuator and a filter (100). The water heater includes a filter (100) or a water way control system.