Compact Water Purification Device with Gravity-Driven Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water purification devices are complex and require improvements for a simpler and more compact configuration.

Innovation Solution

A purification device comprising a collection pump and a filtration system with an inflow port above the pump and a discharge port below, allowing for self-weight driven filtration and ultraviolet sterilization, eliminating the need for additional pumps and disinfectants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional processing devices are used to purify water, then purification function is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurification functionVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the collection pump, filtration device, and discharge mechanisms into an integrated purification device. The pump unit, filtration unit, and control unit are merged into a single device that processes water from collection to discharge, eliminating the need for separate complex systems while maintaining reliable purification function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The purification device performs multiple functions within a single system: water collection through the pump, filtration through the filtration device with filter elements, and controlled discharge. This multi-functional integration reduces overall system complexity while ensuring reliable purification through multiple integrated stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional processing devices are used to purify water, then purification function is achieved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurification functionVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The filtration device is positioned within or adjacent to the pump housing, with the filter elements nested within the filtration chamber. The discharge pump is integrated into the same housing structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall device volume while maintaining all necessary purification functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes vertical space efficiently by positioning the inflow port at the top, the filtration device in the middle section, and the discharge port at the bottom. This vertical arrangement optimizes the use of three-dimensional space, reducing the device's footprint while ensuring proper water flow and purification function.

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

3Device complexity

If inflow port is positioned above collection pump, then self-weight driven filtration is enabled, but gravitational flow control becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepump configurationVSAvoidflow control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit monitors water flow through the filtration device and adjusts the discharge pump operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that gravitational flow from the upper inflow port is properly regulated, preventing overflow or insufficient filtration while maintaining simple pump configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes gravity to drive water flow from the inflow port through the filtration device, eliminating the need for additional pumping power for this stage. The collection pump only needs to provide initial pressure, while the discharge pump handles the final discharge, allowing the system to self-regulate flow through gravitational force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables efficient and compact water purification with reduced complexity, effective debris removal, and environmentally friendly discharge of filtrate water.

Implementation Method 1

a collection pump that delivers the debris-containing water from the cleaning device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

a filter that filters the water to be processed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

the inflow port is located above the collection pump, and the discharge port is located below the inflow port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4434602A1Purification device and purification system for water to be processed
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 YANMAR HLDG CO LTD
  • EP4434602A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4434602A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4434602A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Problem] To provide a purification device for water to be processed, which may purify the water to be processed with a simple and compact configuration. [Solution] The purification device for the water to be processed includes a collection pump and a filtration device located downstream of the collection pump. The filtration device includes an inflow port into which the water to be processed having passed through the collection pump flows, a filter that filters the water to be processed, and a discharge port through which filtrate water having passed through the filter is discharged. The inflow port is located above the collection pump. The discharge port is located below the inflow port.