Gravity-Based Filter Module for Water Purification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional water purifiers require electrical facilities and pumps to function, limiting their use in areas without access to power, such as developing countries where clean water is scarce and contaminated water poses significant health risks.

Innovation Solution

A gravity-based filter module that uses a support frame, plate-shaped filtration members, and a communication path to produce filtered water without electricity, incorporating a nanofiber web layer for effective filtration and reducing manufacturing and installation costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a general water purifier employs a principle of passing raw water through a filter by applying a certain water pressure, then filtration efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring pump facilities and electrical infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pump system with a gravity-based flow system. Water naturally flows downward through the filtration layers due to gravity, eliminating the need for mechanical pumping components while maintaining continuous filtration operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes hydraulic principles by creating a gravity-driven water flow system where water pressure is generated naturally by the height difference and gravity acting on the water column, eliminating the need for mechanical pressure generation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If a general water purifier employs a principle of passing raw water through a filter by applying a certain water pressure, then filtration efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to requiring pump facilities and electrical infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the complex pump and electrical infrastructure components from the water purification system, retaining only the essential filtration function that can be achieved through simple gravity-driven flow and layered filtration media.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If a gravity-based filtration system is used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but filtration efficiency may decrease due to lower water pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidfiltration efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the filtration system into multiple sequential layers including coarse filtration layer, fine filtration layer, and activated carbon layer. Each layer targets different contaminants and operates at optimal flow rates, ensuring comprehensive filtration without requiring high pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different filtration media with specific properties to different layers of the system. Each layer is optimized for its specific function (coarse filtering, fine filtering, chemical adsorption), allowing efficient filtration at low pressure through localized optimization of each section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables the production of clean water using gravity alone, reducing costs and preventing waterborne diseases, thus improving quality of life in resource-poor settings without the need for electrical infrastructure.

Implementation Method 1

a nanofiber web layer formed of nanofiber on one surface or both surfaces of the supporter... to produce filtered water from raw water moving from the outside to the plurality of storage spaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a gravity-based water purification device configured to simply produce filtered water using gravity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11938424B2Filter module for gravity-based water purification device and gravity-based water purification device including the same

Publication Date: 2024.03.26 AMOGREENTECH CO LTD

AI summary

A filter module for a gravity-based water purification device is provided. A filter module for a gravity-based water purification device, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a support frame including a loop-shaped edge member, which includes an empty space of which both sides are open, and a dividing member, which is coupled to the edge member so as to enable the empty space to be divided into a plurality of storage spaces; a pair of filtering members which are formed in a plate shape having a predetermined area, and which are coupled to the support frame so as to enable filtered water to be produced from raw water moving from the outside toward the plurality of storage spaces; and water-collecting ports for discharging, to the outside, the filtered water stored in the plurality of storage spaces, wherein the plurality of storage spaces communicate with each other through at least one communication passage formed at the dividing member.