Gravity Filter with Adjustable UV Sterilizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downpipe filter devices face issues with dry-running during interruptions or intermittent operation, and sterilizing devices becoming empty, requiring complex control valves to manage varying liquid levels and flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A compact filter- and sterilizing apparatus with a gravity filter, adjustable ultraviolet sterilizing device connected to clear liquid drainage, featuring an overflow weir to maintain consistent water levels and eliminate the need for continuous control valves, ensuring reliable sterilization and simplified operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex control valves are installed to manage liquid level and flow rate during intermittent operation, then reliability of sterilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilizing device is designed to automatically maintain its liquid level through self-regulating mechanisms. The device uses its own internal hydrodynamics and gravity-driven flow to ensure the liquid level remains adequate for sterilization without requiring external control valves or complex monitoring systems. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional control components while maintaining sterilization reliability during intermittent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention positions the sterilizing device at a specific height relative to the filter device to create equipotential conditions. By aligning the liquid levels through gravitational potential equality, the system ensures automatic flow regulation without mechanical control valves. The sterilizing device receives liquid at a level that naturally maintains adequate coverage of the ultraviolet lamps, eliminating the need for complex level control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If multiple control valves are added to prevent dry-running during interruptions, then filter reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter and sterilizing device combination is designed to automatically handle intermittent operation without requiring additional control valves. The system uses gravity-driven flow and internal hydrodynamic balance to prevent dry-running conditions during interruptions, eliminating the need for expensive control valve components and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
By positioning the sterilizing device at a height that creates equipotential conditions with the filter outlet, the system ensures automatic flow regulation during both continuous and intermittent operation. This gravitational balance prevents dry-running conditions without requiring additional control valves, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sterilizing device is positioned at variable heights with control valves, then adaptability to different flow rates is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilizing device incorporates an adjustable height mechanism that allows dynamic adaptation to different flow rates. The device can be positioned at different heights to optimize performance for varying flow conditions, providing adaptability without requiring complex real-time control valves. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to handle both low and high flow rates effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable height positioning of the sterilizing device creates equipotential conditions that naturally adapt to different flow rates. By changing the vertical position, the system adjusts the gravitational potential balance, allowing automatic flow regulation for various operating conditions without requiring complex control mechanisms at each height position.
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 solution provides reliable and error-free sterilization with low maintenance and energy consumption, avoiding under-sterilization risks and reducing operational complexity, while allowing for flexible liquid output and efficient use of ultraviolet cells.
Implementation Method 1
a gravity filter device having a liquid supply (L1, L2), a downpipe filter (F) and a clear liquid drainage (L3, L4)
Implementation Method 2
the sterilizing device connected to the clear liquid drainage (L3, L4) of the downpipe filter (F), is adjustable in height and has the form of an supply channel to a over flow weir (Y)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A filter- and sterilizing apparatus comprising a gravity filter device with a liquid supply (L1), a downpipe filter (F) and a clean liquid drainage (L3) as well as a sterilizing device (U) hydraulically connected to the downpipe filter, is characterized in that the sterilizing device connected to the clean liquid circuit (L3) of the downpipe filter (F), is adjustable in height and has the shape of a supply channel to the overflow weir (Y), wherein the liquid level in the supply channel (K) before starting the filtration is approximately adjustable to the same height with the water level in the downpipe filter (F) above the filter medium (M). The sterilizing device (U) is an ultraviolet sluice.