Gravity Water Purifier Filter Module with Weighted Plate Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water purifiers require a pump system and electric power to function, limiting their use in areas without access to clean water and electricity, particularly in developing countries where contaminated water sources pose health risks.
Innovation Solution
A gravity-type water purifier system featuring a filter module with multiple flat plate filter members, a weighting member to sink the module, and nanofiber webs with antimicrobial coatings, allowing water to flow through gravity and filter out contaminants without the need for electricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pump system and electric power system are used in conventional water purifiers, then water can be pressurized to pass through filters, but the device cannot be used in areas without electricity or pump infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the pump system and electric power system from the water purifier, replacing them with a gravity-based operation mechanism. The filter module is designed to be submerged in water sources, using the weight difference between the weighted module and water to drive filtration without mechanical pumps or electricity.
Solution Approach 2:
The water purifier utilizes the natural weight of the filter module itself (enhanced by weighting members) to create the force needed for filtration. The module sinks into the water source under its own weight, and this gravitational force drives water through the filters, making the system self-powered and independent of external energy sources.
2Productivity
If multiple filter members are disposed in parallel to increase filtration capacity, then more filtered water can be produced, but the device becomes more complex and harder to install
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple filter members are merged into a single integrated filter module assembly. The flat plate filter members are arranged in parallel and connected together with fastening bars, forming one unified unit that functions as a complete filtration system. This merging approach maintains high productivity while simplifying installation and maintenance compared to separate filtration units.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter module is segmented into multiple identical flat plate filter members that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. This segmentation allows for standardized production and easy replacement of individual filter plates, reducing maintenance complexity while maintaining high filtration capacity through the parallel arrangement.
3Ease of operation
If a weighting member is added to sink the filter module into water, then the module can be easily submerged without external assistance, but the overall weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
Weighting members are attached to the filter module to provide counterweight that overcomes the buoyancy force when the module is placed in water. This allows the filter module to sink into the water source automatically under its own weight, eliminating the need for external assistance or complex deployment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The weighting members are strategically positioned at specific locations on the filter module (such as at the bottom or distributed along the structure) to create the necessary sinking force. This localized addition of weight achieves the submersion function while minimizing the overall weight increase compared to uniformly distributing weight throughout the entire module.
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 installation and maintenance costs and preventing waterborne illnesses in resource-poor settings, improving access to safe drinking water.
Implementation Method 1
a weighting member coupled to the at least one fastening bar and configured to increase an overall weight of the filter module for a gravity-type water purifier to allow the filter module for a gravity-type water purifier to be easily sunk therein
Implementation Method 2
Each of the pair of nanofiber webs may include a first nanofiber web having a surface coated with an antimicrobial material
Implementation Method 3
a first nanofiber web having a surface coated with an antimicrobial material
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a filter module for a gravity-type water purifier. The filter module for a gravity-type water purifier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of filter members which are plate shaped, and which are fixed to each other via one or more fastening bars while arranged spaced apart from each other in parallel having gaps therebetween; and a common water collecting member coupled to the respective water collecting holes formed in the filter members, and in which filtered water produced from the filter members is collected.