Home water-based drink formulating system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home water treatment and drink formulation systems lack the ability for users to customize the mineral content of filtered water and generate excessive waste from disposable cartridges.
Innovation Solution
A counter-top filter device that filters impurities and minerals from water down to near zero levels, introduces vitamins and minerals to specific levels, and includes a refrigeration system for chilling water, all while allowing users to select the type of water desired through a simple user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If extensive filtration is used to remove impurities from water, then water purity is improved, but mineral content is removed and taste deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is divided into multiple stages: a first filter (reverse osmosis) that removes impurities and minerals to achieve high purity, and a second filter (mineral addition system) that selectively reintroduces beneficial minerals. This segmentation allows each stage to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different treatment qualities to different aspects of water composition: complete removal of contaminants and excess minerals through the first filter, while selectively adding back specific beneficial minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium) through the second filter. This creates locally optimized water quality with high purity and balanced mineral content.
2Reliability
If bottled water is consumed to ensure water quality and safety, then health benefits are improved, but plastic waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables households to produce their own high-quality filtered water with customized mineral content, eliminating the need to purchase bottled water. The automated filtration and mineral addition processes occur within the home, providing continuous supply of safe, quality water without generating plastic waste from discarded bottles.
3Manufacturing precision
If home water treatment systems are installed to provide filtered water, then water quality is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water treatment system is divided into a filtration portion and a mineral addition portion that can be installed independently. The filtration system connects to the water supply, and the mineral addition system receives purified water from the filtration system and adds minerals before dispensing. This modular segmentation allows for easier installation and maintenance compared to a fully integrated system.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If minerals are added back to filtered water to improve taste, then taste quality is improved, but mineral content cannot be customized by user
Solution Approach 1:
The mineral addition system is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing users to select from multiple mineral formulations (e.g., different combinations of calcium, magnesium, and potassium) and adjust mineral concentrations according to personal preferences and health needs. This dynamic capability transforms the system from a fixed mineral addition process to a customizable mineral supplementation system.
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
Provides high-quality, customizable filtered water with added health benefits, reducing waste and costs associated with bottled water, while offering the convenience of a home-based system without the installation obstacles of under-sink filtration.
Implementation Method 1
a filter configured for removing a first set of substances from the water and a second filter in series with the first filter configured for removing a second set of substances different from the first set of substances from the water
Implementation Method 2
the device has a refrigeration system that chills the filtered water so the user does not have to waste space in their refrigerator for this purpose
Data Source
AI summary
A drink formulating system includes a housing having a housing outlet, a receiving tank receiving water poured by a user, and a pump being configured for pumping water from the receiving tank. A first filter is in fluid communication with the pump for removing a first set of substances from the water. A second filter removes a second set of substances different from the first set of substances from the water obtained from the receiving tank. A second filter outlet is connected to an additive module having at least two additive cartridges, each cartridge supplying a designated composition of potable nutrients. A user-controlled interface allows for user selection of one of the designated nutrient compositions, which are then pumped into water from the chilling tank and distributed from the housing outlet.