Sequential Hose-Clamp Backwash for Clean Water Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water filtration systems face contamination risks during backwashing, as separation valves are exposed to dirty water, leading to potential germ contamination of clean water compartments due to wear and tear of sealing materials.
Innovation Solution
A water filtration device with a tubing system and multi-flow arrangement featuring clamping hoses to control water flow, preventing contamination by sequentially closing and opening hoses to separate dirty and clean water paths during backwashing, and incorporating a cam shaft with cams to automate the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a separation valve is used to separate backwash water from clean water, then the backwashing function is improved, but the risk of contamination of clean water by germs from backwash water increases due to wear of sealing materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the separation valve from the system and replaces it with a hose clamping mechanism. The clamping function is separated into individual hose clamps that can independently control flow in different hoses, eliminating the single point of failure (separation valve) that exposed clean water to contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hoses as intermediary elements between the filtration chambers and the external environment. These hoses, when clamped, act as flexible barriers that can be selectively opened or closed without exposing clean water to dirty backwash water, thus mediating the flow control while maintaining separation.
2Device complexity
If a single rotating valve member is used to switch backwashing cycles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to wear of rubber packing during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow control function into multiple independent hose clamps (at least three: first, second, and third clamps) that can operate independently. Each clamp controls a specific hose, allowing selective closure without requiring a rotating valve with continuous sealing surfaces that are prone to wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic clamping mechanism where hoses can be selectively opened or closed by individual clamps in response to operational needs. This dynamic control allows the system to switch between filtration and backwashing modes without mechanical wear, as the clamps can be actuated without rotating against sealing surfaces.
3Device complexity
If a gasket is used to separate contaminated and clean parts of the valve system, then the separation is simplified, but the reliability decreases due to gasket wear leading to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gasket-based separation system entirely and replaces it with a hose clamping system. The separation function previously performed by the gasket is now achieved by selectively clamping hoses, eliminating the wear-prone gasket interface between clean and contaminated zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible hoses instead of rigid gasket-based separation. The hoses can be clamped to create flexible barriers that prevent contamination without requiring continuous contact sealing surfaces that wear over time. The flexibility allows for easier installation and maintenance while maintaining reliable separation.
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 effectively prevents contamination of clean water sides during backwashing, ensuring a safer and more reliable filtration process by maintaining the integrity of the clean water compartment and enhancing the filtration efficiency through controlled flow management.
Implementation Method 1
a cam shaft (20) with a plurality of cams (20A) arranged at different angular locations... each cam (20A) being arranged for activating a clamping member (19) to clamp a corresponding one of the hoses (21)
Implementation Method 2
a filtration system, for filtering dirt water from the dirt water inlet and for providing clean water to the clean water outlet
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a water filtration device which includes various hoses for connection between different parts of the filtration device and a rotatable cam system which, during backwash cycles, is rotated so as to clamp various the hoses in predetermined sequences for thereby controlling the direction of the flow of water through the tubing system. Electrical pinch valves are use alternatively to a cam shaft.