Magnetic Float Filter Pitcher for RO Water Waste Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reverse-osmosis (RO) systems waste significant amounts of water due to continuous flow requirements to prevent membrane clogging, which is inefficient for point-of-use water treatment.
Innovation Solution
A filter device with a magnetic float assembly that controls fluid transfer based on fluid level, using a sensor to stop pumping when the pitcher is full, minimizing water waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous flow of water is maintained across the membrane surface to prevent clogging, then membrane reliability is improved, but water waste increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from continuous flow to periodic/pulsed flow operation. The controller activates the pump in cycles, allowing water to flow across the membrane only when needed for filtration, while magnetic float assemblies maintain continuous contact with the membrane surface during both flow and non-flow periods to prevent clogging. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by maintaining membrane reliability without requiring constant water flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic float assemblies perform dual functions: they serve as level indicators and simultaneously act as membrane contact elements that prevent clogging through their continuous presence on the membrane surface. The system uses the waste magnetic material itself as the protective element, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall water requirements.
2Loss of substance
If magnetic float assembly is used to control fluid level, then water waste is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple functions into the magnetic float assembly: fluid level indication, pump control signaling, and membrane protection. By merging these functions into a single component system, the patent reduces overall device complexity while achieving water waste reduction through precise level-controlled pumping.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic float assembly serves multiple purposes: it indicates fluid level position, triggers pump operation through sensor detection, and physically contacts the membrane to prevent clogging. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving efficient water usage.
3Loss of substance
If sensor detection system is implemented to stop pumping when full, then water waste decreases, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical level sensing and control mechanisms with a simple magnetic field-based sensor detection system. The magnetic float interacts with a magnetic sensor (such as a Hall effect sensor or reed switch) to electrically signal pump shutdown, eliminating the need for complex mechanical float valves or level switches while reducing water waste through precise control.
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
Reduces water waste by precisely controlling fluid transfer, ensuring efficient use of water resources without membrane clogging.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic float assembly having a magnetic float that moves responsive to the level of fluid within the pitcher body
Implementation Method 2
The base may include an outlet for transferring fluid to the pitcher when the pitcher is properly aligned with the base, and a receptacle for holding fluid therein. The base further may include a controller having circuitry operatively coupled to a sensor, e.g., a Reed switch, for detecting when the magnetic float of the magnetic float assembly is within a detectable range of the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A filter device and methods of use thereof are provided. The filter device may include a pitcher for removably engaging with a base in fluid communication with a fluid source. The pitcher may include a magnetic float assembly, and the base may include a sensor, e.g., a Reed switch, for detecting when a magnetic float of the magnetic float assembly is within a detectable range of the sensor. Upon detection of the magnetic float within the detectable range by the sensor, a controller of the filter device may instruct a pump to pump fluid from the fluid source, through a filtration system of the filter device, and into the pitcher. When the pitcher is full of fluid, the magnetic float will be out of the detectable range of the sensor, such that fluid will stop being transferred from the fluid source to the pitcher.