Magnetic Float Pitcher Shutoff for RO Water Waste Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Point-of-use (POU) Reverse-Osmosis (RO) water filtration systems waste significant water due to continuous flow requirements to prevent membrane clogging, leading to inefficiencies in water treatment.
Innovation Solution
A filter device comprising a pitcher and base with a magnetic float assembly and Reed switch sensor system that automatically stops water pumping when the pitcher is full, allowing for efficient fluid transfer and minimizing water waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous water flow 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 water flow to periodic/pulsed flow by using a magnetic float that rises with water level and triggers a Reed switch to interrupt the pumping cycle. This periodic action maintains membrane reliability by ensuring continuous movement and cleaning while dramatically reducing overall water waste through controlled termination of flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic float assembly provides visual feedback of water level and triggers automatic feedback control through the Reed switch. When the float reaches a predetermined level, it activates the Reed switch to stop pumping, creating a closed-loop feedback system that prevents overfilling and optimizes water usage while maintaining membrane performance.
2Loss of substance
If automatic shutdown mechanism is added to stop pumping when pitcher is full, then water waste is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic float serves as a simple intermediary mechanism that provides both visual indication and automatic control. The float's magnetic field interacts with the Reed switch to trigger shutdown, eliminating the need for complex electronic sensors or microcontrollers while achieving automatic water waste reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the water itself to activate the shutdown mechanism through buoyancy. As water fills the pitcher, it naturally lifts the magnetic float, which then triggers the Reed switch to stop pumping. The system serves itself by using the filling process to automatically terminate flow, minimizing water waste without external intervention or complex control systems.
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 system effectively reduces water waste by ensuring water is only pumped until the pitcher is full, enhancing the efficiency of water filtration processes in POU systems.
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
A filter device comprising a pitcher and base with a magnetic float assembly and Reed switch sensor system that automatically stops water pumping when the pitcher is full
Implementation Method 3
Reverse-osmosis devices use a membrane that screens out chemicals, such as chloride and sulfate as well as most other contaminates found in the water supply today
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.