Disposable Media Insert Water Filter With Leak-Safe Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional water treatment systems generate significant plastic waste due to disposable filter cartridges, and there is a need for improved cartridge location and engagement during replacement to prevent leaks and enhance user accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A reusable water treatment housing with disposable filter media inserts, featuring a reusable sump assembly and alignment structures for positive engagement, tactile and visual indicators, and noncircular spout configurations to facilitate easy and leak-proof cartridge replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If disposable filter cartridges with rigid housings are used, then filtration function is provided, but plastic waste is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplastic wasteVSAvoidfilter cartridge structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system is divided into two segments: a reusable filter head and a disposable filter element. The filter element contains only the necessary filtration media without the rigid housing, reducing plastic waste while maintaining filtration function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element is designed to be discarded after use, while the filter head is recovered and reused. This separates the consumable filtration media from the reusable housing structure, eliminating plastic waste from the disposable component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Ease of operation

If filter cartridge is located in conventional position, then filtration is effective, but user access during replacement is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge replacement accessVSAvoidfiltration effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is positioned in an elevated location above the filter head, accessible from the top dimension rather than requiring disassembly of the filter head from below. This dimensional repositioning provides user access while maintaining filtration effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If conventional cartridge replacement method is used, then replacement is possible, but water leaks occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater leak preventionVSAvoidcartridge replacement process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter head includes a shutoff valve that is activated before removing the filter element, preventing water flow during the replacement process. This preliminary action eliminates leaks while simplifying the replacement operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If alignment structures are added to filter head, then engagement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge engagement alignmentVSAvoidfilter head structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter head and filter element include asymmetric alignment features such as offset ports and non-circular engagement surfaces. These asymmetric geometries provide precise alignment and positioning without requiring complex mechanical alignment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS20260028247A1Water treatment system using disposable media inserts

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 PARAGON WATER SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A water treatment assembly is provided, including a filter head configured for connection to a water supply line, the filter head including a rotatable shutoff valve a sump assembly releasably connected to the filter head, the sump assembly including a sump cap releasably attached to a sump body and defining an interior chamber, and the sump cap having cap ports in fluid communication with complementary head ports in the filter head, and a filter insert releasably enclosed within the interior chamber, the filter insert having a filter media portion and an endcap secured to the media portion, the endcap having at least one port configured for being in fluid communication with one of the cap ports and one of the head ports.