Microplastic Filter with Self-Cleaning Brush for Washing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating microplastics from washing machine wastewater are difficult to use in practice and not suitable for integration into washing machines, leading to poor acceptance by end users.
Innovation Solution
A fluid filter system combining a filter screen and a motor-driven brush for automatic cleaning, along with a second filter screen for retentate collection, which prevents clogging and allows for easy maintenance, integrated into a washing machine or similar machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter screen is used to separate microplastics from washing machine wastewater, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but the filter screen becomes clogged and requires frequent manual cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system performs self-cleaning through an integrated brush mechanism that automatically removes accumulated microplastics from the filter screen during or after the washing cycle, eliminating the need for manual cleaning by the user and maintaining continuous filtration effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The brush mechanism is positioned to contact the filter screen before significant clogging occurs, continuously or periodically removing particles during the washing process to prevent blockage and maintain filtration performance throughout operation
2Reliability
If a filter system is integrated into the washing machine, then microplastic removal capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is merged with the existing washing machine drum structure, where the filter screen and brush mechanism are integrated into the drum's interior space, allowing microplastic removal functionality to be added without requiring a separate external device or significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The washing machine drum serves multiple functions: it not only tumbles and washes the laundry but also houses the filter screen for microplastic separation and provides the rotational motion that drives the brush mechanism for automatic cleaning, consolidating multiple functions into a single existing component
3Ease of manufacture
If the filter screen is cleaned manually, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but loss of time for maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic brush cleaning mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually clean the filter screen, performing the maintenance function automatically during or after the washing cycle, thereby reducing the time users need to spend on maintenance while keeping the overall system design relatively simple
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 enables simple and effective handling of washing machine wastewater by preventing clogging, ensuring reliable operation, and facilitating easy maintenance, thus improving user acceptance and integration into machines.
Implementation Method 1
A corresponding free end of at least one bristle lies against the first filter screen, preferably on the inlet side
Implementation Method 2
The bristles sweep over the first filter screen and thereby clean off retentate adhering to the first filter screen
Implementation Method 3
The first filter screen is arranged in the cavity and at least partially delimits at least a first filter chamber. The inlet and outlet are in fluid communication through the first filter screen
Data Source
AI summary
A microplastic filter (also referred herein as fluid filter) for a washing machine has a filter housing, a first filter screen, a second filter screen, an inlet opening 16, and an outlet opening. The inlet and outlet openings communicate with each other through the first filter screen to define a direction of fluid flow. The first filter chamber has a retentate outlet, is particularly easy to handle if the second filter screen is arranged in a cavity of the filter housing, the inlet and outlet openings communicate with each other through the second filter screen, and the retentate outlet is arranged on a side of the second filter screen that faces the fluid flow.