Modular Multi-Stage Filter Assembly for Water Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water filtration systems for outdoor use are often labor-intensive, prone to clogging, ineffective in removing viruses, and may leave residual chemicals or undesirable tastes in treated water, with some requiring frequent filter changes and carrying multiple replacements.
Innovation Solution
A modular multi-stage filter assembly with detachable housing sections and pleated filter media having a cationic charge potential, allowing for sequential filtration of water through distinct filter elements that retain different contaminants, including viruses and larger particles, with a twist-lock mechanism for easy assembly and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single filter element is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the filter plugs up quickly requiring frequent filter changes
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is divided into multiple detachable housing sections, each containing its own filter element (first filter element in first housing section, second filter element in second housing section). This segmentation allows each filter element to handle different stages of filtration, preventing any single filter from plugging up quickly while maintaining relatively simple individual sections that can be independently replaced.
2Reliability
If chemical disinfectants are used, then pathogen removal is effective, but residual chemicals and undesirable tastes remain in treated water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs filter elements with porous structures including a first filter element and a second filter element with different pore sizes. These porous materials physically trap and retain contaminants, viruses, and pathogens through mechanical filtration rather than chemical disinfection, thereby achieving reliable pathogen removal without leaving residual chemicals or undesirable tastes in the treated water.
3Reliability
If filters with fine pore sizes are used to remove viruses, then virus removal effectiveness improves, but the filters plug up quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration process is segmented into multiple stages with different filter elements. The first filter element handles preliminary filtration of larger particles, while the second filter element with finer pore sizes focuses on virus removal. This segmentation protects the fine-pore filter from rapid plugging by larger contaminants, extending its operational life while maintaining virus removal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the filtration system have different filter properties optimized for their specific function. The first housing section contains a filter element suited for coarse filtration, while the second housing section contains a filter element with fine pores optimized for virus removal. Each filter element operates in its optimal performance zone, preventing premature clogging while achieving comprehensive contaminant removal.
4Reliability
If multiple filter replacements are carried, then continuous filtration capability is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is segmented into detachable housing sections that can be independently removed and replaced. Each housing section contains its own filter element and can be quickly detached without tooling, allowing users to replace only the specific section that needs maintenance while keeping other sections in use, thereby maintaining continuous filtration capability while simplifying the replacement operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing sections are designed with dynamic, detachable connections that allow quick assembly and disassembly. The first housing section and second housing section can be easily separated and reattached, enabling rapid filter element replacement without complex tools or procedures, thus maintaining operational ease while ensuring continuous filtration capability.
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 modular design provides efficient, effective filtration of water by retaining contaminants in each stage, extending filter life and reducing the need for frequent replacements, while ensuring safe drinking water without residual chemicals or tastes.
Implementation Method 1
pleated filter media having a cationic charge potential, allowing for sequential filtration of water through distinct filter elements that retain different contaminants, including viruses and larger particles
Implementation Method 2
sequential filtration of water through distinct filter elements that retain different contaminants
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a modular filter assembly for filtering fluid that flows in a flow direction therethrough is disclosed. The assembly includes a first housing section having a first filter element; a second housing section having a second filter element; and a connector disposed between the first and second housing sections. A housing includes the first housing section, the connector, and the second housing section. The flow direction is through the first and second filter elements in series.