Modular Filter Element for Swimming Pool Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical filter apparatus for swimming pools face issues such as high pressure requirements, frequent maintenance, limited particulate size filtration, and high energy consumption due to clogging and the need for frequent chemical addition, with sand filter media degrading over time.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical filter element with a plurality of filter cells, each having a cross-sectional area less than or equal to 3mm² and an internal volume less than 30mm³, forming a static filter pack that reduces liquid flow energy and allows for the filtration of smaller particulates, using a cylindrical wall with an internal frame to sub-divide the filter area, promoting particulate settlement and trapping, and allowing for lower operating pressure and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If high pressure is applied to force water through the static filter bed, then filtration is achieved, but energy consumption increases and the filter bed may be broken up during backwashing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating pressure parameter from high to low pressure operation. The filter elements are designed to function effectively at low differential pressures (typically less than 10 psi), eliminating the need for high-pressure pumps and reducing energy consumption while maintaining filter bed integrity during backwashing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical sand filter bed system with a modular filter element system that uses pressure-sensitive membrane structures. These elements can be compressed to a low profile during backwashing without breaking up, substituting the mechanical integrity requirements of sand beds with a more resilient membrane-based structure.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If sand filter media is used, then filtration is provided, but the sand degrades over time requiring periodic replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite filter elements combining multiple materials with complementary properties: a support structure (plastic or metal mesh), a filtering matrix (non-woven fabric or porous material), and a pressure-sensitive membrane. This composite construction provides durability, resistance to degradation, and structural integrity, extending the service life of the filter media while simplifying maintenance through modular replaceable elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a modular filter element design where individual elements can be easily removed, cleaned, or replaced without affecting the entire filter system. This allows for selective replacement of degraded elements rather than complete system replacement, reducing maintenance complexity and extending overall system lifespan.
3Measurement precision
If a static filter bed is used, then mechanical filtration is achieved, but the filtration is limited to particulates greater than 7-10 micron
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous filter materials with controlled pore size distributions that can capture particulates down to 1 micron or smaller. The porous structure allows selective passage of particles based on size while maintaining adequate flow rates, achieving fine filtration without requiring excessively complex multi-stage filtration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the filter media into multiple functional layers or zones within each filter element, with different pore sizes and filtration characteristics. This segmentation allows a single element to perform multiple filtration functions, capturing different particle sizes simultaneously and achieving high measurement precision without increasing overall device complexity.
4Productivity
If the pump capacity is increased to compensate for performance drop-off before backwashing, then flow rate is maintained, but energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs filter elements that maintain consistent flow characteristics throughout their service life, preventing the performance drop-off that occurs in traditional filters before backwashing. The modular design with multiple elements in parallel ensures that as some elements load up, others remain active, maintaining continuous productive action without requiring oversized pumps to compensate for declining performance.
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 solution provides a higher retention capacity, reduced energy consumption, and longer filter life with easier cleaning, capable of filtering particulates down to 1 micron size, and reduces bacterial growth, while maintaining consistent filtration flow and minimizing clogging.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanical filter element is operative to promote settling of the particulates
Implementation Method 2
contaminants in the liquid, such as particulates, are physically trapped between the filter media
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure a mechanical filter element (2) for forming a static filter pack (11) to perform mechanical filtration of a liquid. The mechanical filter element (1) has one or more filter cell (19). The present disclosure also relates to a mechanical filter apparatus (1) having a filter chamber (10) containing a plurality of mechanical filter elements (2) for forming the static filter pack (11) to perform mechanical filtration of a liquid. The mechanical filter apparatus (1) is configured to generate a flow of the liquid through the mechanical filter elements (2) during filtration to form the static filter pack (11). Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a method of mechanically filtering a liquid. A plurality of mechanical filter elements (2) each comprising one or more filter cell (19) are disposed in a filter chamber (10). During filtration, the liquid flows through the filter chamber (10) to establish a static filter pack (11) of said mechanical filter elements (2) to mechanically filter the liquid.