Modular Water Treatment Modules for Diverse Water Demand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale water treatment equipment is costly to install and may not meet the diverse demands for various uses of water, such as drinking, washing, and flushing toilets, without incurring infrastructure costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular water treatment system with interchangeable modules that can be installed in a water treatment apparatus, allowing selection of modules based on specific functions to provide tailored water treatment functions, and a computer apparatus to manage and predict water treatment demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple types of water filters are used to improve water quality, then water treatment effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filtration functions (sediment filtration, carbon filtration, and UV sterilization) into a single integrated water treatment device. The housing structure integrates multiple filter cartridges and a UV sterilizer module, allowing simultaneous execution of multiple treatment processes while maintaining a unified device architecture, thereby improving water treatment effectiveness without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions including controlling the solenoid valve for water supply, operating the water pump for water circulation, controlling the UV sterilizer operation, and managing the drainage solenoid valve. This multi-functional control architecture allows a single control unit to manage all treatment processes, reducing the need for separate control systems for each function.
2Ease of operation
If automatic control is implemented to improve ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically detects water quality parameters through sensors and adjusts filtration and sterilization processes without user intervention. The system self-regulates water supply through the solenoid valve, controls pump operation based on tank water levels, and activates the UV sterilizer when contamination is detected, enabling the device to serve itself and reducing operational complexity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor water quality parameters and provide feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the operation of filtration cartridges, UV sterilizer intensity, and water circulation pump speed, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal water treatment without requiring manual intervention.
3Productivity
If water circulation pump is used to improve productivity, then water treatment productivity is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water circulation pump operates periodically rather than continuously, cycling water through the filtration and sterilization processes in intervals. The control unit activates the pump for specific durations based on treatment requirements and water tank capacity, allowing the system to maintain productivity while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump operation speed and duration are dynamically adjusted by the control unit based on real-time water quality sensor readings and treatment progress. When water quality improves or treatment objectives are met, the pump reduces speed or stops operation, optimizing energy usage while maintaining necessary treatment productivity.
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 meets a wide variety of water demands without the high infrastructure costs associated with large-scale equipment, providing flexible and efficient water treatment solutions.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic vibration module, configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations
Implementation Method 2
remove scale from the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
a heating element, configured to heat the water to a high temperature to sterilise the water
Implementation Method 4
a pump configured to pump water from the storage tank through the heat exchanger
Data Source
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AI summary
A water treatment apparatus comprises: a receiving unit configured to receive an input of water; and one or more installation mechanisms in which a module for water treatment is installable, wherein as the module, a plurality of types of modules are available to be selected depending on functions of the modules, and the water treatment apparatus is configured to provide a water treatment function corresponding to the function of the module to the water received at the receiving unit by installing the module in at least a part of the one or more installation mechanisms.