Movable Inner Filter Design for Self-Cleaning Microfiber Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration systems, particularly those for wastewater from washing machines, are inefficient in removing microfibers, leading to rapid clogging and environmental pollution, as they rely on larger pores that cannot retain microfibers, and current solutions do not effectively address the self-cleaning functionality or long-term efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A filter system with a movable inner filter and a filter membrane that allows for self-cleaning, where the inner filter, made of materials like felt or wool, moves within the cartridge to brush against the membrane, effectively removing and retaining microfibers, and can be easily replaced or serviced to maintain efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If larger pores are used in the filtration medium to increase permeability, then the filter can process more waste water, but microfibers cannot be retained and the filter clogs rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is divided into two distinct functional components: a filter membrane with larger pores for high permeability and waste water processing, and a separate movable inner filter made of felt or wool material that specifically captures microfibers. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable inner filter acts as an intermediary element between the waste water flow and the filter membrane. It selectively intercepts microfibers before they can clog the membrane pores, while allowing water to pass through. The inner filter material (felt or wool) serves as a mediator that captures microfibers through its fibrous structure.
2Reliability
If the filter is cleaned manually, then clogged fibers can be removed, but the filter must be taken apart and fibers are reentered into waste water
Solution Approach 1:
The movable inner filter is designed to be automatically cleaned by the waste water flow itself. The flow dynamics cause the inner filter to move and brush against the filter membrane, dislodging captured microfibers and transporting them away. This self-cleaning mechanism eliminates the need for manual disassembly and cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner filter is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically respond to waste water flow conditions. This mobility enables the inner filter to automatically adjust its position and interact with the membrane surface for self-cleaning, without requiring manual intervention.
3Reliability
If the filter membrane has smaller pores to retain microfibers, then retention efficiency increases, but the filter clogs rapidly and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the microfiber capture function (movable inner filter) from the water filtration function (filter membrane with larger pores). This allows the membrane to maintain larger pores for extended lifespan and high permeability, while the inner filter handles microfiber retention and can be easily replaced or cleaned.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable inner filter is designed as a consumable component that captures microfibers during operation. When saturated, it can be easily removed and discarded, or the captured microfibers can be recovered for proper disposal. This eliminates the need to replace the entire filter membrane, extending system lifespan.
4Productivity
If a sieve principle is used with larger pores to prevent clogging, then permeability increases, but microfibers pass through into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The movable inner filter serves as an intermediary capture mechanism that intercepts microfibers before they can pass through the larger pores of the filter membrane into the environment. This intermediary layer maintains high permeability while preventing microfiber discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration system combines two different material types: a synthetic filter membrane material with defined pore structure for water passage, and a natural or synthetic fibrous material (felt or wool) for microfiber capture. This composite approach leverages the advantages of both material types to achieve both high flow rate and microfiber retention.
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 filter system achieves high efficiency in removing microfibers and other impurities, extending the filter's lifespan and reducing environmental pollution by incorporating a self-cleaning mechanism that prevents clogging and allows for easy maintenance, thereby improving the overall filtration process.
Implementation Method 1
The movable inner filter is moved by the incoming fluid
Implementation Method 2
The cartridge housing has at least one wall, which is permeable to the liquid... The movable inner filter is positioned to receive the fluid from the cartridge input port
Data Source
AI summary
A filter system configured to remove microfibers released from textiles being processed in a fluid. This fluid is sent into a filter housing containing a filter cartridge which in turn contains a movable inner filter. The movable inner filter is sufficiently flexible as to permit random movement in the fluid so that the inner filter rubs against the cartridge housing thereby removing particulate matter from the cartridge housing, thereby extending the useful life of the filter cartridge.