Nested Filtration Cooler System for Compact Outdoor Water Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water filtration and storage systems for outdoor use are bulky and heavy, making them inconvenient for adventurers who need to minimize weight and bulk while ensuring access to clean and temperature-controlled water.
Innovation Solution
An all-in-one filtration cooler system that includes a filter bucket, drip tray, transfer bucket, and insulated cooler reservoir, allowing for on-site water filtration and temperature control, with components nesting for compact storage and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water filtration and storage systems are designed for outdoor use, then clean water availability is improved, but weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (filtration, cooling, and storage) into a single integrated system. The filter bucket with integrated filter element, the cooler reservoir that serves as both storage and cooling chamber, and the drip tray that handles both filtration runoff and ice containment demonstrate merging of functions to reduce overall system weight and bulk while maintaining clean water availability.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are designed to perform multiple functions: the filter bucket serves as both filtration vessel and storage container, the cooler reservoir provides both water storage and temperature control, and the lid functions as both closure and ice pack carrier. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing total weight and bulk.
2Reliability
If water filtration and storage systems are designed for outdoor use, then clean water availability is improved, but bulk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter bucket nests within the cooler reservoir, and the drip tray nests within the filter bucket. The ice pack carrier lid nests over the reservoir opening. This nested configuration minimizes the overall volume of the system when packed, making it compact for outdoor adventures while still providing full filtration and storage functionality.
3Reliability
If temperature control is added to water storage system, then water quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is self-service, utilizing an ice pack that users fill with water and freeze beforehand. The ice pack naturally cools the water in the reservoir through thermal conduction when placed in the lid, eliminating the need for electric compressors, thermostats, or active cooling mechanisms. This maintains water quality through temperature control while keeping the system simple and suitable for outdoor use.
4Weight of moving object
If compact storage design is implemented, then portability is improved, but ease of operation may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separable components (filter bucket, drip tray, reservoir, lid with ice pack carrier) that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The wide mouth opening of the reservoir facilitates easy access for filling and cleaning, while the removable filter element allows for simple maintenance. This segmentation enables compact nesting for portability while maintaining ease of operation through simple assembly and access.
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
Provides safe, filtered water at desired temperatures with minimal bulk, maintaining temperature for extended periods and ensuring easy storage and transport, suitable for outdoor adventures.
Implementation Method 1
The filter bucket (150) has a filter (140) installed therein. The water in the filter bucket (150) is filtered through the filter (140) and the drinkable water is deposited and stored in a reservoir receiving portion (30) in the cooler reservoir (14).
Implementation Method 2
As the cooler reservoir (14) and the lid (12) have insulation, the water can be maintained at a desired temperature
Implementation Method 3
The lid (12) can be operable to receive an ice pack (250). The ice pack (250) can be cooled, in a refrigerator or freezer, to a cold temperature such as 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit
Data Source
AI summary
A filtration cooler system includes a cooler reservoir having a reservoir receiving portion, a lid coupled with the cooler reservoir, a drip tray, a filter bucket, and a filter. The drip tray is received by the cooler reservoir such that the drip tray is disposed over the reservoir receiving portion. The filter bucket has a filter receiving portion operable to receive water. The filter bucket is received by the drip tray when the drip tray is disposed over the reservoir receiving portion. The filter is received in the filter bucket. The filter filters the water in the filter bucket such that the water passes from the filter bucket into the reservoir receiving portion. The drip tray and the filter bucket can be nested such that the drip tray and the filter bucket fit within the reservoir receiving portion when the lid is closed over the cooler reservoir.