Reusable Odor Filter with Replaceable Active Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-odor filters for public transport vehicles, such as railway toilets, require frequent replacement due to the deterioration of active materials, leading to high maintenance costs as the entire filter needs to be replaced rather than just the active material.
Innovation Solution
An anti-odor filter design with a cylindrical container that allows for the replacement of active material through an elongated opening along an arc of a circle, enabling the used material to be extracted and new material to be introduced without replacing the container, which can be reused.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire filter is replaced when active material deteriorates, then the filter effectiveness is restored, but the maintenance cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into two main segments: a reusable container and replaceable active material. The container includes a base, circumferential wall with perforations, and an elongated opening with a removable cap. This segmentation allows the active material to be replaced independently without discarding the entire filter structure, reducing maintenance costs while restoring filter effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables recovery and reuse of the container portion of the filter. When active material deteriorates, only the active material is discarded and replaced, while the container is recovered and reused. This is achieved through the elongated opening that allows access to the active material for removal and replacement, transforming the traditional disposable filter into a partially reusable system.
2Device complexity
If the filter is designed as a complete replacement unit, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability for partial replacement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The filter structure is segmented into a container and active material components. The container includes a base, circumferential wall, and an elongated opening with a removable cap, creating distinct functional segments that can be independently handled. This segmentation provides adaptability for partial replacement while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter design incorporates dynamic elements: a removable cap that can be opened or closed, and an elongated opening that allows flexible access to the active material. These dynamic features enable the filter to adapt between different operational states (sealed during use, open for maintenance) and facilitate partial replacement without requiring complete disassembly, balancing structural simplicity with operational versatility.
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
This design significantly reduces maintenance costs by allowing the reuse of the container, resulting in substantial cost savings over the lifespan of the filter, with estimated annual replacement costs per toilet being €6 compared to €110 for traditional filters.
Implementation Method 1
the cylindrical container being filled with active material... passes radially through the active material to be purified
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The filter (10) comprises a cylindrical container (12) extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis (X) between the first (14) and second (16) bases, and radially between a perforated inner circumferential wall (18) and a perforated outer circumferential wall (20). The cylindrical container (12) is filled with active material. At least one of the first (14) and second (16) bases has at least one opening (26) allowing the passage of active material, the filter (10) including a removable cap (28) for closing the opening (26).