Ozone-Sanitizing Water Filter Pitcher for Bacterial Surface Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water filter-pitchers do not effectively sanitize the internal surfaces, which can lead to bacterial growth and contamination, even after water purification, due to the presence of organic substances and moisture, potentially making the water undrinkable.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an ozone generator with a diffuser and ozone release filter in a water filter-pitcher, along with a controller and air pump, to periodically release ozone for sanitizing the internal surfaces, using ozone-resistant materials and a one-way valve to prevent water penetration, ensuring sanitation regardless of water presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional filtration is used to purify water, then water quality is improved, but internal surfaces of the pitcher become contaminated with organic substances and bacteria
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sanitization function from the filtration system by adding a separate ozone generator that specifically targets the internal surfaces of the pitcher. This allows the filtration system to continue purifying water while the ozone generator independently handles surface sanitation, resolving the contradiction between water purification and surface contamination prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs ozone, a strong oxidant, to sanitize the internal surfaces of the pitcher. The ozone generator produces ozone gas that oxidizes and eliminates bacteria and organic substances on the internal surfaces, preventing bacterial growth while maintaining water quality improvement from filtration
2Reliability
If UV light sources are used for water disinfection, then water purification is improved, but the pitcher surfaces still require separate cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single system: the ozone generator simultaneously disinfects water and sanitizes internal surfaces, eliminating the need for separate surface cleaning operations. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by making the system self-sufficient for both water purification and surface maintenance
3Reliability
If ozone generator is added to sanitize surfaces, then sanitation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the ozone generator automatically sanitizes internal surfaces on its own without requiring manual intervention or additional complex control systems. The generator operates autonomously to maintain sanitation, improving reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity through self-managing functionality
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 ozone treatment effectively sanitizes the internal surfaces of the pitcher, preventing bacterial growth and maintaining water quality over extended periods, even without continuous water usage, enhancing the safety and quality of the filtered water.
Implementation Method 1
an ozone generator to generate ozone for sanitizing at least internal surfaces of the two chambers
Implementation Method 2
the water pitcher includes a diffuser through which the generated ozone is passed when entering the water pitcher
Data Source
AI summary
A water filter-pitcher includes a water pitcher with at least two chambers separated by at least one filter, and an ozone generator to generate ozone for sanitizing at least internal surfaces of said two chambers.