Pond Filter with Adjustable Compression Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtering devices for ponds require significant user effort and uncomfortable operating positions to effectively clean the filtering elements, as they often need to be compressed vertically, which can be strenuous, especially for elderly users or those maintaining multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A filtering device with adjustable supporting surfaces and a reversible actuating device that allows for comfortable compression of the filtering element by moving the surfaces closer together, enabling effective rinsing without excessive physical strain, using a handle that can be operated in a more ergonomic position, and allowing for optional foot operation to reduce back stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the filtering element is compressed by moving supporting surfaces one near the other using a handle, then the filtering element is effectively cleaned, but the user experiences significant physical strain and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating device transitions from a static handle to a dynamic mechanism with movable arms that can be positioned at different angles. The arms can be adjusted to optimal positions for applying compression force, and the mechanism can be actuated in multiple ways (manual handle, foot pedal, or automatic), making the operation adaptable to different user needs and reducing physical strain.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression mechanism is moved from a single vertical dimension to a multi-dimensional system where arms can move in both vertical and horizontal planes. This allows the user to apply force more efficiently by leveraging mechanical advantage through the arm movement, reducing the direct physical effort required compared to simple vertical compression.
2Ease of operation
If the handle is pulled upward to press the filtering element, then compression is achieved, but the user's back experiences stress
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic adjustment of the actuating mechanism's position and angle, allowing the user to operate from a comfortable standing position rather than bending over. The movable arms can be positioned to optimize leverage, and the mechanism can be actuated vertically or horizontally depending on user preference, eliminating the need to pull upward and reducing back stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable arms serve as an intermediary between the user and the filtering element. Instead of the user directly pulling upward on the filtering element, the arms mediate the force application by providing mechanical advantage through their movement, allowing the user to apply compression force more efficiently and comfortably.
3Productivity
If a simple rinse system is used, then the device is simple to operate, but impurities are not completely removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a dynamic compression mechanism that can be activated during the rinsing process. The movable arms can be positioned to apply compression to the filtering element while water flows through it, enhancing the rinsing effectiveness. This dynamic adjustment allows the same system to provide both simple operation and complete impurity removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression mechanism can be activated continuously or intermittently during the rinsing process, maintaining constant pressure on the filtering element to ensure complete removal of impurities. The system allows for continuous useful action by keeping the compression mechanism engaged during the entire rinsing cycle, ensuring thorough cleaning without requiring complex multiple-step processes.
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 solution provides an effective and comfortable method for cleaning filtering devices, reducing user effort and strain, allowing for efficient filtration without the need for excessive physical force or uncomfortable positions, suitable for various users and garden sizes.
Implementation Method 1
the distance between the supporting surfaces being adjustable so as to compress the filtering element by moving the supporting surfaces the one near the other
Data Source
AI summary
A filtering device, allowing to provide an effective filtering without either requiring particular efforts to the user or imposing him or her to operate in excessively hard positions, comprises a filtering element comprised between a first and a second supporting surface, the distance between the supporting surfaces being adjustable, so as to compress the filtering element by moving the supporting surfaces the nearer the other, and actuating device apt to modify the distance of the supporting surfaces. The actuating device is selectively connectable to a surface of the supporting surfaces in a such way that the actuating device can alternatively move unrelated to motion of the surfaces so as to be placed in an operative configuration or move integral to the surface so as to modify the distance between the surfaces in order to compress the filtering element.