Pond Filter Screen Self-Cleaning Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pond filters require frequent manual cleaning and rinsing of the filter screen due to rapid dirt accumulation, leading to maintenance challenges and potential clogging.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical cleaning device integrated within the filter allows for thorough cleaning of the filter screen without removal, featuring a scraper, brush strips, and a collection container, which can be operated manually or automatically via a motor drive, ensuring efficient dirt removal and reduced maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the filter screen is rinsed with water, then some dirt is removed, but thorough cleaning is not achieved and manual cleaning is still required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning easeVSAvoidfilter effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system performs self-cleaning through an integrated cleaning device with brushes and scrapers that automatically remove dirt from the filter screen during operation, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring consistent filter effectiveness without compromising ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device performs preliminary cleaning actions by continuously or periodically removing dirt accumulation before it becomes excessive and affects filter performance, preventing clogging and maintaining reliable filtration without requiring frequent manual maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the filter screen is cleaned manually, then thorough cleaning is achieved, but the filter must be opened and the screen removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter effectVSAvoidcleaning convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system cleans itself through an automated cleaning device that remains integrated within the filter housing, eliminating the need to open the filter or remove the screen for cleaning, thus maintaining both thorough cleaning effectiveness and operational convenience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device is segmented into multiple functional components including brushes for general cleaning and scrapers for removing hardened deposits, allowing thorough cleaning of the filter screen without requiring disassembly or removal from the filter unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the filter screen is cleaned frequently, then filter effect is maintained, but maintenance effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter effectVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated cleaning device continuously or periodically cleans the filter screen during operation, maintaining filter effectiveness without requiring external maintenance intervention, thereby eliminating maintenance time loss while ensuring consistent filtration performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device operates continuously or at regular intervals to continuously remove dirt accumulation, ensuring the filter screen remains effective throughout operation without periodic maintenance shutdowns, thus maintaining reliable filtration while minimizing maintenance time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 significantly reduces maintenance efforts by enabling thorough cleaning of the filter screen in place, minimizing manual intervention and extending the time between filter maintenance, thus maintaining effective filtration over longer periods.

Implementation Method 1

a cleaning device (50) that can be moved with respect to the filter screen (5) or vice versa, by which the filter screen (5) can be cleaned

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The filter (1) has a collecting container (17) for the dirt particles, which can be removed and emptied in a simple manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP1762291B1Filter especially for ponds
Publication Date: 2010.05.26 OASE GMBH
  • EP1762291B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1762291B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1762291B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A filter comprises a filter sieve (5) with a cleaning unit and a water feed (2) for feeding water to the surface of the sieve. The filter sieve and cleaning unit are arranged within the filter to allow relative movement between the sieve and cleaning unit for cleaning the sieve.