Pressurized Hydration Filtration System with 360-Degree Pressure Casing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable water filtration systems are bulky due to the need for pressurization, have small filters that easily become contaminated, and require high suction for use, leading to slow filtration rates and frequent replacement.
Innovation Solution
A compact liquid filtration system with a 360-degree pressure casing that applies force to a reservoir, featuring a filter installable inside the reservoir for efficient filtration, and a pump to supply pressurized gas for easy liquid delivery without expanding the outer casing, allowing for easy cleaning and reinstallation of the filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is placed in the supply hose of a portable hydration system, then the liquid is filtered when it reaches the user, but the filter becomes contaminated quickly and obstructs liquid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the hydration package into separate functional components: an expandable reservoir for liquid storage, a rigid pressure casing with integrated filter, and a supply hose. The filter is positioned at the outlet of the pressure casing rather than in the flexible supply hose, separating the filtration function from the liquid transport function. This segmentation prevents contamination of the filter during normal use and maintains clear liquid flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is extracted from the flexible supply hose and repositioned within the rigid pressure casing structure. This extraction removes the filter from the contamination-prone environment of the flexible hose where liquid splashes and contaminants accumulate, allowing the filter to remain clean and maintain high flow rates throughout the system's operational life.
2Ease of operation
If a user inflates an inner air chamber to pressurize the water reservoir, then the water can be delivered to the user, but the bag expands and takes up more room in the pack
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inflating an inner chamber to create pressure, the system inverts the approach by using a rigid pressure casing that maintains constant external pressure on the reservoir. The rigid casing acts as a permanent pressurization structure, eliminating the need for expandable air chambers and maintaining a compact package volume throughout use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a flexible reservoir inserted within a rigid pressure casing. The flexible reservoir conforms to the rigid casing's shape, maintaining a compact form factor while still allowing liquid storage. This combination enables pressurized liquid delivery without requiring the overall package to expand when pressurized.
3Volume of moving object
If a small filter is used in the supply hose, then the system remains compact, but the filter gets dirty quickly and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the filtration function from the flexible supply hose and places it within the rigid pressure casing. This positioning protects the filter from contamination sources in the flexible hose environment, extending filter life without increasing overall system volume, as the filter is integrated into the existing rigid casing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid pressure casing acts as an intermediary structure that houses and protects the filter from contaminants. By placing the filter within the rigid casing rather than in the flexible hose, the system creates a protected environment that reduces contamination while maintaining system compactness through integrated design.
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 system provides a high filtration rate, maintains filter cleanliness, and reduces the need for frequent replacements by allowing for easy cleaning and reinstallation, while maintaining a compact design that does not expand when pressurized.
Implementation Method 1
The inner wall of the pressure casing may be configured to apply a central 360-degree force against an outer wall of the reservoir, thereby causing a capacity of the reservoir to be reduced.
Implementation Method 2
a filter that filters the liquid in the liquid reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A system and process for taking a liquid such as water from a source and supplying the liquid by, for example, pushing the liquid through a filter provided inside a reservoir in order to render the liquid clean and potable. The reservoir and filter may be surrounded 360-degrees by a pressure bladder that may be wrapped with a material such as nylon, so that substantially all pressure goes inwards towards the filter.