Push filter with floating key lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water filtration systems in refrigerators are difficult to replace due to complex designs and placements, often requiring manual insertion and removal with valve activation, leading to awkward access and potential spillage during filter changes.
Innovation Solution
A push-actuated filter housing assembly with a floating key lock mechanism that allows for easy attachment and detachment, featuring a filter key with protrusions for secure mating and a sliding lock for fluid-tight shutoff, enabling simple and tool-free filter replacement while preventing spillage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual insertion and removal with valve activation is used, then filter replacement is possible, but access is awkward and operation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve activation function with the filter cartridge itself by incorporating a valve actuator directly into the cartridge structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate manual valve operation, allowing filter replacement to be accomplished through a single insertion/removal action while maintaining fluid flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cartridge is designed with self-activating valve mechanisms that automatically open or close based on the insertion or removal of the cartridge. The valve actuator engages with the housing mechanism to automatically control fluid flow without requiring additional manual intervention, making the system service itself during filter replacement.
2Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms are used, then filter securement is reliable, but filter replacement is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism employs movable locking elements that automatically engage with the housing during filter insertion and disengage during removal. The locking tabs or lugs are designed to move between engaged and disengaged positions based on the insertion force applied, providing reliable securement during operation while enabling easy replacement when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cartridge is pre-configured with locking elements in specific positions that automatically align with corresponding features in the housing during insertion. This preliminary positioning ensures that the locking mechanism engages correctly without requiring manual adjustment or complex operations during the replacement process.
3Ease of operation
If push-actuated release mechanism is used, then filter replacement is easy, but spillage control during removal is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The valve actuator is designed to automatically close the valve and seal the fluid passage before the filter cartridge is fully removed from the housing. This preliminary sealing action prevents spillage by stopping fluid flow in advance of the physical separation between the cartridge and housing, while still allowing easy push-actuated replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism includes a sealing element or valve closure that activates beforehand to prevent fluid leakage during the removal process. This preparatory sealing action cushions against the potential harmful effect of spillage by ensuring the fluid pathway is closed before the filter cartridge disconnects from the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly for fluid filtration having a push-activated lock and release mechanism. A push filter design activates a floating key lock upon insertion and extraction, where the filter key may be used simultaneously as a lock and as an identifier for particular filter attributes. The filter base may be situated inline, and in fluid communication, with influent and effluent piping, such as within a refrigerator. The filter housing assembly may be attached to, and removed from, the filter base by a push-actuated release. Upon insertion, the filter key shifts the filter lock longitudinally to receive interlocking segments. Upon extraction, the same axial push shifts the filter lock further to align the interlocking fingers within gaps that allow for easy extraction. The specific key lock design allows a user to identify and match certain filter configurations received by the mechanical support, and reject other filter configurations.