Push filter with floating key lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water filter systems in appliances like refrigerators face challenges in easy filter replacement and authentication, often requiring tools and leading to potential leakage during filter changes.
Innovation Solution
A push-actuated filter housing design with a floating key lock mechanism that allows for easy attachment and detachment, includes a unique identifier for authentication, and features a shutoff mechanism to prevent spillage during filter changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional filter housing design is used, then the filter can be securely mounted, but the filter replacement requires tools and is difficult to perform
Solution Approach 1:
The filter housing employs a dynamic push-to-release mechanism where the filter cartridge can be easily inserted by pushing it into the housing. The spring-loaded sealing ring and positioning ribs automatically engage to secure the filter, eliminating the need for tools while maintaining a secure mount. This dynamic engagement system resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter housing design incorporates self-aligning positioning ribs and a spring-loaded sealing ring that automatically engage when the filter cartridge is pushed into place. The system self-secures without requiring external tools or complex mounting procedures, making filter replacement simple while ensuring reliable attachment.
2Productivity
If the filter housing is quickly removable, then filter changes are frequent and easy, but leakage may occur during removal and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded sealing ring is pre-compressed and positioned to automatically engage with the filter cartridge housing upon insertion. The positioning ribs are pre-configured to align and lock the filter in place. This preliminary preparation ensures that the sealing and locking actions occur automatically and quickly when the filter is installed, preventing leakage while maintaining fast replacement speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded sealing ring provides a cushioning effect by compressing and expanding to maintain constant sealing pressure. This pre-loaded spring mechanism compensates for minor misalignments or dimensional variations, ensuring reliable sealing throughout the filter's service life and during removal, thus preventing leakage while allowing quick changes.
3Ease of operation
If a simple attachment mechanism is used, then filter replacement is easy, but authentication of filter configurations is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cartridge incorporates color-coded identification rings or markers that indicate the filter type, capacity, or compatibility. This visual authentication system allows users to quickly verify the correct filter configuration during replacement without complicating the attachment mechanism. The simple push-to-release mechanism remains easy to operate while the color coding provides immediate visual confirmation of proper filter selection.
Data Source
AI summary
A water filter cartridge assembly for fluid filtration which may be attached to, and removed from an appliance water filter manifold assembly of an appliance, typically by a push-actuated release. The water filter cartridge assembly has a filter housing, and an ingress port and egress port extending therefrom. Each of the ingress port and the egress port typically comprise a port portion having a varying radial diameter. The water filter cartridge assembly further comprises a connection assembly that is structured to establish an electrical connection between the connection assembly and a controller of the appliance. Both of said ingress and egress port have at least one aperture for the passage of fluid therethrough such that each of the at least one aperture is exposed in a direction facing away from the connection assembly.