Reusable Water Filter Housing with Replaceable Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water filters have a limited lifetime and are single-use, throw-away devices that contribute to landfill waste, as they cannot be reused once the filter medium is spent.
Innovation Solution
A water filter medium container with removable and replaceable filter media, featuring an upper and lower cover with apertures for water flow, and a filter media assembly with containment elements to secure the filter medium, allowing for easy replacement and reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a water filter is designed as a single-use device with integrated filter medium, then it is simple to manufacture and operate, but it creates landfill waste and cannot be reused after the filter medium is spent
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into separate components: a reusable housing structure and a replaceable filter medium element. The filter medium is contained in a separate element that can be removed and replaced without discarding the entire filter housing, thus reducing waste while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the filter medium to be discarded and replaced while recovering and reusing the housing structure. The reusable housing maintains all functional components except the consumable filter medium, enabling multiple reuse cycles and reducing landfill waste
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the filter medium is made replaceable and removable, then the filter can be reused extending its lifetime, but the device structure becomes more complex with additional containment elements
Solution Approach 1:
The filter medium is segmented into a separate replaceable element with its own containment structure (including aperture plate and containment elements). This segmentation allows the filter medium to be independently replaced while the housing remains, extending overall filter lifetime through multiple medium replacements
Solution Approach 2:
The filter medium element is nested within the reusable housing structure. The containment elements and aperture plates are nested within each other to securely hold the filter medium. This nested design allows easy insertion and removal of the filter medium while maintaining a compact overall structure
3Ease of manufacture
If containment elements with apertures are added to secure the filter medium, then the filter medium can be properly contained and replaced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The containment function is segmented into separate elements (aperture plates and containment elements) that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and manufactured using simpler processes before final assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The containment elements serve multiple functions: they secure the filter medium in place, provide structural support, and maintain the flow path through their aperture design. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the added complexity of the containment system
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
Enables the reuse of water filters by allowing the replacement of spent filter media, reducing waste and extending the life of the filter, while maintaining effective filtration of contaminants from drinking water.
Implementation Method 1
As the water passes through the filter, a filter medium in the filter removes or reduces odors and/or contaminants
Data Source
AI summary
A water filter medium container includes a removable upper cover and a removable lower cover. The container includes a tube defining a filter medium compartment operative to receive a replaceable filter medium. A first containment element may be placed between the upper cover and the tube. A second containment element may be placed between the lower cover and the tube. The water filter medium container may be adapted to be placed in a water container.