Reverse osmosis push filter with floating key lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reverse osmosis filter systems face complexity in attachment and detachment due to additional ports, making filter replacement cumbersome and prone to spillage during the process.
Innovation Solution
A push-actuated reverse osmosis filter housing design with a floating key lock mechanism that allows for easy identification and matching of filter configurations, featuring a filter key with protrusions for secure attachment and a sliding lock for automatic fluid shutoff during replacement, reducing the need for excess force and minimizing spillage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional filter attachment mechanism is used, then the filter can be securely attached, but the filter replacement process becomes complex and cumbersome due to additional ports and manual valve operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the attachment mechanism with automatic valve actuation features. When the filter cartridge is inserted or removed, it automatically triggers the inlet and outlet valves to close, merging the mechanical attachment function with the fluid control function into a single integrated operation sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cartridge design includes self-actuating features where the insertion or removal of the cartridge itself performs the valve closing action. The cartridge has integrated valve actuating features that automatically close the inlet and outlet valves during the replacement process, eliminating the need for separate manual valve operations.
2Reliability
If manual valve operation is required during filter replacement, then fluid flow can be controlled, but spillage and leakage occur during the replacement process
Solution Approach 1:
The valve closing action is performed preliminarily and automatically as part of the filter cartridge insertion process. The inlet and outlet valves are designed to close automatically when the cartridge is inserted, preventing spillage before it can occur during the replacement operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cartridge itself acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the user's replacement action and the valve control system. The cartridge's physical insertion triggers the valve closing through integrated actuating features, serving as a mediator that automatically coordinates the fluid control without requiring separate manual operations.
3Ease of operation
If excessive force is applied during filter attachment or removal, then the filter can be secured or released, but the mechanism becomes complex and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses spring-loaded movable locking members that dynamically adjust during the insertion process. As the filter cartridge is inserted, the locking members are pushed inward by springs and then snap into locked positions, providing automatic mechanical assistance that reduces the force needed by the user while protecting components from excessive stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded locking members provide beforehand cushioning by absorbing and managing the forces involved in attachment and removal. The springs are pre-loaded to provide controlled resistance during insertion and to facilitate easy release, preventing sudden force spikes that could damage mechanical components.
Data Source
AI summary
A reverse osmosis 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 the raw water ingress, permeate egress, and reject water egress. The reverse osmosis 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.