Reverse Osmosis Filter Housing 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 with a floating key lock mechanism that allows for easy identification and matching of filter configurations, featuring a sliding lock system for secure attachment and detachment, and internal shutoff to prevent spillage during filter replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional filter cartridge design with manual insertion and removal is used, then the filter can be replaced, but the process is cumbersome and requires tool-free manual manipulation which is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cartridge employs a dynamic locking mechanism where a cam-actuated latch transitions between locked and unlocked states. When the filter cartridge is inserted, the cam rotates and engages the latch to secure it in place. During removal, pushing the filter cartridge actuates the cam to disengage the latch, enabling quick release without tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cartridge features self-latching and self-unlatching mechanisms that automatically secure during installation and release during removal without requiring external tools or complex manual operations. The cam-actuated latch system performs the locking and unlocking functions automatically based on the insertion and removal actions.
2Reliability
If the filter cartridge is designed with secure locking mechanism, then the filter remains firmly attached during operation, but the attachment and detachment process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a cam element, a latch element, and corresponding engagement surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to achieve secure attachment and easy release.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam-actuated latch mechanism uses dynamic motion to transition between locked and unlocked states. The cam rotates or moves along a defined path, which automatically actuates the latch to engage or disengage, providing secure attachment during operation and easy detachment during maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If manual filter removal is used, then the filter can be replaced, but water spillage occurs during the removal process
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes preliminary shutoff action that automatically closes valves or seals before the filter cartridge is fully removed. This preliminary action prevents water spillage by stopping the flow path before the filter cartridge creates an opening, ensuring clean and safe filter replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates preliminary anti-action by providing automatic shutoff mechanisms that counteract the potential harmful effect of water spillage before it occurs. The shutoff action is triggered as part of the filter removal sequence, preventing water leakage during the replacement process.
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.