Integrated Connector for Reverse Osmosis Filter Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water purification systems using reverse osmosis membrane filters face challenges in operational efficiency, complexity in connection structures, and difficulty in filter replacement, especially for general consumers, due to separate paths for feed water, purified water, and concentrated water, which increases production costs and requires specialized components and assembly skills.
Innovation Solution
A water purification filter system with a connector that automatically closes the feed water path using an auto shut off valve and elastic member when replacing the filter cartridge, simplifying the connection structure by combining paths into one port and allowing easy detachment and reattachment with a lever and cam-shaped filter support members, enabling general consumers to replace filters efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate paths for feed water, purified water, and concentrated water are used, then filtration function is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate water paths (feed water, purified water, concentrated water) into a single integrated connector. The connector includes multiple internal channels that guide different water flows through one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate connection components for each path and simplifying the overall assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a multi-functional component that handles multiple water paths simultaneously. It integrates functions of feed water inlet, purified water outlet, and concentrated water discharge in a single universal connection piece, reducing the total number of components needed.
2Reliability
If separate paths for feed water, purified water, and concentrated water are used, then filtration function is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple connection components into a single integrated connector, the assembly process is simplified. Installers only need to connect one component rather than assembling multiple separate pieces, reducing installation time and skill requirements.
3Reliability
If conventional locking mechanism is used, then feed water control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates during filter replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates an auto shut-off valve with an elastic member that automatically closes the feed water path when the filter cartridge is removed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual valve operation during filter replacement, making the process easier and safer for consumers.
Solution Approach 2:
The auto shut-off valve is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically activate when the filter cartridge is detached. The elastic member is pre-charged to provide the closing force, so no additional manual action is needed to stop water flow during filter replacement.
4Reliability
If specialized components and assembly skills are required, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for general consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated connector design consolidates multiple connection functions into a single user-friendly component. Consumers interact with one unified connection point rather than multiple specialized components, greatly simplifying the replacement process while maintaining reliable sealing through internal gaskets and O-rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The auto shut-off mechanism automatically manages water flow control during filter replacement, eliminating the need for consumers to manually operate valves or understand complex water path management. The system self-regulates to prevent leakage during the replacement process.
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
This solution enhances operational efficiency by eliminating the need to lock the feed water valve during filter replacement, simplifies the connection structure for easier installation in narrow spaces, and allows general consumers to easily replace filters, reducing after-sales service costs and improving competitiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member, which pushes an auto shut off valve to close a feed water flowing path when the filter cartridge is disconnected
Implementation Method 2
a reverse osmosis membrane filter 3 for removing various contaminants, germs, inorganic substances and heavy metal from water through 0.0001 microns of minute pores
Implementation Method 3
a precarbon filter 2 for removing chlorine elements and organic chemical substances remaining in water by an adsorption method of an activated charcoal
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a water purification filter easily replaced by a connector which can simplify a connection structure of a water purification system by forming paths of feed water, purified water and concentrated water as one port, and which can be easily replaced after disconnection of a filter cartridge from the water purification system, and a water purification system using the same. The water purification filter easily replaced by the connector includes a connector having an inflow hole through which feed water flows in, a check valve body in which an auto shut off valve for opening/closing a feed water flowing path for guiding feed water to a filter side and a concentrated water discharge path are formed, an outflow hole for externally discharging purified water, and a concentrated water control hole for externally discharging concentrated water, a filter housing for opening the feed water flowing path by opening the auto shut off valve in connection with the connector, a locking means for detachably fixing the filter housing to the connector, and a passage switching guide having a first path for supplying feed water to a reverse osmosis membrane filter when the filter housing is connected to the connector, a second path for supplying water purified by the reverse osmosis membrane filter to the outflow hole, and a third path for supplying concentrated water to the concentrated water discharge path.