Reverse Osmosis Water Purifier Dynamic Flushing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water purifiers using reverse osmosis filters face issues with the 'creep phenomenon' and reduced recovery rates during automatic flushing, especially when low amounts of purified water are extracted, leading to inefficient filter maintenance and increased water discard.
Innovation Solution
A water purifier design that includes a filter unit with a reverse osmosis membrane, a flushing portion, and a controller to manage the flow of purified water between the filtration and non-filtration sides, allowing for controlled flushing and shut-off of domestic water discharge based on extraction rates, optimizing the recovery rate and extending filter lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If automatic flushing is performed to improve the creep phenomenon, then filter lifespan is extended, but recovery rate is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the flushing operation based on the extraction amount of purified water. When extraction amount is low, automatic flushing is performed to prevent creep phenomenon and extend filter lifespan. When extraction amount is high, flushing is omitted or reduced to maintain high recovery rate. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by adapting the flushing behavior to operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the operational parameters of the flushing system based on extraction amount. By monitoring the extraction amount parameter, the system decides whether to activate the flushing pump and open/close the flushing valve, thereby adjusting the flushing intensity and timing to balance filter maintenance needs with recovery rate preservation.
2Reliability
If flushing is performed frequently to reduce creep phenomenon, then water quality is improved, but water waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit uses feedback from the extraction amount monitoring to determine when flushing is necessary. By continuously monitoring extraction amount and comparing it against predetermined thresholds, the system activates flushing only when needed (low extraction amounts), thereby maintaining water quality while minimizing water waste from unnecessary flushing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing continuous or frequent flushing, the system applies partial action by flushing only when extraction amount falls below a predetermined level. This selective flushing approach maintains sufficient water quality by addressing creep phenomenon only when it is likely to occur, while avoiding excessive water waste from unnecessary flushing during high extraction periods.
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
The solution effectively improves the creep phenomenon and recovery rate by using filtered water for flushing, reducing water waste and maintaining filter efficiency even during low extraction amounts, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the water purifier.
Implementation Method 1
a reverse osmosis filter having a reverse osmosis membrane as a filter for purifying water
Implementation Method 2
the water in the filtration side portion of the reverse osmosis filter may move to the non-filtration side portion due to osmotic pressure
Implementation Method 3
a flushing portion connected between the non-filtration side portion and the filtration side portion; and a controller configured to flow water filtered by the reverse osmosis filter to the non-filtration side portion through the flushing portion
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a water purifier comprising: a filter unit filtering water supplied from a water source, including a reverse osmosis filter; a discharge unit discharging water filtered by the filter unit externally; a flushing portion connected to the reverse osmosis filter; and a controller configured to flow water filtered by the reverse osmosis filter to the flushing portion, and to flush the reverse osmosis filter.