RO Filtration Rinsing Control Based on Real-Time TDS

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Solution Overview

Problem

Filtration systems fail to adapt to varying water quality due to a fixed wastewater discharge time, leading to inadequate rinsing of RO filter cartridges in poor water conditions and excessive rinsing in better water conditions, resulting in contamination or resource waste.

Innovation Solution

A control method that adjusts wastewater rinsing based on real-time water quality, using total dissolved solids (TDS) measurements to determine rinsing time and pressure, and dynamically adjusts booster pump speed to optimize rinsing according to current water pressure and flow rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed wastewater discharge time is used, then the system operation is simple, but the filtration system cannot adapt to different water qualities, resulting in insufficient rinsing for poor water quality (TDS > 800 ppm) and excessive rinsing for better water quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to water qualityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of wastewater discharge time based on real-time TDS detection. The control system continuously monitors water quality parameters and automatically adjusts the rinsing duration, transforming the fixed-time discharge mechanism into a dynamic, adaptive process that responds to actual water quality conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a feedback loop where TDS sensors continuously detect water quality, and the control unit uses this information to adjust the wastewater discharge time. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to varying water qualities by comparing actual TDS values against target thresholds and modifying rinsing parameters accordingly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If wastewater discharge time is extended to ensure adequate rinsing for poor water quality, then rinsing effectiveness improves, but water resources are wasted in cases of better water quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverinsing effectivenessVSAvoidwater resource waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the rinsing process based on detected water quality. By adjusting the wastewater discharge time parameter according to TDS levels, the system optimizes rinsing effectiveness for poor water quality while reducing discharge time for better water quality, thereby preventing water resource waste

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial rinsing action when water quality is good and excessive rinsing action when water quality is poor. By matching the rinsing intensity and duration to actual water quality conditions, the system avoids both insufficient rinsing and unnecessary water consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If a constant wastewater discharge time is set, then the control process is simple, but the RO filter cartridge cannot be sufficiently rinsed when TDS exceeds 800 ppm, causing pipeline contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol process simplicityVSAvoidpipeline contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical fixed-time control system with an intelligent control system that uses electronic sensors and automated control algorithms. This substitution enables real-time monitoring and dynamic adjustment of rinsing parameters, effectively preventing pipeline contamination while maintaining operational simplicity through automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

Ensures adequate rinsing of filter cartridges in poor water quality while preventing excessive rinsing in better quality water, thereby maintaining clean water supply and conserving resources.

Implementation Method 1

the Reverse Osmosis (RO) filter cartridge cannot be sufficiently rinsed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReverse Osmosis: Reverse Osmosis

Data Source

PatentUS20260028249A1Control method for filtration system, electronic device, storage medium, and filtration system

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 KOHLER CHINA INVESTMENT

AI summary

A control method for a filtration system, an electronic equipment and a storage medium and a filtration system. The control method includes in response to a user starting a water taking event, opening an inlet valve of the filtration system, in response to a user stopping the water taking event, performing a wastewater rinsing on a filter cartridge of the filtration system, obtaining a water quality of the filtration system, and adjusting the wastewater rinsing process according to the water quality, and closing the inlet valve after completing the wastewater rinsing. The systems and methods allows the adjustment of the wastewater rinsing process according to filtered water quality when users stop taking water. For scenarios with poor water quality, the systems and methods ensure adequate rinsing of the filter cartridge, whereas for better water quality, the systems and methods prevent excessive rinsing of the filter cartridge, which could cause waste of water resources.