Reverse Osmosis Storage Tank Ribs for Immediate Pressurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reverse osmosis water filtration systems experience hesitation and uncertainty in initial product water dispensing due to the flat bladder position against the tank wall, and existing systems are cumbersome and labor-intensive to assemble and service.
Innovation Solution
The design features a storage tank with integrally molded ribs that hold the bladder away from the tank wall, creating a flow path for squeeze water to pressurize product water immediately, and a compact, modular structure with bayonet connectors and O-rings for easy assembly and service, allowing for above or below counter installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the bladder is allowed to lie flat against the tank wall when filled, then the storage tank area is maximized, but there is initial hesitation in squeeze water flow and product water pressurization during dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The ribs are pre-positioned on the tank interior surface to create flow paths that are ready before dispensing begins. These ribs maintain a constant separation between the bladder and tank wall, ensuring that when squeeze water is introduced, it immediately flows along the ribs rather than having to seep through a flat bladder-tank interface, thus eliminating initial flow hesitation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hose fittings and separate components are used to connect filters, control valve, and plumbing, then the system allows flexible assembly, but the arrangement becomes kludgy and labor intensive to assemble and service
Solution Approach 1:
The filter housing, control valve, and plumbing components are merged into a single integrated unit. The control valve is built into the housing structure, and plumbing connections are incorporated as integral parts of the assembly, eliminating the need for separate hose fittings and reducing the number of discrete components that require assembly and servicing.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the filter elements, houses the control valve, provides plumbing connections, and offers mounting interfaces for both above-counter and below-counter installations. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity while maintaining assembly flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system is designed for both above-counter and below-counter installation, then adaptability is improved, but the design must accommodate additional mounting requirements and plumbing configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with universal mounting features that accommodate both above-counter and below-counter installations. The same housing structure includes integrated mounting brackets, connection ports, and internal configurations that work for either installation type, eliminating the need for separate designs and reducing complexity through standardization.
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 eliminates hesitation in product water dispensing and simplifies the assembly and maintenance of reverse osmosis filtration systems, providing immediate pressurization and adaptability for various installations while conserving water and reducing filter demands.
Implementation Method 1
Reverse osmosis water filtration systems pressurize one side of an appropriate membrane with source water, causing the water to slowly pass through the membrane, leaving impurities therein on the source water side of the membrane
Implementation Method 2
squeeze water is coupled to the region between the bladder and the tank wall... there is an initial hesitation in squeeze water flow, and accordingly in product water pressurization
Data Source
AI summary
Reverse osmosis filtration systems that are self contained and easily converted from above the counter use to below the counter use. The systems feature a simple construction, including a two piece manifold assembly to which filters, including a reverse osmosis filter, a product water storage tank and a control valve connect, all without separate fasteners. The manifold assembly provides all water connections within the system, and includes connections to connect to a water supply, a drain, two dispensers and to an auxiliary water storage tank. The system pressurizes squeeze water for product water dispensing, providing maximum efficiency, maximum storage capacity for a given tank size and maximum pressure for dispensing product water. Various embodiments are disclosed.