Rotatable Microparticle Filter with Automated Residue Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microparticle filters face challenges such as high user demands for maintenance, reduced filtration efficiency, limited throughput, frequent downtime, and complexity, especially in commercial laundry settings where space and efficiency are critical.
Innovation Solution
A microparticle filter design featuring a rotatable filter cage with a transfer member that allows for efficient removal of filter residue without manual intervention, combined with a compact and automated apparatus capable of high throughput and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filter efficiency is increased to capture more microparticles, then filtration efficiency is improved, but the filter becomes blocked more frequently requiring cleaning or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system performs self-cleaning through automated backwashing where accumulated microparticles are reversed-flushed out of the filter media using clean water from the washing machine cycle, eliminating manual intervention and maintaining continuous filtration efficiency without blocking
Solution Approach 2:
The filter implements periodic backwashing cycles during which the filtration direction is reversed to flush accumulated particles out of the media, allowing the filter to maintain high efficiency while periodically resetting its capacity without manual cleaning
2Reliability
If manual cleaning or replacement of filter media is required, then filtration efficiency can be restored, but user demands and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs backwashing operations using the washing machine's own water supply and drainage system, with no user intervention required beyond initial installation, thereby maintaining filtration efficiency without increasing operational burden
Solution Approach 2:
The filter leverages the existing washing machine water circulation system for both filtration and self-cleaning purposes, using clean water from the machine cycle to backwash the filter, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms or user actions
3Productivity
If filter size is increased to handle commercial laundry volumes, then throughput is improved, but space requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter housing integrates multiple functional components including the filter media, backwashing mechanism, and drainage system within a compact nested structure that fits within or adjacent to the washing machine, achieving high throughput without proportional increase in space or complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The same filter housing and water flow system serve dual purposes of filtration during washing cycles and backwashing during rinse cycles, eliminating the need for separate cleaning systems and reducing overall apparatus complexity while maintaining commercial throughput
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 significantly reduces user intervention, maintains high filtration efficiency and throughput, minimizes downtime, and provides a compact, straightforward apparatus suitable for commercial laundry applications.
Implementation Method 1
a filter cage which rotates around an axis and defines an interior volume. The filter cage comprises a filter medium to filter microparticles from the effluent
Implementation Method 2
the transfer member is rotatable to throw transferred filter residue off the transfer member through the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A microparticle filter, textile treatment apparatus, use and method is disclosed. The microparticle filter comprises i) a filter chamber, the filter chamber comprising: an inlet for supplying effluent into the filter chamber and an outlet for filtered effluent to leave the filter chamber; a first set of chamber walls and a second set of chamber walls, wherein the first set of chamber walls and the second set of chamber walls in a first configuration are sealed together so that effluent cannot pass between the first set of chamber walls and the second set of chamber walls, and wherein the first set of chamber walls and the second set of chamber walls in a second configuration provide an opening; ii) a filter cage contained within the filter chamber, wherein the filter cage comprises one or more than one filter medium, the filter medium to filter microparticles from the effluent, and wherein the filter cage is rotatable around an axis, and wherein the filter cage defines an interior volume, and wherein the inlet is arranged to provide effluent to the interior volume of the filter cage and the outlet is arranged to receive filtered effluent from the filter cage; iii) a transfer member rotatable around the axis; iv) an actuator connected to the first set of chamber walls, and one of the filter cage or the transfer member and operable to move between the first configuration and the second configuration; v) a drive unit arranged to rotate the transfer member in at least the second configuration; wherein in the first configuration, the transfer member is located in the interior volume of the filter cage; and wherein in a second configuration, the transfer member is removed from the interior volume of the filter cage along the axis and the transfer member is rotatable to throw transferred filter residue off the transfer member through the opening, and wherein the transfer member comprises a filter residue collector to remove filter residue from the filter medium when the filter is changed from the first configuration from the second configuration.