Rotating Flow Manifold for Leakproof Water Purifier Filter Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water purifiers require shutting off the water source to replace the filter element and often experience leakage issues between the filter element and valve joint.
Innovation Solution
A water purifier with a flow channel control module that includes a rotatable flow manifold and waterway board, allowing for automatic switching between filter mode and replacement mode without leakage, using O-rings for a watertight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the filter element is connected to the filter head by rotating, then the filter element can be easily replaced, but the water source must be turned off before replacement causing inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The water flow path is segmented into two independent channels: a first water flow channel for normal filtration operation and a second water flow channel for filter replacement. The flow channel control module directs water flow to different channels based on the operational state, allowing filter replacement without shutting off the water source by routing water through the second channel when the first channel is being serviced
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow path parameter dynamically by rotating the flow manifold between two positions. When the flow manifold rotates to the first position, water flows through the filter element for normal operation. When it rotates to the second position, water bypasses the filter element through an alternative path, enabling filter replacement without water shutdown
2Ease of operation
If a valve joint is mounted between the filter head and filter element, then the filter element can be mounted on the valve joint, but leakage easily produces between the filter element and valve joint
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic valve joint component is extracted and replaced with a flow manifold that integrates the sealing function directly into the rotating flow control mechanism. The flow manifold uses a seal ring that maintains continuous sealing contact during rotation, eliminating the leakage issues associated with traditional valve joints while preserving easy filter mounting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism transitions from a static valve joint to a dynamic flow manifold that rotates to control flow paths. The seal ring on the flow manifold is designed to maintain sealing contact during rotation through elastic deformation and contact force, providing reliable sealing in both the first position (normal operation) and second position (filter replacement mode) without leakage
3Extent of automation
If the flow manifold is rotatable to switch between filter mode and replacement mode, then automatic waterway control is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flow manifold serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a flow control valve, a positioning mechanism, and a sealing element. By rotating the flow manifold, the system automatically switches between the first water flow channel (normal filtration mode) and the second water flow channel (filter replacement mode), achieving automated waterway control without requiring separate actuators or complex control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A water purifier includes a filter head, a flow channel control module, and a filter element. The flow channel control module includes a waterway board and a flow manifold. The waterway board is provided with a water flow channel. The flow manifold is provided with a first passage and a second passage. When the flow manifold is driven by the filter element and rotated relative to the waterway board to a first position where the first passage is connected to the water flow channel, the flow channel control module is switched to a first flow channel waterway mode (or filter mode). When the flow manifold is driven by the filter element and rotated to a second position where the second passage is connected to the water flow channel, the flow channel control module is switched to a second flow channel waterway mode (or replacement mode).