Sanitary Filter Screen with Bypass Duct for Self-Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Sanitary built-in elements, such as aerators and jet regulators, face issues with dirt particles clogging small flow cross sections, leading to impaired function and uncomfortable water jet patterns, and existing self-cleaning solutions disrupt water flow properties.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a filter screen with enlarged outlet openings that direct dirt particles into a bypass channel, allowing for their removal during water supply interruption, and a valve that moves under dynamic pressure to ensure self-cleaning without affecting flow speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter screen with small filter openings is used to remove dirt particles, then dirt particle removal is improved, but the flow cross section is reduced and clogging risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter screen is segmented into two distinct functional zones: filter openings for dirt particle removal and a separate enlarged outlet opening for discharge. This segmentation allows each opening type to be optimized independently - filter openings can be small for effective filtration while the outlet opening provides a large clear cross-section to prevent clogging and facilitate dirt particle discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass channel acts as an intermediary pathway that connects the outlet opening to the discharge location. It serves as a dedicated route for transporting accumulated dirt particles away from the filter screen, preventing them from blocking the filter openings or functional units while maintaining separate flow paths for clean water and dirt removal.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a valve is used for self-cleaning with dynamic pressure activation, then dirt particle removal is improved, but water flow properties become disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The valve operates periodically rather than continuously - it remains closed during normal operation to maintain consistent water flow properties, and opens only during water supply interruptions to perform self-cleaning. This periodic activation eliminates the disturbance to water flow properties while still achieving effective dirt particle removal at appropriate intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is pre-configured to open automatically upon water supply interruption, performing the self-cleaning action before the next water supply cycle begins. This preliminary cleaning action ensures that dirt particles are removed in advance, preventing them from accumulating and affecting subsequent water flow quality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the outlet opening is positioned downstream of functional units, then dirt discharge is improved, but the risk of clogging functional units increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the outlet opening downstream of functional units (which would expose them to dirt particles), the design inverts the sequence by placing the outlet opening upstream. This reversal ensures that dirt particles are discharged through the bypass channel before they can reach and clog the functional units, while still achieving effective dirt particle removal.
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 trouble-free and low-maintenance operation with a consistent, comfortable water jet independent of water pressure, effectively preventing clogging and maintaining functional unit performance.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one valve can be moved from its open position into its closed position under the dynamic pressure of the inflowing water
Implementation Method 2
a filter screen (4) with at least one outlet opening (5), which intercepts and can collect the dirt particles carried along in the water
Implementation Method 3
the outlet opening (5) of this filter screen has an enlarged clear opening cross section compared to the filter openings of the filter screen, in order to be able to discharge these dirt particles from the inflow side of the filter screen
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a sanitary installation element (1) having at least one bypass or cleaning duct (6) which is assigned a valve in whose open position the at least one bypass or cleaning duct is connected. What characterizes the installation element (1) according to the invention is that the installation element (1) has a filter screen (4) with at least one outlet opening (5), which outlet opening (5) has a larger clear opening cross section than the screen openings of the filter screen (4), that the at least one outlet opening (5) opens into the at least one bypass or cleaning duct (6), and that, as seen in the direction of flow, the outlet opening (5) is arranged in front of at least one liquid-conveying component of at least one functional unit situated in the installation element (1) and, as seen in the direction of flow, the duct outlet of the at least one bypass or cleaning duct (6) is arranged behind said component.