Sanitary Filter Coupling for Hygienic Tool-Free Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sanitary filter devices require complex replacement procedures, often necessitating specialized tools and knowledge, and fail to prevent contamination during filter removal, especially in environments with waterborne pathogens, leading to high maintenance costs and hygiene risks.
Innovation Solution
A sanitary filter device with a connector unit and filter unit, featuring a coupling mechanism that allows easy replacement of the filter unit without tools, integrated biocides to reduce bacterial growth, and a design that prevents contamination during filter changes, including a check-valve to prevent backflow and a durable, hygienic construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sanitary filter device uses a secure connection mechanism to prevent unauthorized removal, then security against unauthorized removal is improved, but the complexity of replacement procedures increases and requires specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is divided into two separable parts: a connector unit that remains installed on the water outlet and a filter unit that can be easily removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the secure connection mechanism to remain in the connector unit while the filter unit can be independently handled, eliminating the need for specialized tools and knowledge for replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is extracted as a separate, removable component from the connector unit. The coupling mechanism in the connector unit can be engaged or disengaged by simple manual action, separating the secure connection function from the filter media, allowing easy replacement without requiring disassembly of the entire device or specialized tools.
2Ease of operation
If the filter unit is made easily removable without tools, then ease of replacement is improved, but the risk of contamination during removal and installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector unit is designed with a coupling mechanism that can be pre-engaged or pre-disengaged in a controlled manner. The coupling allows the filter unit to be connected or disconnected by simple manual action while maintaining a sealed environment, preventing contamination during the replacement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the connector unit and filter unit, providing a controlled interface for connection and disconnection. This intermediary mechanism ensures that water flow is properly managed during replacement, preventing contamination while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If frequent filter replacement is implemented to maintain hygiene, then hygiene standards are improved, but maintenance costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is segmented into a permanent connector unit and a replaceable filter unit, enabling frequent hygiene maintenance through simple, quick replacements without time-consuming procedures. The segmented design allows the filter unit to be rapidly exchanged while the connector unit remains installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-operating, allowing users to easily replace filters without requiring specialized tools or knowledge. This self-service capability enables frequent maintenance to uphold hygiene standards while minimizing the time and effort required for each replacement.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a check-valve is added to prevent backflow and contamination, then prevention of backflow is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check-valve function is merged into the existing coupling mechanism between the connector unit and filter unit. This integration allows backflow prevention to be achieved without adding a separate, independent component, thereby preventing contamination while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A sanitary filter device for mounting on a water outlet includes a connector unit and a filter unit. The connector unit is adapted for connection with the water outlet at a first end and the filter unit at a second end opposite the first end, and the second end includes a coupling for couple or uncouple the filter unit with the connector unit. The filter unit has a housing encapsulating an internal filter portion and including at an upper end a connector portion for connection with the connector unit. The connector portion includes an opening adapted for inlet of water to the filter portion. The housing at a lower end opposite the upper end includes an outlet portion and opening for filtered water. The housing is sealed such that the filter portion communicates with the exterior via the opening adapted for inlet of water and the opening for filtered water.