Sanitary Filter Device With Quick-Replace Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sanitary filter devices require specialized tools and knowledge for replacement, are prone to contamination during removal, and incur high maintenance costs in facilities with many installations, while existing solutions for sensor-operated taps do not adequately prevent contaminated water flow.

Innovation Solution

A sanitary filter device with a connector unit and filter unit, where the filter unit is easily replaceable by a coupling mechanism, uses durable materials for hygiene and ease of use, and includes features like a biocide to reduce bacterial growth and a check-valve to prevent backflow, ensuring easy and hygienic operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If special tools and tool attachment points are provided on the sanitary filter housing to prevent unauthorized removal, then security against unauthorized removal is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring special tools and specialist knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against unauthorized removalVSAvoidcomplexity of replacement procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is designed as a disposable component that is replaced regularly without requiring special tools. The housing remains permanent while only the inexpensive filter element is discarded and replaced, simplifying the replacement process while maintaining security through the permanent housing installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of repair

If the sanitary filter is removed for maintenance, then filter replacement is enabled, but contamination risk increases as the sensor tap may open for contaminated water during removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter replacement capabilityVSAvoidcontamination risk during maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sanitary filter device is segmented into a permanent housing and a replaceable filter element. This allows the filter element to be replaced independently without removing the entire device from the tap, maintaining the sealed connection and preventing contamination during maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If frequent maintenance is required for a large number of sanitary filters, then hygiene standards are maintained, but maintenance costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehygiene standard maintenanceVSAvoidmaintenance time and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is designed as an inexpensive disposable component that can be quickly replaced without special tools or specialist knowledge. This reduces both the time and cost of maintenance while ensuring hygiene standards are maintained through regular replacement of contaminated filters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Ease of operation

If the filter unit is made easily replaceable with simple coupling, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential accidental detachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter replacement simplicityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism merges simplicity with reliability by using a straightforward connection system that is both easy to attach/detach and sufficiently secure to prevent accidental detachment during normal operation, achieving both ease of operation and connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device allows for quick and hygienic filter replacement, reduces pressure loss, and minimizes contamination risks, while maintaining high hygiene standards and reducing maintenance costs in facilities with many installations.

Implementation Method 1

a check-valve to prevent backflow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCheck-valve mechanism: Valve

Implementation Method 2

features like a biocide to reduce bacterial growth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBiocidal action: Preservative

Implementation Method 3

The sanitary filter is a mechanical filter, holding back substantially all particles and organisms suspended in the water larger than the filter pore size

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4539956B1A sanitary filter device
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 T-SAFE AS
  • EP4539956B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4539956B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4539956B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a sanitary filter device for mounting on a water outlet, where the filter device comprises a connector unit and a filter unit. The connector unit is adapted for connection with the water outlet at a first end and connection with 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 comprises a housing encapsulating an internal filter portion, and the housing includes at an upper end a connector portion for connection with the connector unit, where 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 with and opening for filtered water and wherein 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. A filter axis extends through the first and second end of the connector and through the opening adapted for inlet of water and the opening for filtered water.