Side-flushing Mechanical Filter for Sediment Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water filtration systems for agricultural and wetland applications are costly, labor-intensive, and require electricity, disassembly, and frequent replacement of filter components, making them unsuitable for remote areas and inefficient in sediment removal.

Innovation Solution

A side-flushing mechanical filter system comprising a pipe with a spring and stainless steel plates that arrest sediment while allowing water to pass through, enabling easy sediment flushing without electricity or disassembly, using a rod to move the plates and spring for sediment removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If backflushing filter systems are used to remove sediment, then sediment removal is effective, but the system requires electricity and frequent replacement of filter components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesediment removal effectivenessVSAvoidelectricity consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system uses the kinetic energy of the incoming water flow itself to drive the sediment removal process. The high-velocity water automatically dislodges and flushes sediment from the filter media without requiring external power sources, pumps, or mechanical actuators. The system serves itself by utilizing the natural flow energy to maintain filtration effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces electrical/mechanical pumping systems with a purely hydraulic solution. Instead of using powered pumps or motors to create backflush flow, the system uses the natural kinetic energy of the incoming water flow to create the necessary shear forces for sediment dislodgement and flushing, eliminating the need for electrical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If known filter systems are used, then sediment can be removed, but the system requires disassembly and labor-intensive maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesediment removal capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system automatically performs its own cleaning through the continuous high-velocity water flow that constantly flushes sediment from the filter media. This eliminates the need for manual disassembly, cleaning, or maintenance intervention. The system maintains optimal filtration performance autonomously without requiring user involvement in sediment removal operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If carbon filters are used in agricultural systems, then water can be cleaned, but the filtered water cannot be reused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidfiltered water availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses porous filter media that allows water to pass through while trapping sediment. The porous structure enables continuous filtration without blocking water flow, allowing the filtered water to be collected and reused in agricultural applications. The porous materials maintain open pathways for water transmission while effectively removing suspended particles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 system is low-cost, low-maintenance, and effective in filtering sediment and nitrates, reducing nutrient pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, suitable for various applications including agricultural and wetland systems.

Implementation Method 1

The major face of each plate is configured to arrest sediment from water flowing into the pipe via the first water inlet while the holes defined by the plates enable filtered water to flow therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

An elongated spring is positioned within the pipe, the elongated spring comprising a plurality of coils and extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis defined by the pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11685682B1Systems and processes for removing pollutants from water, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing aquatic ecosystem destruction

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 ROBACK IAN L

AI summary

Methods and systems for removing pollutants from water include one or more filter systems and a hybrid wetland system. Hybrid wetland systems may include a first pipe transporting water from a body of water to a settling tank, a first constructed wetland connected to the settling tank via a second pipe, and a first filter system removing pollutants from water passing through the second pipe. A second filter system is positioned within the first wetland to further remove pollutants. The system also includes a second constructed wetland connected to the first constructed wetland via a third pipe and a water control chamber. Filtered water exiting the first constructed wetland flows through the water control chamber, through the third pipe, and into the second constructed wetland. A fourth pipe extends between the second constructed wetland and the body of water, returning filtered water to the body of water.