Sintered Plastic Filter Element for Spa Water Purification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable spas face challenges in maintaining proper water chemistry and sanitation due to the accumulation of contaminants, which requires frequent water changes and inefficient filtration methods.

Innovation Solution

A novel filter element comprising a sintered plastic outer cylinder and inner cylinder with an annular chamber filled with selected granular media, allowing for easy exchange and extension of spa water life by removing total dissolved solids and contaminants, including metals, chemicals, and organic substances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional filtration methods are used in portable spas, then basic particle filtration is achieved, but total dissolved solids and contaminants accumulate requiring frequent water changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater sanitation effectivenessVSAvoidspa water life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a porous filter element with specific porosity (20-80 microns) that allows water to pass through while trapping contaminants. The porous structure provides large surface area for filtration without restricting water flow, enabling effective removal of particles, dissolved solids, and contaminants while maintaining adequate filtration duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element is constructed as a composite structure combining an outer cylindrical support structure with an inner filtering matrix. This composite design integrates structural integrity with filtration functionality, allowing the filter to maintain its shape and filtering capacity over extended periods of use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If frequent water changes are performed to maintain sanitation, then contaminant levels are controlled, but water conservation is reduced and user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant accumulationVSAvoidmaintenance convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is designed for easy self-service replacement by the spa user. The cartridge format allows simple insertion and removal without special tools or complex procedures. The filter captures contaminants continuously during normal spa operation, automatically maintaining water sanitation without requiring user intervention for water changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The disposable filter cartridge captures and retains contaminants, dissolved solids, and particles as water passes through it. The accumulated contaminants are discarded with the replaced filter element, while clean water is retained in the spa, extending water life and reducing disposal frequency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Productivity

If standard filter elements are used, then basic filtration is provided, but filtration efficiency against dissolved solids and chemicals is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidfilter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filtering matrix utilizes controlled porosity (20-80 microns) to achieve high filtration efficiency. The porous structure provides extensive surface area for contaminant capture while maintaining low flow resistance, effectively removing particles, dissolved solids, and chemicals without requiring complex multi-stage filtration systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element is segmented into distinct functional zones: an outer cylindrical support structure providing mechanical integrity, and an inner filtering matrix providing contamination capture. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve high overall filtration efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 filter element effectively extends the life of spa water by reducing the need for frequent changes and improving sanitation by removing a wide range of contaminants, thereby enhancing user convenience and water conservation.

Implementation Method 1

A selected granular filter medium or media may then be placed in the annular chamber to combat one or more particular contaminants in the spa water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

the filter element comprises a sintered plastic outer cylinder and inner cylinder with an annular chamber filled with selected granular media, allowing for easy exchange and extension of spa water life by removing total dissolved solids and contaminants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS8535524B2Exchangeable media filter

Publication Date: 2013.09.17 WATKINS MANUFACTURING CORP

AI summary

A filter element for a pool or spa including a sintered plastic outer cylinder of a first diameter, a sintered plastic inner cylinder of a second diameter less than said first diameter; the inner cylinder being position coaxially with respect to the outer cylinder to define an annular interior chamber; and a selected granulated filter medium or combination of media residing in the annular interior chamber.