Snap-On Filter for Submersible Pump with Bypass Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water filters used in pet fountains and aquariums are often bulky, difficult to clean, and prone to clogging, which can lead to a buildup of contaminants and unpleasant water appearance due to stagnant water.
Innovation Solution
A compact, snap-on filter system designed for submersible pumps, featuring a filter housing with perforate walls and a bypass mechanism to ensure continuous water flow even if the primary intake becomes clogged, along with a secure attachment mechanism for easy installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a water filter is used in a pet fountain, then water quality is improved, but the filter may clog and cause water stagnation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow path parameter by providing a bypass that allows water to flow around the filter media when it becomes clogged. This parameter change ensures continuous water movement and prevents stagnation while maintaining filtration when the filter is functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass acts as an intermediary flow path that mediates between the clogged filter and the pump intake. When the primary filtration path is blocked, the bypass provides an alternative route that maintains water circulation without requiring filter removal or system shutdown.
2Reliability
If a large housing with built-in pump is used for aquarium filtration, then filtration capacity is improved, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to remove and clean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the filtration system into a filter housing that can be separately removed from the pump assembly. The filter housing with its removable cover allows easy access to filter media for cleaning or replacement, while the pump remains in place in the fountain basin.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter housing is extracted as a separate, removable component from the pump system. This extraction allows the filter to be easily removed for cleaning maintenance while the pump continues to operate, addressing the difficulty of cleaning built-in filtration systems.
3Device complexity
If a single intake grate is used in a water filter, then the structure is simple, but the filter clogs easily and stops water flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single intake function into multiple intake grates: a primary intake grate for normal filtration and secondary bypass intakes for alternative flow paths. This segmentation maintains structural simplicity while providing redundancy to prevent complete flow cessation when clogging occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow path parameter by providing alternative routes through bypass intakes when the primary intake becomes clogged. This parameter change in flow path availability ensures continuous water movement through the system even when filtration capacity is reduced.
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 system maintains water quality by allowing bypass flow when the primary intake is obstructed, preventing stagnation and ensuring a consistent water flow, thus minimizing the risk of contamination and maintaining a clean environment for pets.
Implementation Method 1
A filter chamber is located upstream of the outlet of the filter housing and is configured to receive filter media
Data Source
AI summary
A pump system includes a submersible pump and a filter. The pump has a housing, an intake, and a discharge. The filter includes a filter housing that releasably engages the pump and that overlies the intake of the pump. The filter housing has an intake, an outlet located between the intake of the filter housing and the intake of the pump. A filter chamber is located upstream of the outlet of the filter housing and is configured to receive filter media. The outlet of the filter housing is disposed inline with the intake of the pump. The coupling may comprise a latch that clips or snaps onto part of the pump, releasably attaching the filter housing to the pump. The latch may engage with opposite sides of the pump when releasably attaching the filter housing to the pump. The latch may include a plurality of spaced apart snaps that snap onto the pump.