Stackable Funnel-Passage Filter for Bucket Wash Water Particle Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for removing dirt and contaminants from cleaning tools during the washing process are inefficient, leading to scratches on surfaces and suboptimal cleanliness, as existing filters and strainers are not effective in separating particles from wash liquids.
Innovation Solution
A filter system with a main body and funnel-shaped passages arranged in concentric patterns, supported by legs, which utilizes centrifugal force to trap dirt and contaminants at the bottom of a container, allowing clean water to return to the surface, and can be stacked for enhanced filtering capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional strainers and filters are used, then some particles are removed from the wash liquid, but the filtering effectiveness is insufficient and particles remain on the cleaning apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a filter component with filtering surfaces, multiple baffles arranged in sequence (first baffle, second baffle, third baffle), and a particle trap chamber. This segmentation allows the washing liquid to pass through multiple filtering stages, progressively removing particles of different sizes and ensuring thorough filtration before the liquid returns to contact with the cleaning apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter component is nested within the particle trap assembly, which itself is nested within the washing liquid container. The filter component contains multiple nested filtering surfaces and chambers. This nested structure maximizes the filtering capacity within a compact space, allowing multiple filtering stages without requiring excessive space or complexity.
2Reliability
If pads, sponges or filters are replaced frequently, then cleaning effectiveness is maintained, but cost and inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly automatically filters the wash liquid and redirects the cleaned liquid back into the container without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the filtration process through its baffle design and particle trap mechanism, continuously maintaining cleaning effectiveness without needing frequent replacement of filtering materials. The permanent filter assembly eliminates the need to repeatedly purchase and install new pads or sponges.
3Reliability
If a more complex filtering system is implemented, then particle removal effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes hydraulic principles by allowing the wash liquid to flow naturally through the filter component and baffles under gravity-driven pressure. The liquid follows a predetermined path through the filtering surfaces and particle trap chamber without requiring external pumps or complex mechanical actuation. This hydraulic approach achieves effective particle removal while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
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 effectively separates dirt and contaminants from wash liquids, reducing the risk of scratches and improving cleanliness by leveraging centrifugal force and funnel-shaped passages, while being cost-effective and easy to manufacture from injection molded plastic.
Implementation Method 1
A filter system with a main body and funnel-shaped passages arranged in concentric patterns, supported by legs, which utilizes centrifugal force to trap dirt and contaminants at the bottom of a container
Data Source
AI summary
The present patent document discloses filters and methods of filtering bucket wash water by stacking identical filters in a rotated position. In preferred embodiments, the method comprises: placing a first filter in a bucket; placing an identical second filter on top of the first filter wherein: the second filter is rotated by a radial angle with respect to the first filter and a first pair of tapered passages on the second filter that are longer than typical passages on the second filter are inserted into a second pair of tapered passages on the first filter such that a typical passage on the second filter is held above the first filter and a typical passage on the second filter does not axially align with a typical passage on the first filter.