Two-Layer Pocket Filter with Biodegradable Inner Layer for Easy Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water filters for swimming pools face challenges with weight, fouling, cleaning difficulty, and recycling issues, leading to inefficient maintenance and potential pump overload, with non-biodegradable materials contributing to environmental waste.
Innovation Solution
A dual-pocket filter design featuring a biodegradable or biocompostable internal filtration layer and a mechanically robust external support layer, allowing easy replacement and environmental sustainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thick non-woven fabric is used for filtration, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but filter weight increases making it difficult to handle and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into two distinct layers: a thin filtration layer (50-200 micrometers) made of biodegradable material for filtering particles, and a thicker support layer (500 micrometers to 2 millimeters) made of mechanical-resistant material for structural integrity. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, achieving effective filtration without the weight penalty of a single thick non-woven fabric.
2Reliability
If a single-layer non-woven fabric is used, then filtration is achieved, but cleaning and replacement become time-consuming and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The filter comprises a removable filtration layer that can be easily separated from the support layer. This segmentation enables quick replacement of only the contaminated filtration layer without needing to clean or handle the entire filter assembly, significantly reducing maintenance time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration layer is designed to be extractable from the support layer. Users can remove and replace only the filtration layer (which collects impurities) while leaving the support layer in place, streamlining the maintenance process and reducing the time required for filter replacement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a biodegradable material is used for the filter, then environmental sustainability is improved, but mechanical resistance decreases making the filter more prone to tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is segmented into a biodegradable filtration layer (made of materials like PLA, PHA, or natural fibers) for environmental sustainability, and a non-biodegradable support layer (made of polypropylene or polyester mesh) for mechanical strength. This segmentation allows the biodegradable layer to perform filtration while the robust support layer prevents tearing and maintains structural integrity during handling and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter combines two different materials with complementary properties: a biodegradable material for the filtration function and a mechanically resistant synthetic material for the support structure. This composite approach allows the filter to simultaneously achieve environmental sustainability and mechanical durability.
4Reliability
If the filter pocket is made impermeable to trap particles, then filtration efficiency is improved, but the filter becomes too heavy with retained water to lift and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is segmented into a thin filtration layer that traps particles and a support layer with larger openings that allows water to pass through more easily. The segmented design reduces the overall water retention within the filter structure, decreasing the weight that must be lifted during replacement while maintaining filtration efficiency through the specialized filtration layer.
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
Facilitates easy and efficient filter maintenance with reduced weight and risk of tearing, while ensuring effective filtration and compliance with ecological standards.
Implementation Method 1
made of a biodegradable or biocompostable material after use for a few days or weeks at most
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
This filter (1) consists of two pocket-shaped structures, having an opening (6) intended to be positioned in the direction of the flow of liquid or water to be filtered, respectively: • a first inner structure or pocket (3) having small openings, made of a non-woven, fabric, knit, paper or perforated film, and made of a biodegradable or biocompostable material, • a second outer structure or pocket (2), receiving said first inner structure or pocket (3), made of a fabric or knit, whose mechanical resistance is greater than that of the first structure; said first structure being configured to be pressed against said second structure in operational mode, without being fixed to the latter.