Vacuum Valve Mechanism for Liquid Filtering Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid filtering systems are prone to incorrect operation, particularly due to unstable sealed vacuum connections, which are time-consuming and susceptible to being accidentally omitted.
Innovation Solution
A liquid filtering system with a mechanical, normally-closed vacuum valve that automatically opens when the filtering apparatus is locked to the cradle, ensuring a secure and efficient vacuum connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manually operated vacuum valve is used, then the system can be controlled to turn vacuum on and off, but the operation becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum valve is designed to automatically open when the filtering apparatus is locked to the cradle, eliminating the need for manual operation. The system serves itself by using the locking action to automatically establish the vacuum connection, thereby reducing time consumption and operational errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum valve is pre-configured to automatically open upon locking the filtering apparatus to the cradle. This preliminary setup ensures that the vacuum connection is established automatically without requiring separate manual steps, thus reducing time loss and improving ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a sealed vacuum connection is used, then vacuum can be applied to drive liquid through the filter, but the connection becomes unstable and prone to incorrect operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback through the locking mechanism that automatically opens the vacuum valve when the filtering apparatus is secured to the cradle. This feedback loop ensures that the vacuum connection is only established when properly locked, preventing improper operation and enhancing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism itself serves to automatically open the vacuum valve, eliminating the need for separate manual control. This self-service approach ensures stable vacuum connection while preventing incorrect operation, as the valve can only be opened when the apparatus is properly locked in position.
3Device complexity
If separate steps are used for positioning and vacuum activation, then each step can be controlled independently, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking action and vacuum valve opening are merged into a single automatic action. When the filtering apparatus is locked to the cradle, the vacuum valve automatically opens without requiring separate steps, thereby reducing operational complexity and time consumption while maintaining independent control capabilities.
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 safer against improper operation and more efficient by automatically managing the vacuum connection, reducing the risk of errors and saving time.
Implementation Method 1
an adapter for coupling the filter unit to the receptacle, wherein the adapter comprises an adapter vacuum receiving port to be coupled to a vacuum delivery port in order to apply a vacuum driving force for driving the liquid to be filtered through the filter and—as filtered liquid—into the receptacle
Implementation Method 2
the base vacuum delivery port comprises a vacuum valve constituted as a mechanical, normally-closed valve that is automatically forced open when the filtering apparatus is locked to the cradle
Data Source
AI summary
A filtering system (10) includes a filtering apparatus having a filter unit for receiving liquid to be filtered, a receptacle for receiving filtered liquid, and an adapter (14) for coupling the filter unit to the receptacle, and also includes a base (12) having a cradle (26) for receiving the filtering apparatus and a base vacuum delivery port (28). The adapter includes an adapter vacuum receiving port (22) coupled to the vacuum delivery port for driving the liquid through the filter and—as filtered liquid—into the receptacle. The cradle and the adapter have an interlocking mechanism (52, 54) that locks the filtering apparatus to the cradle in a locking position in which the vacuum receiving port is sealingly coupled to the base vacuum delivery port. The base vacuum delivery port has a vacuum valve (30) constituted as a normally-closed valve automatically forced open when the filtering apparatus locks to the cradle.