Vibrator Filter for Wastewater Impurity Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water and wastewater filtration systems face challenges in efficiently removing impurities, particularly when fluidization of the filter bed is not practical or possible, and in inserting components like air grids without disrupting the filter media.

Innovation Solution

A filter system with a vibrator operably associated with the filter compartment to impart vibrational forces during installation, filtration, and cleaning cycles, allowing for the insertion of components like air grids without fluidizing the filter bed and without removing media, and enhancing particle agglomeration and cleaning efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fluidization is used to insert air grid into filter bed, then insertion is enabled, but filter media must be removed and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair grid insertionVSAvoidfilter bed disruption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibrator that imparts vibrational forces to the filter bed, enabling air grid insertion without fluidization. The vibration loosens the filter media slightly, creating space for the air grid while maintaining the overall structure and avoiding media removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical fluidization system with a vibration-based mechanism. Instead of using high-velocity fluid flow to fluidize the bed, the system uses controlled mechanical vibrations to achieve the same insertion effect with simpler equipment and less disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If vibration is applied during filtration cycle, then particle agglomeration improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidvibrator energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The vibrator operates in a periodic manner during the filtration cycle, providing vibrational forces at specific intervals to enhance particle agglomeration. This periodic action allows the system to achieve improved filtration efficiency while minimizing continuous energy consumption compared to constant vibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If vibration is applied during cleaning cycle, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but operational time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning cycle duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The vibrator is applied during the cleaning cycle to impart vibrational forces that enhance the agitation and effectiveness of the cleaning process. This vibration-assisted cleaning improves reliability by ensuring thorough removal of accumulated particles from the filter bed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration is applied continuously during the cleaning cycle to maintain effective cleaning action throughout the process. This continuous useful action ensures consistent cleaning effectiveness while the vibration helps reduce the overall time needed compared to traditional cleaning methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enables efficient impurity removal and component insertion without fluidization, reducing equipment costs and operational complexity, while improving filtration efficiency and cleaning effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a vibrator operably associated with the filter compartment for imparting a vibrational force to the filter compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

operating the vibrator such that the vibrator imparts a vibrational force to the filter during at least a portion of the filtration cycle to improve particle to particle contact so that particles to be filtered can agglomerate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration-induced agglomeration: Coagulation

Implementation Method 3

operating the vibrator during at least a portion of a cleaning cycle to enhance agitation of the filtering element be it a granular bed, settling tubes, settling plates, membranes or other type of filter element to improve cleaning of the filter element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration-induced agitation: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS9517947B2Apparatus for filtering water or wastewater

Publication Date: 2016.12.13 ROBERTS MARKETING DE

AI summary

A filter for removing at least some impurities (e.g. foreign matter of any nature including a solid, a liquid or a gas) from water or wastewater. A vibrator operably associated with at least a portion of the filter for imparting a vibrational force to enhance any one or more of numerous aspects of the filtration process including: (i) installation of the filter and/or various components thereof; (ii) servicing of the filter and/or components thereof; and, (iii) operation of the filter during a filtration cycle and a cleaning cycle.