Water Filter Assembly with Electrolytic Self-Cleaning to Restore Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water filtration assemblies in refrigerator appliances face issues such as decreased flowrate due to build-up of particulates, requiring filter replacement, which is wasteful and complex to implement, and power routing through the manifold increases the risk of water exposure to electronic components.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for self-cleaning the filter assembly using an electrolytic cell with reversible polarity to reverse ionic current, maintaining permeability and flowrate by applying a potential difference between electrodes, and a power delivery system to control this process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power is routed through the manifold to supply electronic components, then power delivery is achieved, but the risk of water exposure to electronic components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power delivery system with electrical contacts that serve as an intermediary between the power source and electronic components. This system is positioned to provide power without requiring electrical connections through the water-exposed manifold, thereby mediating the power delivery function while eliminating the water exposure pathway for electronics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the electrical connection function from the manifold by providing separate power delivery means. The manifold is relieved of its electrical conduction responsibility, and power is delivered through a dedicated system that does not involve routing electricity through water-exposed pathways
2Ease of manufacture
If power routing through the manifold is used, then power delivery is simplified, but the design complexity of the manifold increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical conduction function from the manifold, allowing the manifold to be designed solely for its fluid handling function. The power delivery system is separated as an independent subsystem with its own electrical contacts and pathways, eliminating the need for the manifold to accommodate both fluid and electrical routing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the water filtration assembly into distinct functional subsystems: the manifold for fluid handling and the power delivery system for electrical power. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently, with the manifold focusing on fluid routing and the power system handling electrical connections
3Productivity
If filter assembly is replaced when flowrate decreases, then filtration function is restored, but waste is generated and user complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-cleaning system with cleaning elements that automatically remove particulate buildup from the filter medium. This self-service mechanism restores filtration function and maintains flowrate without requiring user intervention or filter replacement, eliminating the waste associated with disposable filters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers the filter medium by implementing a reusable design with cleanable surfaces. Instead of discarding the filter when it becomes clogged, the system recovers its function through automated cleaning processes that remove particulate buildup, allowing repeated use of the same filter medium
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
Restores permeability of the filter medium, reducing the need for filter replacement and minimizing water exposure to electronic components, thus improving flowrate and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
applying a potential difference between the first electrode at the filter medium and a second electrode positioned at the first volume. The method includes reversing, for a period of time, a polarity of the applied potential. Reversing the polarity reverses an ionic current at an electrolytic cell including the first electrode and the second electrode.
Data Source
AI summary
A water filtration assembly, a method for self-cleaning at a fluid filter assembly, and a refrigeration appliance are provided. The water filtration assembly includes a filtration housing forming a first volume configured to receive unfiltered water, and a second volume configured to receive filtered water. A filter medium separates the first volume from the second volume. An electrolytic cell includes a first electrode formed at the filter medium and a second electrode extended into the first volume. The electrolytic cell is configured to reverse polarity to reverse an ionic current through the electrolytic cell to restore permeability at the filter medium. A power supply or delivery system is operably coupled to the electrolytic cell and is configured to selectively apply a potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode and selectively reverse a polarity of the applied potential.