Gravity Water Filter with UVC Sanitization and Self-Refill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gravity flow water filters are not 100% effective in removing all pathogens, particularly viruses, and require manual filling and maintenance, limiting their efficiency and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A compact gravity flow water filter system with a unique connection to an external water source, allowing continual filling of upper and lower chambers, and incorporating a UVC light within the lower chamber to sanitize water, while using alternating hi/low light emission cycles to conserve power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UVC light is used to sanitize water in the lower chamber, then pathogen removal is improved, but user exposure to harmful UVC light increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a quartz tube as an intermediary medium that allows UVC light to pass through and sanitize water while blocking the light from reaching the user. The quartz tube acts as a mediator between the UVC light source and the water, enabling sanitization without direct user exposure to harmful radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the UVC light source from direct accessibility to the user by placing it within the lower chamber enclosed by the chamber walls. The light is directed through the quartz tube into the water, separating the light source from the user's potential exposure path while maintaining the sanitization function.
2Reliability
If traditional UVC lights are used for water sanitation, then pathogen elimination is improved, but energy consumption and mercury exposure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the light source by using LED technology instead of traditional mercury-based UVC bulbs. This parameter change reduces energy consumption, eliminates mercury exposure risks, and extends the operational lifespan of the light source while maintaining effective pathogen elimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs LED light sources that have longer operational lifespans and lower replacement frequency compared to traditional UVC bulbs. The LED technology provides a more durable, low-maintenance solution that reduces both energy consumption and long-term operational costs.
3Reliability
If gravity flow filtration is used, then water filtration is improved, but manual filling and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the upper chamber automatically refills itself from the lower chamber through the refill tube when water levels drop. This automatic circulation and refilling mechanism eliminates the need for manual filling operations, allowing the system to maintain continuous filtration without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a continuous operation system where water constantly circulates from the upper chamber through the filter into the lower chamber, and then automatically refills the upper chamber. This continuous flow and automatic refilling process maintains uninterrupted filtration and eliminates periodic manual maintenance requirements.
4Area of stationary object
If compact design is implemented to fit constricted spaces, then space utilization is improved, but chamber size for water storage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the spatial arrangement by positioning the upper chamber directly above the lower chamber, utilizing the vertical dimension to maximize space utilization. This stacked configuration allows the system to fit in constricted spaces while maintaining adequate chamber volumes for effective filtration and water storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested design where the upper chamber fits within or adjacent to the lower chamber structure, allowing compact integration of both chambers in a minimal footprint. The refill tube and light assembly are integrated into the existing chamber structures, eliminating the need for separate external components and maximizing space efficiency.
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 provides efficient and continuous water filtration with reduced manual attention, improved pathogen removal, and the ability to fit in constricted spaces, while minimizing power consumption and user exposure to UVC light.
Implementation Method 1
Short-wavelength ultraviolet light, hereinafter referred to as UVC, has been used for a number of years to sanitize water. It is disruptive to DNA in living organisms.
Implementation Method 2
It is disruptive to DNA in living organisms. In some cases does not necessarily kill the pathogen, but affects its DNA, making it incapable of reproducing
Implementation Method 3
Water filters exist that will screen out most of these pathogens
Implementation Method 4
Traditional gravity water filters are often used at home
Data Source
AI summary
A water filter system includes an upper chamber removably coupled with a lower chamber. In implementations the lower chamber has a sidewall and a rim wider than the sidewall. A filter medium filters water from the upper to the lower chamber. A seal couples between the chambers and has a circular cross-section and a gap receiving a portion of the sidewall. The seal may also have a cavity receiving the rim. The seal includes one or more arced flaps contacting the upper chamber, a tip of each arced flap defining a circular inner opening of the seal. The seal includes one or more first barbs contacting the upper chamber, each first barb forming a circle. The seal includes one or more second barbs contacting the lower chamber, each second barb forming a circle.