Water Purifier Buffer Unit for Filter Pressure Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional water purifier structures are prone to cracking and reduced lifespan due to the pressure exerted by longer filtering elements, which compress the container's bottom, leading to wear and tear.

Innovation Solution

A water purifier structure incorporating a buffer unit with a cushioning member and positioning ring, which absorbs external forces and distributes pressure evenly, preventing direct contact between the filter element and the container's bottom, thereby reducing stress and potential cracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a longer filtering element is used, then the filtration capacity is improved, but the container bottom is compressed and cracked due to excessive pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration capacityVSAvoidcontainer bottom strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A buffer unit comprising a cushioning member and positioning ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the filtering element and the container bottom. The cushioning member absorbs compression force from the filtering element and transfers it to the positioning ring, preventing direct contact and pressure concentration on the container bottom while maintaining support for longer filtering elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the filtering element length is increased, then the filtration performance is enhanced, but the container bottom produces cracks due to continuous pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration performanceVSAvoidcontainer durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer unit with cushioning member is pre-installed in the container bottom before the filtering element is placed. This beforehand cushioning mechanism is ready to absorb compression forces from the filtering element, preventing crack formation and extending container durability while allowing enhanced filtration performance with longer filtering elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If the filtering element is made longer, then the filtration efficiency is improved, but the container bottom is subjected to excessive stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidcontainer bottom stress
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer unit acts as a stress-distributing intermediary between the filtering element and container bottom. The cushioning member compresses and distributes the stress from longer filtering elements across a larger area through the positioning ring, reducing peak stress on the container bottom while maintaining filtration efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 buffer unit effectively cushions the filter element, preventing the container's bottom from cracking and extending its lifespan while accommodating filter elements of varying lengths, ensuring a secure and durable water purification system.

Implementation Method 1

the cushioning member is contracted and elastically deformed toward the second receiving section of the housing, to form a buffering force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3682960B1Water purifier structure
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 KEMFLO INTERNATIONAL CO LTD
  • EP3682960B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3682960B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3682960B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A water purifier structure includes a container assembly (7) and a buffer unit (4) mounted in the container assembly. The container assembly includes a housing (3) and a cap unit (5). The housing has a first receiving section (30) and a second receiving section (34). The second receiving section of the housing is provided with a retaining portion (342). The buffer unit is mounted in the second receiving section of the housing and includes a positioning ring (42) secured in the retaining portion of the housing, and a cushioning member (41) mounted in the positioning ring. The cushioning member is elastically movable in the positioning ring. When the cushioning member is compressed by a force, the cushioning member is contracted and elastically deformed toward the second receiving section of the housing, to form a buffering force.