Water Purifier Filter Replacement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water purifiers face difficulties in easy filter replacement, increased flow resistance, and leakage issues due to complex component interactions and structural design, leading to user inconvenience and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A water purifier design featuring a push-pull method for filter replacement, reduced component count in the water flow path, automatic raw water blocking during filter change, and a modular structure for easy assembly and leakage collection, with a vertically and horizontally adjustable water outlet nozzle for enhanced user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter head is inserted into the filter bracket in a press-fitting method and then rotated, then the filter can be securely fastened, but friction occurs between components, fastening torque increases, and filter replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The filter replacement operation is divided into two independent steps: first inserting the filter head into the bracket, then rotating a separate locking mechanism to secure it. This segmentation allows the fastening function to be achieved through rotation without requiring the entire filter replacement to involve difficult rotational pressing, thereby maintaining security while improving replacement ease.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the filter head itself during insertion (which causes friction and difficulty), the patent inverts the approach by inserting the filter head straight in and then rotating a separate locking mechanism. This reverses the sequence and method of actions, eliminating friction during the main insertion while still achieving secure fastening through rotation.
2Ease of operation
If the filter head is not fastened to the filter bracket, then filter replacement is easy, but unfiltered tap water flows through the water outlet nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism dynamically transitions between locked and unlocked states. When locked, it ensures reliable filtration by securing the filter head to the bracket. When unlocked, it allows easy filter replacement. This dynamic state change enables the system to switch between reliability and ease of operation as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the filter head and the filter bracket. It provides a controlled connection that ensures reliable water filtration when engaged, while allowing easy separation when disengaged, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of reliability and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the filter head is not completely fastened to the filter, then replacement is easier, but the flow path becomes clogged, water pressure increases, and components may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to provide clear visual and tactile feedback when properly engaged, allowing users to confirm correct fastening before operation. This preliminary verification action prevents incomplete fastening that could lead to flow path clogging and component damage, while maintaining ease of operation through simple locking/unlocking.
4Reliability
If more components are installed on the flow path, then the filter can be securely fastened, but resistance to water flow increases and flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is extracted from the water flow path itself and positioned externally or in a location that does not obstruct flow. This extraction allows the fastening function to be achieved without adding components directly in the water path, thereby maintaining filter security while avoiding increased flow resistance and preserving water flow rate.
Data Source
AI summary
A water purifier includes a water purifier main body having a front panel forming a front surface, first and second side panels forming both side surfaces, a top cover forming an upper surface, a rear cover forming a rear surface, and a base forming a bottom surface and in which a filter is accommodated; a fixed cover provided with an elevation space therein in a vertical direction and fixed to the upper surface of the water purifier main body, a water outlet nozzle exposed to a lower end of the fixed cover, and a filter housing disposed inside the water purifier main body and in which a filter accommodating groove in which the filter is accommodated is concave backward, and in which a downwardly concave filter groove is formed in the base to accommodate the lower end of the filter.