Water Purifier Filter Module Movable Valve Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water purifiers face difficulties in easy filter replacement, particularly for non-technical users, due to the need for rotating levers and pulling filters, which can lead to inconvenience and potential damage to the device.
Innovation Solution
A water purifier design featuring a movable fitting valve module that can be easily coupled or separated from the filter module, guided by a valve support and locking mechanism, allowing for straightforward filter replacement without requiring excessive force or incorrect handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate attachment/detachment device is provided for filter replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the attachment/detachment function directly into the filter cartridge structure by providing a coupling protrusion on the filter that engages with a coupling groove in the housing. This merging of the detachment mechanism into the filter itself eliminates the need for separate attachment/detachment devices, thereby improving ease of operation while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cartridge is designed with a coupling protrusion that enables users to easily attach and detach the filter themselves without requiring specialized tools or complex mechanisms. The self-contained coupling design allows general users to perform filter replacement independently, achieving self-service capability
2Ease of operation
If a separate attachment/detachment device is provided, then ease of operation is improved, but volume of water purifier increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is integrated into the filter cartridge and housing structure itself, with the coupling protrusion on the filter engaging with the coupling groove in the housing. This integration eliminates the need for separate attachment/detachment devices that would occupy additional space, thereby maintaining ease of operation while preventing volume increase
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling protrusion and coupling groove serve multiple functions: they provide the attachment/detachment mechanism, ensure proper positioning of the filter, and create a sealed connection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, maintaining compact volume while achieving easy filter replacement
3Device complexity
If user pulls filter directly without proper mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling protrusion on the filter cartridge serves as an intermediary element between the user's pulling force and the filter assembly. When users pull the coupling protrusion, the force is transmitted through the coupling groove in the housing, enabling safe and controlled detachment without directly pulling on the filter medium or damaging internal components
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling protrusion is extracted as a separate, dedicated feature on the filter cartridge specifically for attachment/detachment operations. This extraction of the coupling function from the filter body allows users to grip and pull the protrusion without applying force to the filter medium or internal components, thereby preventing damage while maintaining simple device structure
Data Source
AI summary
A water purifier includes: a filter module for providing purified water by filtering raw water; a fitting valve module detachably fastened to the filter module to provide at least one of a flow path for a flow of raw water supplied to the filter module and a flow path for a flow of the purified water discharged from the filter module; and a frame including a valve support for movably supporting the fitting valve module to be movable. The fitting valve module is selectively placed in a separated state in which the fitting valve module is separated from the filter module by moving in a direction away from the filter module, or a coupled state in which the fitting valve module coupled to the filter module by moving toward the filter module.