Patent Application
20240042353
The present invention relates to the interconnection scheme between a filter cartridge and its corresponding manifold. The invention utilizes a correlated magnetism design that encompasses correlated magnets, and more specifically a magnetic attraction, repulsion, or combination thereof to generate shear force, is introduced upon filter cartridge insertion into a mating manifold to aid in interconnection. In exemplary aspects, the interconnection scheme utilizes magnetic repulsion to aid in filter cartridge installation and/or removal. The function of the correlated magnetism in the present invention is at least two-fold: first, an upstream valve is actuated during initial installation of a filter cartridge into a mating manifold through non-electronic and non-contact actuation of a switch, and second, a magnetic repulsion force is introduced upon rotation to assist in filter cartridge removal from the manifold.
Correlated magnet designs were introduced in U.S. Pat. No. 7,800,471 issued to Cedar Ridge Research LLC on Sep. 21, 2010, entitled “FIELD EMISSION SYSTEM AND METHOD.” This patent describes field emission structures having electric or magnetic field sources. The magnitudes, polarities, and positions of the magnetic or electric field sources are configured to have desirable correlation properties, which are in accordance with a predetermined code. The correlation properties correspond to a special force function where spatial forces correspond to relative alignment, separation distance, and a spatial force function.
In U.S. Pat. No. 7,817,006, issued to Cedar Ridge Research LLC on Oct. 19, 2010, titled “APPARATUS AND METHODS RELATING TO PRECISION ATTACHMENTS BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND COMPONENTS (a related patent to U.S. Pat. No. 7,800,471), an attachment scheme between first and second components is taught. Generally, a first component includes a first field emission structure and the second component includes a second field emission structure, wherein each field emission structure includes multiple magnetic field emission sources (magnetic array) having positions and polarities relating to a predefined spatial force function that corresponds to a predetermined alignment of the field emission structures. The components are adapted to be attached to each other when the first field emission structure is in proximity of the second field emission structure.
When correlated magnets are brought into alignment with complementary or mirror image counterparts, the various magnetic field emission sources that make up each correlated magnet will align causing a peak spatial attraction or repulsion force, while a misalignment will cause the various magnetic field emission sources to substantially cancel each other out. The spatial forces (attraction, repulsion) have a magnitude that is a function of the relative alignment of two magnetic field emission structures, the magnetic field strengths, and their various polarities.
It is possible for the field emissions sources of correlated magnets to be varied in accordance with a “code”, such that magnetic systems can be made to have a desired behavior without mechanical constraint, or without requiring a holding mechanism to prevent magnetic forces from “flipping” a magnet. As an illustrative example of this magnetic action, an apparatus 1000 of the prior art is depicted in
The first field emission structure 1004 may be configured to interact with the second field emission structure 1014 such that the second component 1012 can be aligned to become attached (attracted) to the first component 1002 or misaligned to become removed (repulsed) from the first component. The first component 1002 can be released from the second component 1012 when their respective first and second field emission structures 1004 and 1014 are moved with respect to one another to become misaligned.
Generally, the precision within which two or more field emission structures tend to align increases as the number N of different field emission sources in each field emission structure increases, including for a given surface area A. In other words, alignment precision may be increased by increasing the number N of field emission sources forming two field emission structures. More specifically, alignment precision may be increased by increasing the number N of field emission sources included within a given surface area A.
In U.S. Pat. No. 7,893,803 issued to Cedar Ridge Research LLC on Feb. 22, 2011, titled “CORRELATED MAGNETIC COUPLING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USING THE CORRELATED COUPLING DEVICE,” a compressed gas system component coupling device is taught that uses the correlated magnet attachment scheme discussed above.
An illustrative example of this coupling device is shown in
The female element 1202 includes a first magnetic field emission structure 1218. The male element 1204 includes a second magnetic field emission structure 1222. Both magnetic field emission structures are generally planar and are in accordance with the same code but are a mirror image of one another. The operable coupling and sealing of the connector components 1202, 1204 is accomplished with sufficient force to facilitate a substantially airtight seal therebetween.
The removal or separation of the male element 1204 from the female element 1202 is accomplished by separating the attached first and second field emission structures 1218 and 1222. The male element is released when the male element is rotated with respect to the female element, which in turn misaligns the first and second magnetic field emission structures.
A description of the precision alignments of polymagnets can be found at:
Prior art filter interconnects present numerous technical hurdles, particularly with respect to downstream electronic functionality. Such technical hurdles include preventing fluid from leaking into or reaching the electronic components of the filter housing either during initial filter cartridge installation or during operation.
Therefore, a need exists for an improved filter interconnect which overcomes these technical hurdles, without substantially increasing the cost and complexity of manufacture.
The present invention adapts the correlated magnet technology described above to an interconnection structure for a filter cartridge and a corresponding manifold to resolve many of the technical hurdles of prior art filter interconnects with downstream electronic functionality.
As described herein, the correlated magnet technology has a variety of implementations in filter interconnect structures, including, for example, in actuation of valves or switches, as well as in improved filter authentication and anti-counterfeiting measures.
Bearing in mind the problems and deficiencies of the prior art, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved filter interconnect structure for a filter cartridge and a corresponding filter manifold which utilizes correlated magnetism.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved filter interconnect which utilizes correlated magnetism to provide the initial drive to engage downstream system functionality.
A further object of the invention is to provide an improved filter interconnect and method of installing a filter cartridge in a corresponding filter manifold which allows for non-electronic and non-contacting actuation of downstream electronic system components.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved filter interconnect which prevents leaking by dissociating the initial filter cartridge installation from the actuation of an upstream and/or downstream valve.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved filter interconnect which utilizes correlated magnetism to provide an effective authentication and/or anti-counterfeiting means for ensuring proper filter cartridge installation.
Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification.
The above and other objects, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are achieved in the present invention which is directed in one aspect to a filtration system comprising a filter manifold including a sump, an electronic switch assembly comprising a switch actuable between open and closed positions, the switch assembly disposed proximate the sump, and a coded polymagnet operably coupled to the switch assembly. The coded polymagnet comprises a plurality of magnetic field emission sources having positions and polarities relating to a predefined spatial force function that corresponds to a predetermined alignment of the plurality of magnetic field emission sources. The filtration system further comprises a filter cartridge including a filter media having first and second ends and comprising a body, first and second end caps sealed to ends of the filter media, an axial stem extending from a top surface of the first end cap and comprising fluid ingress and egress ports in fluid communication with the filter media, and a paired coded polymagnet magnet disposed within or connected to the axial stem.
A magnetic field force is generated between the paired coded polymagnets upon insertion of the filter cartridge into the sump housing and movement of the filter cartridge into an alignment position, thereby causing the coded polymagnet of the switch assembly to translate with respect to a longitudinal axis of the sump to contact an actuator to activate the switch. In at least one embodiment, the manifold further includes a valve, wherein activation of the switch actuates the valve to turn on and turn off fluid flow to the filter cartridge.
In at least one embodiment, the magnetic field force generated between the paired coded polymagnets when the filter cartridge is inserted within the sump and moved to the alignment position is a magnetic repulsion force. In another embodiment, the magnetic field force may be a magnetic shear force.
The filter cartridge may include a filter boss or lug extending radially outwards from one of the first or second end caps, and the filtration system may further include a removable locking cover comprising an alignment thread or channel for receiving the filter boss of lug of the filter cartridge when the filter cartridge is inserted within the sump. The removable locking cover may be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the filter cartridge to translate the filter cartridge axially into the alignment position as the filter boss or lug travels within the alignment thread or channel to an end thereof. In one or more embodiments, the filtration system may not include a removable locking cover and the alignment thread or channel may instead be within the sump.
In another embodiment, the filtration system may further include a radially-extending locking plate including an aperture for permitting insertion of the filter cartridge into the sump, the locking plate including an alignment thread or channel for mechanically coupling with a boss or lug of a removable locking cover when the filter cartridge is inserted within the sump. The locking cover is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the sump to translate the filter cartridge axially into the alignment position.
In an embodiment, one of the paired coded polymagnets may be disposed within a translatable magnet housing of the switch assembly, the magnet housing normally biased towards the longitudinal axis of the sump by a spring and slidable linearly as a result of the magnetic communication in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the sump to contact the actuator to activate the switch upon movement of the filter cartridge into an alignment position.
In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a filter cartridge comprising a filter media having first and second ends and comprising a body extending between the first and second ends in an axial direction. First and second end caps are sealed to ends of the filter media and extend circumferentially outwards in a radial direction. An axial stem extends from a top surface of the first end cap and comprises fluid ingress and egress ports in fluid communication with the filter media, and a coded polymagnet is disposed within or connected to the axial stem and has a face oriented parallel to a top surface thereof. The coded polymagnet comprises a plurality of magnetic field emission sources having positions and polarities relating to a predefined spatial force function that corresponds to a predetermined alignment of the plurality of magnetic field emission sources. In an embodiment, the coded polymagnet may comprise an array of coded polymagnets each comprising a plurality of magnetic field emission sources, the array of coded polymagnets arranged in accordance with the predefined spatial force function that corresponds to the predetermined alignment of the plurality of magnetic field emission sources. In one or more embodiments, the predetermined spatial force function may be a magnetic repulsion force, a magnetic attraction force, or a combination thereof to generate a magnetic shear force.
The filter cartridge may further include a sheath or sleeve surrounding the filter media, wherein the sheath or sleeve may be non-pressure bearing. The sheath or sleeve may comprise a polyethylene dry change sleeve. In an embodiment, the filter cartridge may further include a filter boss or lug extending radially outwards from one of the first or second end caps, the filter boss or lug adapted for mechanically coupling with an alignment thread or channel of a sump of a mating filter manifold or a removable locking cover for interconnecting the filter cartridge with the mating filter manifold.
In still another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of interconnecting a filter cartridge and filter manifold, comprising inserting the filter cartridge into a sump of the filter manifold, the filter cartridge comprising a filter media having first and second ends and comprising a body extending between the first and second ends in an axial direction, first and second end caps sealed to ends of the filter media and extending circumferentially outwards in a radial direction, an axial stem extending from a top surface of the first end cap and comprising fluid ingress and egress ports in fluid communication with the filter media, and a coded polymagnet disposed within or connected to the axial stem and having a face oriented parallel to a top surface thereof, the coded polymagnet comprising a plurality of magnetic field emission sources having positions and polarities relating to a predefined spatial force function that corresponds to a predetermined alignment of the plurality of magnetic field emission sources. The method further comprises axially moving the filter cartridge within the sump into an alignment position, aligning the filter cartridge coded polymagnet plurality of magnetic field emission sources with a plurality of magnetic field emission sources of a paired coded polymagnet such that a magnetic field force is generated therebetween, the paired coded polymagnet operably coupled to a switch assembly proximate the sump, and causing the paired coded polymagnet to translate with respect to a longitudinal axis of the sump as a result of the magnetic field force to contact an actuator to activate a switch of the switch assembly. In at least one embodiment, the manifold further includes a valve, and the method further includes the step of actuating the valve to permit fluid flow to the filter cartridge as a result of activation of the switch.
In an embodiment, the method may further comprise receiving a filter boss or lug extending radially from the second end cap of the filter cartridge within an alignment thread or channel of a removable locking cover, and rotating said removable locking cover about a longitudinal axis of the filter cartridge to translate the filter cartridge axially into the alignment position as the filter boss or lug travels within the alignment thread or channel to an end thereof In at least one embodiment, the filtration system does not include a removable locking cover and the alignment thread or channel is within the sump.
In an embodiment, the filter manifold may further include a radially-extending locking plate including an aperture for permitting insertion of the filter cartridge into the sump, the locking plate including an alignment thread or channel for mechanically coupling with a boss or lug of a removable locking cover when the filter cartridge is inserted within the sump, the locking cover rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the sump to translate the filter cartridge axially into the alignment position, and the method may further include the steps of: aligning the locking cover boss or lug with the locking plate alignment thread or channel while inserting the filter cartridge within the sump; and rotating the locking cover to cause the boss or lug to travel to an end of the alignment thread or channel to move filter cartridge to the alignment position.
In an embodiment, the magnetic field force may be a magnetic repulsion force, and the step of causing the paired coded polymagnet to translate with respect to a longitudinal axis of the sump may comprise causing the paired coded polymagnet to translate axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sump. In another embodiment, the magnetic field force may be a magnetic shear force, and the step of causing the paired coded polymagnet to translate with respect to a longitudinal axis of the sump may comprise causing the paired coded polymagnet to translate in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the sump.
In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a filtration system comprising a filter manifold including a sump, an electronic switch assembly comprising a circuit actuable between open and closed positions, the switch assembly axially disposed with respect to the sump, and a first correlated magnet operably coupled to the switch assembly, the first correlated magnet comprising a plurality of magnetic field emission sources having positions and polarities relating to a predefined spatial force function that corresponds to a predetermined alignment of the plurality of magnetic field emission sources. The filtration system further comprises a filter cartridge including a housing having a body, a filter media disposed with the housing body, a filter head forming a fluid-tight seal with the body, and a complementary or paired second correlated magnet disposed within or connected to the filter head and having a face oriented parallel to a top surface thereof, the second correlated magnet rotatable with the filter cartridge. In an embodiment, the filter cartridge further includes an axial stem and the second correlated magnet is disposed within the axial stem, parallel to the top surface of the filter head. The first and second correlated polymagnets are interconnected via magnetic communication upon insertion of the filter cartridge into the sump housing, and upon rotation of the filter cartridge into an alignment position, the first correlated magnet translates axially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the sump as a result of the magnetic communication to contact an actuator to activate the switch. In at least one embodiment, the manifold further includes a valve, wherein activation of the switch actuates the valve to turn on and turn off fluid flow to the filter cartridge.
In an embodiment, the first correlated magnet plurality of magnetic field emission sources are aligned with a plurality of magnetic field emission sources of the second correlated magnet, such that a repulsion force is generated between the magnets when the filter cartridge is inserted within the sump and rotated to the alignment position.
The sump may further include an alignment thread or channel for mechanically coupling with a filter boss or lug extending radially outwards from the filter cartridge housing body when the filter cartridge is inserted within the sump and rotated to the alignment position. In an embodiment, the filter cartridge rotates approximately 90-degrees in a first direction from an initial insertion position within the sump to the alignment position.
In an embodiment, the first correlated magnet is disposed within a translatable magnet holder of the switch assembly, the magnet holder normally biased towards the filter head by a spring and slidable axially along the longitudinal axis of the sump as a result of the magnetic communication to contact the actuator to activate the switch upon rotation of the filter cartridge into an alignment position.
In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a filtration system comprising a filter manifold including a sump, an electronic switch assembly comprising a switch actuable between open and closed positions, the switch assembly radially disposed with respect to the sump, and a first correlated magnet operably coupled to the switch assembly, the first correlated magnet comprising a plurality of magnetic field emission sources having positions and polarities relating to a predefined spatial force function that corresponds to a predetermined alignment of the plurality of magnetic field emission sources. The filtration system further comprises a filter cartridge including a housing having a body and a top portion forming a fluid-tight seal with the body, the top portion including ingress and egress fluid ports and an axially-extending protrusion integral with or connected to the housing top portion, a filter media disposed with the housing body, and a complementary or paired second correlated magnet disposed within or connected to the housing top portion axially-extending protrusion and having a face oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing body. The first and second correlated polymagnets are interconnected via magnetic communication upon axial insertion of the filter cartridge into an alignment position within the sump, and upon movement of the filter cartridge into the alignment position, the first correlated magnet translates in a direction normal to a longitudinal axis of the sump as a result of the magnetic communication to contact an actuator to activate the switch. In at least one embodiment, the manifold further includes a valve, wherein activation of the switch actuates the valve to turn on and turn off fluid flow to the filter cartridge.
In an embodiment, the first correlated magnet plurality of magnetic field emission sources are aligned with a plurality of magnetic field emission sources of the second correlated magnet, such that a repulsion force is generated between the magnets when the filter cartridge is axially inserted within the sump and moved to the alignment position.
The sump may further include an alignment thread or channel for mechanically coupling with a rib or fin extending radially outwards from the filter cartridge housing body when the filter cartridge is axially inserted within the sump.
In an embodiment, the first correlated magnet is disposed within a translatable magnet housing of the switch assembly, the magnet housing normally biased towards the longitudinal axis of the sump by a spring and slidable linearly as a result of the magnetic communication in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the sump to contact the actuator to activate the switch.
In still another aspect, the present invention is directed to a filter cartridge, comprising a housing having a body and a top portion forming a fluid-tight seal with the body, the top portion including ingress and egress fluid ports, and an axially-extending protrusion integral with or connected to the housing top portion, a filter media disposed with the housing body, and a first correlated magnet disposed within or connected to the housing top portion axially-extending protrusion and having a face oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing body. In an embodiment, the axially-extending protrusion is off-axial center of the filter housing top portion. The first correlated magnet comprises a plurality of magnetic field emission sources having positions and polarities relating to a predefined spatial force function that corresponds to a predetermined alignment of the plurality of magnetic field emission sources. The first correlated magnet is adapted to be in close proximity to a complementary or paired second correlated magnet when the filter cartridge is axially inserted into an alignment position with a sump of a filter manifold.
In an embodiment, the filter cartridge further includes a rib or fin extending radially outwards from the housing body, the rib or fin adapted for mechanically coupling with an alignment thread or channel of the sump when the filter cartridge is axially inserted within the sump.
In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of interconnecting a filter cartridge and filter manifold, comprising: inserting a filter cartridge comprising a correlated magnet disposed within or connected to the housing top portion axially-extending protrusion and having a face oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing body, as described above, into a sump of the filter manifold; axially inserting the filter cartridge within the sump into an alignment position; aligning the first correlated magnet plurality of magnetic field emission sources with a plurality of magnetic field emission sources of a complementary or paired second correlated magnet such that a repulsion force is generated between the magnets, the second correlated magnet operably coupled to a switch assembly axially disposed with respect to the sump; and causing the second correlated magnet to translate in a direction normal to a longitudinal axis of the sump as a result of the magnetic communication to contact an actuator to activate the switch.
The sump may further include an alignment thread or channel for mechanically coupling with a rib or fin extending radially outwards from the filter cartridge housing body, and the method may further comprise the steps of: aligning the filter cartridge rib or fin with the alignment thread or channel while inserting the filter cartridge within the sump; and causing the filter cartridge rib or fin to travel to an end of the alignment thread or channel while axially inserting the filter cartridge to the alignment position.
The features of the invention believed to be novel and the elements characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The figures are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. The invention itself, however, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the detailed description which follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
In describing the embodiments of the present invention, reference will be made herein to
Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation of the invention. For example, words such as “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upward,” “downward,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” or “radial”, or the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the drawings. Indeed, the referenced components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers may be used in the drawings to identify similar elements.
Additionally, in the subject description, the words “exemplary,” “illustrative,” or the like, are used to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily intended to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or design. Rather, the use of the words “exemplary” or “illustrative” is merely intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.
Correlated magnets, also interchangeably referred to herein as coded polymagnets, contain areas of alternating poles. These patterns of alternating poles can concentrate and/or shape magnetic fields to give matching pairs of magnets unique properties. The present invention utilizes correlated magnet designs with “high auto-correlation and low cross-correlation” which is a characteristic of correlated magnets which only achieve peak efficacy (magnet attraction or repulsion) when paired with a specific complementary magnet. An example of such use of correlated magnets is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,314,671 issued to Correlated Magnets Research LLC on Nov. 20, 2012, entitled “KEY SYSTEM FOR ENABLING OPERATION OF A DEVICE.” Correlated magnets are also characterized by dense and tunable magnetic fields, allowing for specifically engineered force curves with higher force at shorter working distances.
In addition, correlated magnets can be designed to have varying magnetic forces depending on the relative rotational orientation of the pair of magnets (e.g., repulsion-attraction -repulsion-attraction at 90-degree intervals) as illustrated on the graph of
The present invention utilizes a magnetic repulsion model applied to a filter interconnect, which allows for a higher degree of control and flexibility over the timing and actuation of critical system functions through an engineered system of correlated magnets, springs and simple machines. Integral to the design is a matching set of “keyed” correlated magnets disposed in/on the filter cartridge housing and filter manifold, respectively, which provide the initial drive to engage downstream functions through non-electric and non-contacting actuation of an electronic system. The embodiments of the present invention described herein illustrate the actuation of a downstream valve (e.g., spool valve or other valve design) to allow for the flow of water; however, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that actuation of a valve is only one example of a downstream component intended to be within the scope of the present invention and that other components are not precluded, such as a dosing system or other electronic system.
This is accomplished by having a pair of magnets, preferably correlated magnets, oriented parallel to one another on each component of the connecting pair when in an alignment position, wherein a first coded polymagnet is disposed on a filter cartridge and a complementary, paired coded polymagnet is located on the manifold designed to secure the filter cartridge into position. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that a “correlated magnet” or “coded polymagnet” as referred to herein may comprise a single magnet with a plurality of polarity regions or, alternatively, may comprise multiple magnets arranged to create a polarity pattern with the desired characteristics. In at least one embodiment, a thin layer of material is introduced, physically separating the two polymagnets so they cannot have physically contacting surfaces, but they can still magnetically repel one another.
When a correct set of “keyed” polymagnets are aligned and brought into an effective working distance, the result is a repulsion force between the two magnets. The polymagnet disposed on the filter cartridge is fixed; however, the corresponding polymagnet disposed in/on the mating filter manifold is permitted to translate, acting against the mechanical force of a spring. The function of the magnet located on the manifold is to assist in actuating a valve (e.g., spool valve, cam and poppet valve, and other valve types) through activation of an electronic switch, normally biased in a first position by a spring. As will be described in more detail below, the force curves of the spring and correlated magnet couple are engineered such that only a set of corresponding “keyed” polymagnets will provide sufficient magnetic force to overcome the spring force to activate the switch. When the spring is fully depressed, one or more critical system functions are actuated, i.e., upstream and/or downstream valves, dosing systems, or other electronic systems, for example.
During installation, the filter cartridge may be guided by an alignment rail or thread and boss/lug system so that the correlated magnet disposed on the filter cartridge and the corresponding correlated magnet on the manifold are aligned (in-phase forming a repulsion force) but not in contact, when in the INSTALLED-LOCKED position. In at least one embodiment, the correlated magnet in the manifold physically actuates a limit switch when repelled by the filter magnet. When the filter is first fully inserted into the manifold in an INSTALLED-UNLOCKED position, the O-rings are sealed but the filter and manifold magnets are not aligned, and consequently, the upstream and/or downstream valve(s) are not open and water is not permitted to flow through the filter element. The filter assembly is then rotated 90-degrees into the INSTALLED-LOCKED position, which brings the “keyed” correlated magnets into alignment, thereby achieving peak efficacy (magnetic repulsion), overcoming a spring force and causing the manifold magnet to translate linearly to actuate a limit switch. In an embodiment, the positive engagement of the switch opens upstream and/or downstream valves and allows for the flow of water.
Referring now to
As shown in
As further shown in
When filter magnet 40 and manifold magnet 54 are in alignment and brought into an effective working distance, as shown in
As further shown in
In addition to providing the initial drive to engage downstream system functionality, the magnetic communication between the filter and manifold magnets 40, 54 has the added benefit of providing filter authentication and anti-counterfeiting measures. Unless the polarity arrays or patterns of the correlated magnets 40, 54 are correspondingly “keyed” or paired, the magnetic communication will not actuate the switch assembly 60 and therefore the valve will not open to allow for water flow. As such, only a genuine OEM filter cartridge will function and a non-OEM or counterfeit filter cartridge will be non-operational. This also limits the counterfeiting market, which is especially important with respect to the safety of consumers seeking clean drinking water who believe that they may be able to save money by purchasing a non-authentic replacement filter cartridge which mechanically may connect to a mating manifold, but may nonetheless not have an enclosed filter media which is as effective for removal of contaminants or impurities in water as that of the filter media of a genuine replacement part.
Referring now to
As shown in
The rotation of the filter during installation modulates the magnetic interaction from a region of net attraction/neutral to peak repulsion.
An alignment track or thread and associated filter boss system, comprising an alignment thread 152 on the manifold and a boss or lug 144 radially disposed on the filter cartridge housing 132, may be incorporated to provide control over the timing of the filter-manifold magnet orientation and working distance.
At position B, as shown in
In an embodiment, there may be a notch or detent at the end of the alignment thread to provide tactile feedback indicating successful installation of the filter cartridge.
The filter cartridge may be removed by reversing the actions described above and rotating the filter cartridge in the opposite direction, and extraction may be assisted by the magnetic repulsion force and the spring force. In at least one embodiment, there may be a dedicated exit track or rail which may exploit the net magnetic repulsion region to support extraction and removal of the filter cartridge.
It should be understood by those skilled in the art that in other embodiments, the polarity arrays or patterns of the correlated magnets are not characterized by relative rotational-orientation specific force curves, and the repulsion force exists regardless of magnet orientation. In such an embodiment the magnet patterns may be concentric, for example, and would not require rotation of the filter cartridge and associated correlated magnet in the theta direction to align the polarity arrays between the paired magnets to produce the desired repulsion force.
Referring now to
As shown in
In one or more embodiments, manifold 250 may include an alignment channel for receiving at least a portion of filter cartridge 230 therein, to ensure that filter cartridge 230 is axially inserted into the sump 256 to allow for proper alignment of the filter and manifold magnets when in the alignment position. As shown in
In addition to providing the initial drive to engage downstream system functionality, the magnetic communication between the filter and manifold magnets 240, 254 has the added benefit of providing filter authentication and anti-counterfeiting measures. Unless the polarity arrays or patterns of the correlated magnets are correspondingly “keyed”, the magnetic communication will not actuate the switch 260 and therefore the valve will not open to allow for water flow. As such, only a genuine OEM filter cartridge will function and a non-OEM or counterfeit filter cartridge will be non-operational.
It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to magnetic communication between the filter cartridge correlated magnet and the corresponding manifold correlated magnet in the form of magnetic repulsion, and that other magnetic communication is not precluded. For example, in one or more embodiments, a shear force could be introduced as the filter cartridge is installed in the manifold, such that the manifold magnet is caused to move in a radial, or alternatively, lateral direction with respect to the filter cartridge magnet as the filter cartridge is moved into the INSTALLED-LOCKED position. Such radial or lateral movement could also activate a limit switch to open a valve, as in the embodiments shown in the Figures.
In such an embodiment, each of the filter and manifold magnets comprises at least one correlated magnet (or an array of correlated magnets), where the polarity transitions of each of the magnets are aligned such that a net shear force is generated between the magnets when the filter cartridge is inserted within the manifold sump housing and moved into an alignment position, allowing for direct or indirect actuation of downstream system functionality via mechanical actuation of simple machines.
Thus, the present invention achieves one or more of the following advantages. The present invention provides an improved filter interconnect which utilizes correlated magnetism to provide the initial drive to engage downstream system functionality, allowing for a higher degree of control and flexibility over the timing and actuation of downstream system function. By utilizing magnetic repulsion, the present invention further allows for non-electronic and non-contacting actuation of a downstream electronic system, which overcomes the technical hurdles of using electronic interconnects of the prior art which present issues of fluid reaching the electronic components, and provides an improved filter interconnect which prevents leaking by dissociating the initial filter cartridge installation from the actuation of an upstream and/or downstream valve. The present invention further has applications in alternate methods of filter authentication and anti-counterfeiting.
While the present invention has been particularly described, in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63023600 | May 2020 | US | |
| 62849525 | May 2019 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16876594 | May 2020 | US |
| Child | 18381461 | US |
