Patent Abstract:
A water filtration housing containing a pressure vessel configured to receive a water filter cartridge; a ring enclosure attachable to an open, top end of the housing enclosure; an interface tower including a user interface; a lid assembly removably attachable to the ring enclosure, the lid assembly including (i) a pressure cap and gasket for maintaining a given pressure in said pressure vessel and (ii) a rotatable lever for disengaging the pressure cap from the pressure vessel thereby releasing pressure therein. A mating system between the lid assembly and ring enclosure prevents the lid assembly from being attached to the ring enclosure in a misaligned fashion. RFID technology may be used for identifying the water filter cartridge installed therein and wireless communication technology (e.g., Wi-Fi) to transmit collected system data (e.g., water usage) to a central location for analysis such that the customer is provided with, for example, operational suggestions.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The embodiments of the present invention relate to a countertop-style water filtration system configured to allow a user to change batteries and a water filter cartridge easily while providing filter tracking and Wi-Fi capabilities. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Water purification is the process of removing undesirable chemicals, biological contaminants, suspended solids and gases from contaminated water. Water purification is a multi-billion dollar industry. Water purification systems for home drinking water come in all shapes and sizes including large, expensive systems, simple, container-implemented systems, faucet-connected systems and everything in between. Countertop purifiers and filtration systems are a popular solution offering users convenience at a generally low cost. 
     It would be advantageous to develop a countertop water filtration system integrating user-friendly features as well as advanced technologies for communicating usage data to a central location, tracking usage of the water filter and optionally disabling or shutting off the water filtration system responsive to the installation of a non-branded or spent water filter. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing containing a pressure vessel configured to receive a water filter cartridge; a ring enclosure attachable to an open, top end of the housing enclosure; an interface tower including a user interface; a lid assembly removably attachable to said ring enclosure, said lid assembly including (i) a pressure cap and gasket for maintaining a given pressure in said pressure vessel and (ii) a rotatable lever for disengaging said pressure cap from said pressure vessel thereby releasing said pressure in said pressure vessel. In one embodiment, a locking system between the lid assembly and ring enclosure prevents the lid assembly from being attached to the ring enclosure in a misaligned fashion. The locking system also provides an efficient mechanism whereby a user need only turn the lid assembly slightly to disengage it from the ring enclosure. 
     In another embodiment, the water filtration system incorporates RFID technology for identifying the water filter installed therein. Based on the identification, the system may shut down, sound an alarm or otherwise prevent the use of a non-branded or spent water filter whether branded or not. 
     In another embodiment, the water filtration system incorporates wireless communication technology (e.g., Wi-Fi) to transmit collected system data (e.g., water usage) to a central location for analysis such that the customer may be provided with, for example, operational suggestions. 
     Other variations, embodiments and features of the present invention will become evident from the following detailed description, drawings and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate perspective and top views of a water filtration system according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of the water filtration system according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of a lid assembly according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate underside views of a lid assembly in closed and open states and a top view of the lid assembly removed according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded view of a housing assembly according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded view of a pressure vessel sub-assembly according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate several views of the compression cap according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 8A-8C  illustrate several views of the pressure cap according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 9A-9D  illustrate several views of the upper enclosure according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 10A-10E  illustrate the process by which the lid assembly is removed according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a block diagram of an electronic system according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a flow chart detailing an authentication process associated with the water filter cartridge according to the embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a second flow chart detailing an authentication process associated with the water filter cartridge according to the embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive feature illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to those skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention claimed. 
     The components of the embodiments of the present invention may be fabricated of any suitable materials, including woods, plastics, alloys, composites, resins and metals, and may be fabricated using suitable techniques, including molding, casting, machining and rapid prototyping. 
       FIGS. 1A through 1C  show perspective and top views of a water filtration system  100  according to the embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the water filtration system  100  includes a lid assembly  110 , housing assembly  120 , ring enclosure  130 , user interface  140 , rotatable lid lever  150  and rotatable rear lever  160  which are each described in more detail below. 
       FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of the water filtration system  100  including a lid assembly  110 , housing assembly  120 , ring enclosure  130 , pressure vessel  135  and printed circuit board  145 . The housing assembly  120  and ring enclosure  130  can be a single, integral unit such that the lid assembly  110  attaches directly to the housing assembly  120 . The printed circuit board  145  is positioned within an interface tower  115  integral with said ring enclosure  130  including control button  116  which may be used to (i) turn the water filtration system  100  on and off; (ii) check filter life; (iii) check gallons of water filtered, etc. The interface tower  115  may also incorporate a light pipe  118  for providing operational information regarding the water filtration system  100  and status/state thereof indicator lights  119 - 1  through  119 - 3 . A USB plug  123  is integrated into said interface tower  115  providing means to manually download data from or to the water filtration system  100  as needed. A source water line (inlet)  121  and purified water line (outlet)  122  connect to the housing assembly  120  and serve to receive source water in need of purification and dispense purified water as detailed below. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of the lid assembly  110  according to the embodiments of the present invention. While the lid assembly  110  herein is described with reference to the water filtration system  100 , it is understood by the applicant hereof that the lid assembly  110  may have other uses and applications beyond the water filtration system  100 . The lid assembly  110  includes rotatable lid lever  150 , upper enclosure  170 , compression cap  180 , spring leaf  190 , gasket  200  and pressure cap  210 . The rotatable lid lever  150  attaches to the upper enclosure  170  via barrel nut  151 . As detailed below, the rotatable lid lever  150  acts to engage and disengage the pressure cap  210  from the pressure vessel  135  thereby maintaining and releasing pressure in the pressure vessel  135 . Pressure cap  210  attaches to an underside of the compression cap  180 . In one embodiment, four press-fit expansion nuts  181  are used to attach the pressure cap  210  to the compression cap  180  which is then attached to the upper enclosure  170 . The spring leaf  190  is retained by the pressure cap  210  via a pair of overhangs  211  and connected to barrel nut  151  with a bolt  152  extending through a center opening  191  in leaf spring  190 , washer  153  and a center opening in compression cap  180  into said barrel nut  151 . As best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in this manner, when the rotatable lid lever  150  is rotated upward, leaf spring  190  forces pressure cap  210  and gasket  200  to lift up thereby disengaging from pressure vessel  135  and when the rotatable lid lever  150  is rotated downward, leaf spring  190  forces pressure cap  210  and gasket  200  downward thereby engaging pressure vessel  135 . 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate underside views of the lid assembly  110  in closed and open states, respectively. In a closed state, the rotatable lid lever  150  is in a down position recessed within a cavity  171  in the upper enclosure  170 . When the rotatable lid lever  150  is in a down position, an outer wall  212  of the pressure cap  210  and gasket  200  are inserted into the pressure vessel  135  with gasket  200  circumscribing an upper inner surface of the pressure vessel  135  creating a seal, and vacuum within the pressure vessel  135 . The seal and vacuum are created as the pressure cap  210  presses the gasket  210  against an inner upper surface of the pressure vessel  135 . Water pressure inside of the pressure vessel  135  creates an upward pressure against the pressure cap  210  thereby assisting with the formation of the seal and vacuum by forcing the pressure cap  210  further upward into the gasket  200  which is then pushed further against the inner surface of the pressure vessel  135 . In this manner, contrary to most systems, the greater the pressure within the pressure vessel  135 , the greater the strength of the seal. When the rotatable lid lever  150  is in an open position, the pressure cap  210  lowers releasing pressure against gasket  200  and therefore against the inner upper surface of the pressure vessel  135  breaking the seal and extinguishing the vacuum within the pressure vessel  135 . With the rotatable lid lever  150  in an upper position and the seal disrupted, the lid assembly  110  is free to turn relative to the ring enclosure  130  or housing  120  for removal as needed.  FIG. 4C  shows an upper view of the water filtration system  100  with the lid assembly  110  removed. A water filter cartridge  300  is viewable within the pressure vessel  135 . 
       FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of housing assembly  120  comprising housing enclosure  128 , source water line (inlet)  121 , purified water line (outlet)  122 , front panel  124 , badge  125 , inlet water line connector  126 , outlet water line connector  127  and rotatable rear lever  160 . Rotatable rear lever  160  attaches to said housing enclosure  128  via a pair of pins  161 . Rotatable rear lever  160  serves to, when opened, provide access to rotatable lid lever  150 . As shown in  FIG. 1C , when closed, an upper portion  164  of rotatable rear lever  160  covers one end of the rotatable lid assembly  150  prohibiting the rotatable lid lever  150  from being released and the lid assembly  110  from being removed. Accordingly, as shown in  FIGS. 10A-10E , disassembling the water filtration system  100  comprises: (i) releasing rotatable rear lever  160  (reveals battery compartment  165 ); (ii) releasing rotatable lid lever  150 ; (iii) turning said lid assembly  110  in counter-clockwise fashion unlocking lid assembly teeth  111  ( FIGS. 4A, 4B and 7C ) from ring enclosure teeth  131  ( FIGS. 10B and 10E ); and (iv) removing said lid assembly  110  accessing the water filter cartridge  300 . More particularly, the lid assembly teeth  111  are on an inner surface of the compression cap  180 . Rotatable rear lever  160  conceals a battery compartment  165  containing batteries for powering various features of the water filtration system  100 . The rotatable rear lever  160  is held in place via a latch  162  on an inner surface of said rotatable rear level  160  and mount  163  on said ring enclosure  130 , namely the interface tower  115  thereof. 
     The position of the lid assembly teeth  111  and ring enclosure teeth  131  provide a secure connection while requiring a user to only turn the lid assembly  110  slightly or removal or attachment. For example, depending on the spacing of the lid assembly teeth  111  and ring enclosure teeth  131 , a user may need to only turn the lid assembly thirty degrees or less to allow for removal or attachment. This is unlike, and much more efficient than, a fully threaded arrangement which requires many complete turns (i.e., more than 360 degrees). 
     As configured, the lid assembly teeth  111  and ring enclosure teeth  131  are positioned to guarantee alignment of the lid assembly  110  with the ring enclosure  130 . Placing said lid assembly  110  on said ring enclosure  130  comprises: (i) with said rotatable lid lever  150  in open state, positioning said lid assembly  110  with the rotatable lid lever  150  proximate said interface member  115 ; (ii) lowering said lid assembly  110  with the lid assembly teeth  111  between said ring enclosure teeth  131  (the positions of the lid assembly teeth  111  and ring enclosure teeth  131  limit to one the proper orientation of the lid assembly  110  on the ring enclosure  130 ; (iii) turning said lid assembly  110  aligning said rotatable lid lever  150  with said rotatable rear lever  160  as lid assembly teeth  111  mate with ring enclosure teeth  131  locking said lid assembly  110  in place; (iv) closing said rotatable lid lever  150  to create a vacuum seal within said pressure vessel  135  and (v) closing said rotatable rear lever  160  thereby locking said rotatable lid lever  160 . The position of the lid assembly teeth  111  and ring enclosure teeth  131  provide a secure connection while requiring a user to only slightly turn the lid assembly  110  for attachment. As shown in  FIG. 4A , lowermost teeth  111 - 1  of each grouping of teeth  111  of said lid assembly  110  are flush with a lower edge of the compression cap  180  so that said lid assembly  110  cannot be lowered onto said ring enclosure  130  at all until said lid assembly teeth  111  are aligned with spaces in the ring enclosure teeth  131 . In one embodiment, the pattern of the teeth  111 ,  131  allows the lid assembly  110  to lower onto the ring enclosure  130  in a single orientation only. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded view of the pressure vessel sub-assembly  250  according to the embodiments of the present invention. The pressure vessel sub-assembly comprises broadly the pressure vessel  135 , exit fitting  251 , base member  252 , leak detector  253 , leak detector antenna  254 , impeller module housing  255 , impeller module  256 , O-rings  257 , elbow fitting  258  and exit gasket  259 . The impeller module  255  is configured to move purified water into purified water line (outlet)  122 . The electronic leak detector  253  is configured to detect water leaks beneath the pressure vessel  135  and generate a leak signal transmitted via leak detector antenna  254  to a receiver which triggers a leak light or other mechanism for alerting the user. In one embodiment, the pressure vessel  135  is fabricated of stainless steel. 
       FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate several views, namely a top, side and cross-sectional views, respectively, of the compression cap  180  according to the embodiments of the present invention. The compression cap  180  fits into the lid assembly  110  and retains the leaf spring  190 , gasket  200  and pressure cap  210  which operate collectively as set forth above to create a seal and vacuum within the pressure vessel  135 . 
       FIGS. 8A-8C  illustrate several views, namely perspective, side and cross-sectional views, respectively, of the pressure cap  210  according to the embodiments of the present invention. The pressure cap  210  includes a pair of overhangs  211  for retaining the leaf spring  190  such that the leaf spring  190  is able to move said pressure cap  210  responsive to movements of the rotatable lid lever  150  as described above. An outer lip  213  provides a support for the gasket  200  to rest against. 
       FIGS. 9A-9D  illustrate several views, namely upper, side, bottom and cross-sectional views, of the upper enclosure  170  according to the embodiments of the present invention. The upper enclosure receives the rotatable lid lever  150 , compression cap  180 , leaf spring  190 , gasket  200  and pressure cap  210  which collectively form the lid assembly  110 . 
     The above-described mechanical embodiments described above create a user-friendly water filtration system whereby users are able to easily change the water filter cartridge  300  and align the lid assembly  110  correctly without fail. Additionally, the electronic features of the water filtration system  100  as detailed below further enhance the user experience. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a block diagram  400  of an electronic system according to the embodiments of the present invention. An RFID tag  405  associated with each water filter cartridge  410  transmits an identification of a water filter cartridge. A reader (e.g., reading coil)  415  is configured to read the unique identification and either confirm the authenticity of the water filter cartridge identification in local memory and/or central memory via a Wi-Fi transmitter  420  configured to communicate with a Wi-Fi receiver  425  in communication with a centrally maintained server or similar computer hardware and software system. In either instance, the identification of the unique water filter cartridge  410  is compared to a stored water filter cartridge identification and water filtration system identification to authenticate that the correct water filter cartridge  410  in installed in the correct water filtration system. The transmitter  420  may be part of the reader  415  or separate therefrom. In one embodiment, the printed circuit board  145  controls the Wi-Fi transmitter  420  and the information or data it is instructed to transmit to the Wi-Fi receiver  425 . Received data is stored in a central server  430  or the like. The Wi-Fi receiver  425  may be part of the server  430  or separate therefrom. 
     The water filtration system includes means for determining when a water filter cartridge is spent. In one embodiment, a measurement turbine collects data sufficient to determine the status of the water filter cartridge. Other means may include time since installation, water quantity sensors, water quality sensors and the like. Once spent, the water filtration system notifies the user to change the water filter cartridge. In one embodiment, the water filtration system provides an advance notice indication that the water filter cartridge is close to replacement. In one embodiment, once the water filter cartridge is spent or lacks capacity, the water filter system shuts down and/or an alarm sounds intermittingly until a new water filter cartridge is installed. Once installed, the new water filter cartridge is authenticated as detailed herein. In one embodiment, the water filter system is configured to not operate (e.g., shut down or sound alarm intermittingly) unless the water filter cartridge is authenticated as (i) brand name; and/or (ii) lacks capacity. 
       FIG. 12  shows a flow chart  500  detailing the authentication process associated with the water filter cartridge  410 . At  505 , an identification associated with the water filter cartridge is read and associated with a particular water filter system. In one embodiment, the RFID tag  405  and reader  415  in the water filtration system associate the water filter cartridge identification with the particular water filtration system. Authentication my require that the format of the RFID tag  405  be of a correct type, as stored locally, at which point the water filter cartridge  410  is deemed authenticated. At  510 , the information related to the water filter cartridge identification and particular water filter system is stored locally. The information may also be optionally stored in a central, remote location. At  515 , water filtration system data is transmitted to a central location. The data is sent intermittingly to the central location as programmed into the water filtration system. The individual water filtration systems may be polled by the central location as well. At  520 , it is determined if the water filter is spent. If so, at  525 , the user is so notified via an alarm, activation of a shut-down indicator light, email, text or other communication. At  530 , responsive to the spent water filter cartridge being removed and a replacement water filter cartridge being placed into the water filter system, the water filter system checks the identification of the replacement water filter cartridge. At  535 , the water filter system seeks to authenticate the replacement water filter cartridge. Authentication may require that a new water filter identification be of the correct type and not match any identification associated with a previously spent water filter cartridge associated with the particular water filtration system as determined locally or any water filtration system as determined centrally. So, in one embodiment, the old water filter cartridge or off brand water filter cartridge will not be authenticated. At  540 , the new water filter cartridge identification is associated with the particular water filter system. At  545 , the information related to the new water filter cartridge identification and particular water filtration system is optionally transmitted to a central location and stored accordingly. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a second flow chart  600  detailing an authentication protocol according to the embodiments of the present invention. At  605 , a user is notified of a water filter cartridge issue (e.g., filter spent). At  610 , the user replaces the water filter cartridge with a new water filter cartridge and its ID is checked by the system. At  615 , it is determined if the new water filter cartridge is authentic. If not, the flow chart  600  loops back to  605 . If the new water filter cartridge is authentic, at  620 , the new water filter cartridge&#39;s ID is stored locally. At  625 , the new water filter cartridge&#39;s ID is checked with past usage. At  630 , the capacity of the new water filter cartridge is checked. If lacking capacity, the flow chart  600  loops back to  605 . If sufficient capacity exists, at  635 , the new water filter cartridge&#39;s ID is registered. At  640 , the ID and other data is sent to a central server. At  645 , normal use of the water filtration system resumes. 
     The printed circuit board  145  and Wi-Fi transmitter  420  may be configured to transmit certain performance data to the receiver  425 . For example, water usage by hour, day, week, etc., estimated remaining water filter cartridge life, functionality parameters, etc. This data can then be analyzed and used to provide feedback and suggestions to the user including: (i) an estimate of when the water filter cartridge will need to be replaced; (ii) water saving suggestions; and (iii) water usage data. In one embodiment, the user may automatically be sent a new water filter cartridge when the water filter system determines that the current water filter cartridge is near depletion. It is envisioned that in certain embodiments the user can disable the Wi-Fi capabilities. 
     The printed circuit board  145  includes a processing, chip, controller or the like which can be programmed to control the various electronic features of the water filtration system  100 . As used herein, the terms “seal” and “vacuum” encompass a substantial seal and substantial vacuum (not just absolute seals and vacuums) necessary to permit the water filtration system  100  or other system utilizing the lid assembly  100  to function properly. 
     Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to several embodiments, additional variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 2