DESC:FORM 2

THE PATENT ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003

PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION

(See section 10 and Rule 13)

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

“Device for cleaning and remote monitoring of Purification Apparatus”

APPLICANT

Eureka Forbes Limited

The following Specification particularly describes the invention.

TITLE OF THE INVENTION
“Device for cleaning and remote monitoring of Purification Apparatus”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a water purification cleaning device, wherein the device automates the cleaning of the purification apparatus and remotely captures water quality parameters to provide for effective cleaning and monitoring and enhance the life of said water purification device.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
It is an objective of the present invention, to provide a new and improved system for cleaning of the water purification apparatus, which reduces the dependency on human (or) manual cleaning.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide an effective water purification apparatus wherein the periodic maintenance of the purification cartridge and tank cleaning process is automated for different types of purification technology.
It is an objective of the present invention, to provide an improved method of collecting water quality parameters from the purification apparatus such that the data collected are stored for future monitoring for the water purification apparatus.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a comprehensive water purification cleaning device that reduces the dependency on manual cleaning and reduces the inefficiency associated with the same and less time consuming.

RELEVANT PRIOR ART OF THE INVENTION
Purified water is the need of the hour. Distillation has been an effective method of removing water from all its toxins, and bacteria. However, with the advent of recent technologies, Water Purification technology there is huge demand for water purifiers in every household to product pure and clean water for consumption.
The existing water purification technology is generally used only for water purification. Various technologies such as Ultraviolet treatment, Nano-filtration and Reverse Osmosis (R.O.) treatment or the like is to make the water purer, cleaner or remove water containing trace elements, minerals to make it more effective for consumption. These and other known treatment of water in principle work towards removing all possible containments in the water to make it pure. The different type of water purification technology is selected based on various parameters such as TDS of the source water, availability of water, presence of pesticides or disinfectants. The commonly selected purification technology is the Reverse Osmosis technology or the Ultraviolet technology or a combination of both.
The Reverse osmosis technology uses the Reverse Osmosis membrane wherein source water is allowed to pass through the filter under pressure to remove any bacteria or suspended particles and make water fit for drinking. Similarly, when the source water has less TDS, the Ultraviolet technology kills all microorganisms including pathogens to make water safe for drinking.
In any typical water purification system, there is a need for periodic maintenance of the purification apparatus to enhance the life of the purifier. The periodic maintenance involves the cleaning of each cartridge in the purification independently, such as cleaning the sediment filter followed by cleaning the membrane filter such as nano filter or RO (Reverse Osmosis) filter, wherein the cleaning process involves the removal of salt and ion deposits on the filter of the membrane surface and cleaning of the tank wherein the water is stored for dispensing for drinking. Periodic maintenance avoids any chances of contamination via the storage tank and increase the efficiency of the filtration cartridge.
It is to be noted that the present protocol for periodic maintenance involves a service person visiting the physical location of the purification apparatus, removing or dismantling the apparatus to physically remove each cartridge, adding cleaning solution into the cartridge and circulating the cleaning solution within the cartridge to remove all sat deposits that have been deposited on the surface. The process involves repeating the same for each of the cartridge in the water purification apparatus until the entire or almost the entire salts and ions are removed that is calculated by the skill of the service person.
In addition to the cartridge cleaning, the storage tank of the apparatus is cleaned manually by draining the water and adding cleaning tablet or solution and manually rinsing the storage tank and washing the same before assembling the entire water purification apparatus.
The major disadvantage of the present system of periodic maintenance or periodic cleaning of the cartridge and/or storage cleaning tank is the dependency of a human and the skill of the person to effectively conduct the cleaning procedure. In few cases, the person does an ineffective cleaning operation in shorter duration of time, and this leads to ineffective membrane cleaning and hence reduces the life of the cartridge.
Furthermore, the cleaning of the storage tank is to be performed manually using the rinsing action of the human hand. This said process although, using a cleansing solution does not provide an effective cleansing of the storage tank.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need for methods and apparatuses for effectively and efficiently cleaning cartridge filters and storage tank such that the device can effectively reduce the dependency on the human and automate and provide 100 percent cleansing efficiency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWIGNS
The object of the invention may be understood in more details and more particularly description of the invention briefly summarized above by reference to certain embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings, which drawings form a part of this specification. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective equivalent embodiments
Figure I illustrate a water purification cleaning device of the present invention – back side view
Figure II illustrate a water purification cleaning device of the present invention – front side view
Figure III (a) illustrates a block diagram of the water purification cleaning of the present invention connected to a RO / RO+UV based water purification apparatus
Figure III (b) illustrates a block diagram of the water purification cleaning of the present invention connected to a UV (Filter) based water purification apparatus
Figure III (c) illustrates a block diagram of the water purification cleaning of the present invention connected to a UV (Filter and Storage) based water purification apparatus

DETAILED SPECIFICATION OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantages, details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
In one embodiment the present invention relates to a water purifier cleaning device (101), that enables an automated and effective periodic maintenance of a purification apparatus to enhance the life of the water purification apparatus.
The present invention relates to a water purifier cleaning device (101), wherein the automated device allows the cleaning operation to be customised for various purification technology of the water purifier such as R.O. membrane-based purification or UV based purification or both R.O. and UV based technology.
The present invention relates to a water purifier cleaning device (101) for water purification apparatus (102), more particularly a cleaning device for cartridge cleaning and storage tank cleaning of said purification apparatus (102).
In yet another embodiment, the said water purifier cleaning device (101) comprises a filter cartridge cleaning component (103) and a storage tank cleaning component (104).
In one embodiment, the filter cartridge cleaning component (103) comprises cleansing composition such as disinfectants, organic acids, inorganic acids or others known in the art to perform cleansing action of the cartridge.
In yet another embodiment, the storage tank cleaning component (104) comprises cleansing composition (105-a) such as chemical based disinfectants, organic acids, inorganic acids, and physical methods such as based on electrolysis technology or others technology known in the art to perform the cleansing action of the storage tank
In one embodiment, the cleaning composition (105-a) is in the form of tablet or liquid or concentrate or a cartridge in the device programmed to release predetermined amount of the cleaning composition during the operation of the said purifier cleansing device of the present invention.
In one embodiment, the cleaning composition (105-a) of the water purifier cleansing device (101), wherein the filter cartridge cleaning component (104) works by decalcification by recirculation (DBR) (105), wherein the cleansing solution is recirculated for a predetermined period of time until the calcified deposits in the cartridge or membrane are removed from the surface of the same.
In one embodiment, the present water purifier cleaning device (101) of the present invention comprises a controller (106) that is electronically programmed to perform the functions of the device (101) and interact between the components of the said device (101) and external water purification apparatus (102) to effectively initiate and complete the entire cleaning process (100).
In one embodiment, the said water purifier cleaning device (101) further comprises an algorithm (107) wherein the user is required to authenticate to login to access the said device, select the technology of the purification apparatus (102) from RO, UV or R.O and UV, and initiate the process of cleaning (100) of the cartridge cleaning and storage tank cleaning. The algorithm (107) communicates with the controller (106) of the water purifier cleaning device (101) performs the cleaning process for a predetermined time and indicates the completion of the cleaning process via an indicator (108) located on the said device (101) of the present invention.
In one embodiment, the said algorithm (107) is embedded or downloaded into a communication medium, wherein the said communication medium is a smart phone, tablet or a device with the algorithm (107) or wherein the algorithm (107) is downloaded as an application.
In one embodiment, the water purifier cleaning device (101) enables the user or the service personnel to select the cleaning process (100) from Reverse Osmosis (RO) based purification technology (101-a), (or) Ultraviolet (UV) based purification technology with inline-Filter (101-b) or Ultraviolet (UV) based purification technology with storage tank (101-c).
In one embodiment, the purifier cleaning device (101) is connected to the water purification apparatus (102) via various ports (109) and (110). In one embodiment, Port (109) of the device (101) is connected to a DBR bowl (105) and Port (110) of the device (101) is connected to an input source water such as a tap water. The said port (109) and (110) are connected to the water purification apparatus (102) to be serviced and provides the filter cleaning process.
In one embodiment, the purifier cleaning device (101) is connected to the water purification apparatus (102) via various ports (111) – (113). In one embodiment, Port (111) and Port (112) of the device (101) is connected to the storage tank and Port (113) is connected to the reject valve of the water purification apparatus (102). The said port (111) when placed in the storage tank pulls cleaning solution from the storage tank and port (112) when placed in the storage tank circulates the cleaning solution to the storage tank of the water purification apparatus (102). The Port (113) when connected collects the water from the reject valve of the water purification apparatus (102). The said ports (111), (112) and (110) are connected to the water purification apparatus (102) to be serviced and provides the tank cleaning process.
In one embodiment, the purifier cleaning device (101) wherein the filter cartridge cleaning component (103) is connected via the said ports (109) and (110) to the purification apparatus (102), the cleaning composition, is liquified and circulated and re-circulated through the cartridge assembly in the water purification apparatus (102). The cleaning solution is recirculated for a predetermined time until complete cleaning of the salt and ion and impurities deposited on the surface of the membrane are removed from the filter cartridges.
In yet another embodiment, the purifier cleaning device (101) wherein the tank cleaning component (104) is connected via said ports (111), (112) and (113) to the water purification apparatus (102), the water is allowed to pass through the purifier cleaning device (101) and using electrolysis technology the water is purified and the storage tank is effectively cleansed.
In an alternative embodiment, the water from the storage tank is passed through the disinfectant cleaning solution mixed with the water in the storage tank via the said ports (111), (112) and (113) and cleansing action accomplished for the water purified.
In one embodiment, the water from the storage tank is passed through the purifier cleaning device (101) for a predetermined amount of time and recirculated until effective cleaning process (100) is accomplished.
In one embodiment the predetermined time of cleaning for the cartridge and storage tank is selected from 10 mins, 12 mins, 15 mins or 20 mins. In yet another embodiment, the predetermined time for cleansing of the cartridge and storage tank is 10 mins.
In yet another embodiment, the said purifier cleaning device (101) is operated via the communication medium with the algorithm (107), wherein the method includes connecting the purifier cleaning device (101) to the communication medium that is user authenticated and enables transmitting data of the water purifier cleaning device (101) and the water purification apparatus (102) and monitor and control the entire cleaning process (100) for the predetermined amount of time.
In one embodiment, the purifier cleaning device (101) communicates with the communication medium via any know communication technology known in the art such as but not limited to wireless connection interface such as, for example, a Bluetooth connection interface, a Zigbee connection interface, a UltraWideBand (UWB) connection interface, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) connection interface, an infrared ray connection interface, a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) connection interface, a Near Field Communication (NFC) connection interface, and/or the like. Namely, the communication interface may include various types of communication connection interfaces that can be connected with the purifier cleaning device of the present invention. In one embodiment, the said communication technology includes a plurality of ports and a plurality of wireless communication modules for a connection with a plurality of the water purifier cleaning device (101).
In one embodiment, once the communication is established between the communication medium and the water purifier cleaning device (101), the device requires the authentication of registered user via safe authentication technology known in the art but not limited a registered login with password, randomly generated one time password, biometric enabled authentication or the like.
In one embodiment, once the authentication is established between the communication medium and the purifier cleaning device(101) of the present invention, the user selects the technology of the water purification apparatus (102) and initiates the filter cartridge cleaning process (103) and the storage tank cleaning process (104). The purifier cleaning device (101) performs the cleaning process (100) for the predetermined amount of time and the said device indicates the completion of the cleaning of water purification apparatus (102).
In one optional embodiment, the service personnel additionally capture key water quality parameters, wherein the key water quality parameters that are captured before and after the cleaning process comprises input TDS of the water, the Output TDS of the water, pressure of the source water, Hardness of the water or the like. Further, the captured data is stored in a server remotely stored for effectively monitoring the product quality.
In one embodiment, the completion of the cleaning process (100) is confirmed by the authentication by the user of the water purification apparatus, wherein the user provides the authentication such as a signature or feedback or both to effectively record the satisfaction of the water purification apparatus (102) cleaning using the purifier cleaning device (101) of the present invention.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a cleaning process (100) of the water purification apparatus (102), using the water purifier cleaning device (101) comprising
a. connecting to the water purification apparatus (102) via Ports (109) and (110) of the water purifier cleaning device (101), wherein the Port (109) of the device (101) is connected to a DBR bowl (105) and Port (110) of the device (101) is connected to an input source water
b. connecting to the water purification apparatus (102) via ports (111), (112) and (113) of the water purifier cleaning device (101), wherein Port (111) and Port (112) is connected to the storage tank and Port (113) is connected to the reject valve of the water purification apparatus (102)
c. establishing the communication of the said water purifier cleaning device (101) with the application and authenticating the user to perform the cleaning process,
c. selecting the technology of the water purification apparatus and initiating the cleaning process (100) of the cartridge and/or storage tank for the predetermined amount of time by circulating the cleaning solutions or by electrolysis,
d. capturing the key water quality parameters such as Input water TDS, output Water TDS, filter life, hardness and the like and transmitting to a data storage device such as a server, and
e. completion of the cleaning process (100) at the end of the predetermined amount of time and accepting user acceptance to authenticate the completion process.
In one embodiment, the present invention advantageously reduces the dependency on human skill and time and hence reduce the error or inaccuracy in the cleaning process of the water purification apparatus.
In one embodiment, the present invention standardizes and automates the cleaning process of the filters and storage tank reducing the contamination that might possible occur due to the existing cleaning process done by service personnel or users.
In one embodiment, the present invention reduces the need for cleaning of individual cartridge with water and cleaning solution and hence provides an environmentally friendly and cost effective and less time-consuming cleaning for the water purification apparatus
In one embodiment, the present invention provides safe and effective removal of the any salt or ions deposited on the surface of the filter membrane and such that increase the life of the membrane and overall increase the life of the water purification apparatus, resulting in the need to replace fewer cartridge and hence cost effective for the user of the water purification apparatus
In one embodiment the present invention provides effective cleaning of the water purifier cartridge more importantly without the need to dismantle and re assemble the purification apparatus before and after the cleaning process.
EXAMPLE
Example 1: Cleaning of Water purification apparatus using the Water purifier cleaning device of the present invention
The water purifier cleaning device (101) of the present invention is connected to the water purification apparatus (102) with three different purification technology namely R.O. (Magna), UV (Reviva) and R.O+UV. The task mode, type of purification, cleaning mode, run time and completion status and description of the purifier cleaning device is captured during the process. Table 1 provides the captured data of the use of the water purifier cleaning device.
Task Type Conducted On State Product Type Cleaning Mode Run Time (Sec) Description
Cleaning 12.07.2022 12:31 COMPLETED RO RO Mode 600 Cleaning completed
Cleaning 12.07.2022 16:44 FAILED RO+UV RO Mode 8 Flow error
Cleaning 13.07.2022 12:09 FAILED RO+UV RO Mode 478 AAA error
Cleaning 13.07.2022 12:20 COMPLETED RO+UV RO Mode 600 Cleaning completed
Cleaning 13.07.2022 15:29 COMPLETED RO+UV RO Mode 600 Cleaning completed
Cleaning 13.07.2022 16:15 COMPLETED RO RO Mode 600 Cleaning completed
Cleaning 13.07.2022 16:35 COMPLETED RO RO Mode 600 Cleaning completed
Cleaning 13.07.2022 17:11 COMPLETED RO RO Mode 600 Cleaning completed
Cleaning 14.07.2022 13:15 COMPLETED RO RO Mode 600 Cleaning completed
Cleaning 14.07.2022 13:40 COMPLETED RO RO Mode 600 Cleaning completed
Cleaning 14.07.2022 18:07 COMPLETED RO RO Mode 600 Cleaning completed
Cleaning 15.07.2022 13:25 COMPLETED RO RO Mode 600 Cleaning completed
Cleaning 15.07.2022 14:11 COMPLETED RO RO Mode 600 Cleaning completed
Cleaning 16.07.2022 16:40 COMPLETED RO+UV RO Mode 600 Cleaning completed
Cleaning 19.07.2022 12:20 COMPLETED RO RO Mode 600 Cleaning completed
Cleaning 19.07.2022 13:21 FAILED RO+UV RO Mode 43 AAA error
Cleaning 19.07.2022 16:02 COMPLETED RO RO Mode 600 Cleaning completed
Cleaning 21.07.2022 12:37 COMPLETED RO+UV RO Mode 600 Cleaning completed
While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of, and not restrictive on, the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein
Dated 21st December 2022
S. Priyadarsini – IN/PA 1677 ,CLAIMS:CLAIMS
We Claim,

1. A water purifier cleaning device (101) providing automated cleaning of a water purification apparatus (102) comprising a Filter cartridge cleaning component (103), a Storage tank cleaning component (104), a DBR bowl (105) and a controller (106) to improve the performance of the cartridge of the water purification apparatus (102).

2. A water purifier cleaning device (101) providing automated cleaning of a water purification apparatus (102) comprising
a. Filter cartridge cleaning component (103) further comprising ports (109) connected to a DBR bowl (105) and port (110) connected to a source of water
b. Storage tank cleaning component (104) further comprising ports (111) and (112) connected to the storage tank and (port 113) connected to the reject valve of the water purification apparatus (102)
c. A DBR bowl (105) comprising a cleansing solution (105-a) which is circulated via the filter cartridge cleaning component (103) to remove any impurities and deposits from one or more cartridge and the storage tank of the water purification apparatus (102)
d. A controller (106) programmed to electronically operate the water purifier cleaning device operated via an algorithm (107) for a predetermined time to initiate and complete the cleaning process (100).

3. The cleansing composition (105-a) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cleansing action is by chemical cleansing composition selected from disinfectants, organic acids and inorganic acids and its combination thereof.

4. The cleansing composition (105-a) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cleansing action is by physical cleansing by electrolysis.

5. The water purifier cleaning device (101) as claimed in claim 1, is connected toa a communication medium via algorithm (107) using wireless connection interface.

6. The water purifier cleaning device (101) as claimed in claim 1, when connected to the water purification apparatus (102) captures water quality parameters comprising Input water TDS, output Water TDS, filter life, hardness, remaining life of the membrane and transmits to remote data storage server device.

7. The water purifier cleaning device (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water purification apparatus cleaning process (100) is initiated after a safe user authentication process.

8. A process for cleaning the water purification apparatus, comprising
a. connecting to the water purification apparatus (102) via Ports (109) and (110) of the water purifier cleaning device (101), wherein the Port (109) of the device (101) is connected to a DBR bowl (105) and Port (110) of the device (101) is connected to an input source water
b. connecting to the water purification apparatus (102) via ports (111), (112) and (113) of the water purifier cleaning device (101), wherein Port (111) and Port (112) is connected to the storage tank and Port (113) is connected to the reject valve of the water purification apparatus (102)
c. establishing the communication of the said water purifier cleaning device (101) with the application and authenticating the user to perform the cleaning process,
d. selecting the technology of the water purification apparatus and initiating the cleaning process (100) of the cartridge and/or storage tank for the predetermined amount of time by circulating the cleaning solutions or by electrolysis,
e. capturing the key water quality parameters such as Input water TDS, output Water TDS, filter life, hardness and the like and transmitting to a data storage device such as a server, and
f. completion of the cleaning process (100) at the end of the predetermined amount of time and accepting user acceptance to authenticate the completion process.

Dated 21st December 2022
S. Priyadarsini – IN/PA 1677