Portable Water Filtration Unit for Outdoor Adventures
Personal Project (2020-present)
Role:
Inventor & Mechanical Engineer
Tools/Technologies used:
SolidWorks, 3D Printing, MATLAB
Duration:
Ongoing, started in January 2020
Team size:
Individual Project
Project Objective
Recognizing the need for a portable, efficient, and easy-to-use water filtration system for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers, this project aimed to design a compact unit that ensures safe drinking water from natural sources.
Process & Challenges
The initial phase involved researching the best filtration materials and mechanisms. Several prototypes were developed and tested in real-world scenarios. A key challenge was ensuring the filtration system was both lightweight for easy transport and durable enough to withstand rough outdoor conditions. Ensuring a fast flow rate without compromising the quality of filtration was another design hurdle.
Outcomes & Impact
The current iteration of the filtration unit is capable of filtering up to 1000 liters of water with a single replaceable cartridge. It efficiently removes 99.99% of waterborne bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics. Due to its compact size and user-friendly design, it's become a constant companion on my outdoor adventures, ensuring I always have access to clean drinking water.
Conclusion & Learnings
This personal project has been a true testament to the power of iterative design and hands-on testing. It's highlighted the importance of user experience in product design, as a filtration unit's efficiency is as much about its speed and ease of use as its filtration quality.