Upstream;
filtering microplastics particles through air pressure
filtering microplastics particles through air pressure
Upstream specifically focusses on filtering microplastics from drinking water in consumer households. As consumers would be more willing to spend money on a solution that directly benefits them, rather than using different methods such as washing machine filters that filter synthetic fibres from clothing.
We strive to find a solution that effectively filters microplastics from water and by doing so, leave a positive impact on the environment.
After testing, we concluded that our product filters around 50% of microplastics from drinking water. We achieved this by seperating the plastic particles from water by using air as a filtering mechanism.
After testing, we concluded that our product filters around 50% of microplastics from drinking water. We achieved this by seperating the plastic particles from water by using air as a filtering mechanism.
Project Brief
Microplastics are very small pieces of plastic that pollute the environment. Microplastics are not a specific kind of plastic, but rather any type of plastic fragment that is less than 5 mm in length.
Researchers have estimated that the average person consumes more than 74.000 particles of plastic each year.
Researchers have estimated that the average person consumes more than 74.000 particles of plastic each year.
Ideas4Concepts wanted a solution that minimizes microplastics in the ecosystem.
Group Project
Duration: 10 weeks
Contribution: Ideation, Look & Feel Design, Visuals, Project Management
Duration: 10 weeks
Contribution: Ideation, Look & Feel Design, Visuals, Project Management
Ideation
After a lot of ideating and brainstorming, we opted to design a stand-alone unit. This would enable the user to filter drinking water, without the hassle of connecting and installing a system onto your faucet.
Look & Feel
As Upstream wil be placed in consumer households, we wanted to make sure its design blends in the location, in this case, Kitchens. Because of this we opted for monochrome steel finishes with matte black accents.
Final Design
Upstream uses a small submersible pump in combination with an air pump attached to a diffuser. This creates a bubble screen that effectively filters microplastics from drinking water.
The final CAD model is modelled in SolidWorks, rendered in Keyshot, and touched up in Adobe Photoshop.
