Aerosol Generation System with Electrostatic and Inertial Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aerosol generator nozzles fail to meet the varying standard requirements for aerosol particle size across different countries and regions, necessitating a device capable of generating aerosol particles with adjustable sizes for effective filtration efficiency testing of filter materials.

Innovation Solution

An aerosol generation system featuring a two-stage separation process using primary and secondary separation assemblies with adjustable voltage and mechanical components, including electrode plates and an impact block, to achieve precise separation of aerosol particles by size, allowing for customization of particle size ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional aerosol generator nozzles (Laskin, Colin structures) are used, then aerosol particles can be generated, but the particle size range is fixed and cannot meet the standard requirements of aerosols in various countries and regions simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerosol particle size rangeVSAvoidseparation assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separation assembly is divided into multiple independent separation chambers (first separation chamber, second separation chamber, etc.), each capable of separating aerosol particles within specific particle size ranges. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple particle size specifications simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity by organizing complex functionality into modular, manageable units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separation assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can separate aerosol particles into different particle size ranges (e.g., 0.3-1.0 μm, 1.0-3.0 μm, 3.0-10.0 μm) to meet different national standards (Chinese, European Union, American standards). This multi-functional design enables a single device to satisfy diverse testing requirements without needing multiple specialized nozzles, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single nozzle structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot achieve separation of aerosol particles into different particle size ranges required by multiple national standards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompliance with multiple national standardsVSAvoidmulti-chamber separation assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the aerosol generation and separation process into distinct functional modules: multiple nozzle structures (Laskin, Colin, and other types) for generating aerosols with different characteristics, followed by a multi-chamber separation assembly. Each separation chamber is optimized for specific particle size ranges, allowing the system to comply with multiple national standards through structured segmentation of complex functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separation chambers are arranged in a nested or sequential configuration where the outlet of one separation chamber connects to the inlet of the next. This nested arrangement allows aerosol particles to progress through multiple separation stages, with each stage refining the particle size distribution further. The nesting principle enables compact integration of multiple separation functions within a unified assembly, managing complexity through hierarchical organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively separates aerosol particles into different size ranges, meeting multiple national standards with adjustable settings, ensuring high filtration efficiency testing capabilities and simplicity in operation.

Implementation Method 1

a pair of electrode plates arranged within the primary separation chamber and located between its inlet and outlet, and a power supply connected to the pair of electrode plates to apply a voltage to them

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

the pair of electrode plates is arranged horizontally up and down, a channel extending in a horizontal direction is formed between the pair of electrode plates, and holes are provided on the lower electrode plate, and are used for the passage of aerosol particles separated in the primary separation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic separation: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 3

the impact block can move in the direction close to and away from the inlet of the secondary separation chamber. The secondary separation assembly can select an impact distance specifically by adjusting the distance between the impact block and the inlet of the secondary separation chamber, thereby achieving the separation of aerosol particles with larger particle sizes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInertial force: Inertia

Data Source

PatentUS20240344957A1Aerosol generating system
Publication Date: 2024.10.17 JIANGSU SUJING GRP CO LTD
  • US20240344957A1 patent drawing
  • US20240344957A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An aerosol generation system is provided, including an aerosol generator, a primary separation assembly, and a secondary separation assembly, the primary separation assembly includes a primary separation chamber and a pair of electrode plates, an inlet of the primary separation chamber is connected to an outlet of the aerosol generator, and a channel is formed between the pair of the electrode plates for aerosol particles to pass through; the secondary separation assembly comprises a secondary separation chamber, and an inlet of the secondary separation chamber is connected to an outlet of the primary separation chamber. The present disclosure achieves the requirements of different standard particle sizes for filter material testing equipment, the output of aerosols with different particle sizes and concentrations can be achieved by adjusting the voltage and length of the electrode plates, or the size and distance of the mechanical separation plate.