Electrostatic Air Cleaner Electrode Coating to Inhibit Microbial Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrostatic precipitation type air cleaners face issues with the propagation of microorganisms and secondary contamination on the collection module, leading to bad odors and potential health risks due to decomposed organic matter and bacterial growth.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a coating layer with 0.5w% to 5w% zinc oxide on the high and low voltage electrode plates of the collection module, combined with a dielectric member and conductive member, to inhibit microbial growth and enhance antibacterial functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dust particles are collected on the collection module, then dust collection efficiency is improved, but microorganism propagation and secondary contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies zinc oxide coating on the collection module surfaces to convert the harmful effect of dust accumulation into a beneficial antibacterial function. Zinc oxide is known for its antimicrobial properties, and by coating the collection electrodes with this material, the patent transforms the collection module from a potential source of contamination into an active antimicrobial agent that prevents bacterial growth on collected dust particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structure by combining zinc oxide particles with the collection module surface material. This creates a composite coating that maintains the electrical conductivity needed for electrostatic precipitation while adding antimicrobial functionality through the zinc oxide component, thus addressing both dust collection and microorganism prevention requirements.
2Quantity of substance
If organic matter accumulates on the collection module, then dust collection capacity is improved, but bad odors are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The zinc oxide coating transforms the potential harm of organic matter decomposition into a beneficial outcome by providing continuous antimicrobial action. The coating prevents bacterial growth on accumulated organic matter, thereby preventing decomposition and odor generation while allowing the collection module to maintain its full dust collection capacity.
3Productivity
If bacteria multiply in collected dust, then dust collection function is maintained, but secondary contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The collection module becomes self-protecting through the zinc oxide coating, which provides continuous passive antimicrobial activity without requiring external energy input or control systems. The coating inherently prevents bacterial multiplication on collected dust, enabling the module to maintain its dust collection function while automatically preventing secondary contamination.
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 zinc oxide coating effectively inhibits the propagation of bacteria and microorganisms, providing a safe and odor-free environment while maintaining high surface hardness and antimicrobial activity.
Implementation Method 1
The coating layer includes 0.5w% to 5w% of zinc oxide... The zinc oxide coating effectively inhibits the propagation of bacteria and microorganisms
Implementation Method 2
a charging module to charge particles by an applied power
Implementation Method 3
a collection module to collect the charged particles, the collection module including at least one high voltage electrode plate and at least one low voltage electrode plate
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrostatic precipitation type air cleaner is disclosed herein. The air cleaner includes a charging module to charge dust particles by applied power and a collection module to collect the dust particles charged by the charging module. The collection module includes high voltage electrode plates and low voltage electrode plates disposed opposite the high voltage electrode plates so as to form air passages with the high voltage electrode plates, at least one of the high voltage electrode plates and the low voltage electrode plates includes a conductive member, a dielectric member to surround at least a part of the conductive member and coating layers configured to coat the surfaces of the dielectric member, and the coating layer includes 0.5w% to 5w% of zinc oxide. The coating layer including 0.5w% to 5w% of zinc oxide may have high antimicrobial activity and maintain high surface hardness.