Air conditioning comprising an electrostatic atomizing apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrostatic atomizing apparatuses face issues with clogging, low reliability, high power consumption, and complex structures, particularly due to the use of ceramics and ultrasonic transducers, which lead to inefficiencies in mist generation and bacterial eradication in refrigerators and air conditioners.
Innovation Solution
The use of foam metal with large pore diameters and high voidage for the discharge electrode, along with a simplified water supply path and integrated cooling plate design, enables efficient nano-size mist generation and bacterial eradication without the need for a separate water reservoir or complex conveying systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ceramic materials are used for the conveying part, then water can be conveyed through capillary action, but the small pore diameter (0.1 to 3 μm) causes clogging and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a porous metal plate instead of ceramic materials for the water conveying part. The porous metal plate has larger pore diameters compared to ceramic materials, which prevents clogging while maintaining capillary water conveyance capability. This improves reliability by eliminating the clogging issue associated with small-pore ceramic structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from ceramic to porous metal, which alters the pore diameter parameter from 0.1 to 3 μm to a larger value. This parameter change resolves the clogging problem while maintaining the capillary action mechanism for water conveyance.
2Reliability
If ultrasonic transducers are used for mist generation, then mist can be generated, but power consumption increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ultrasonic transducer (mechanical vibration-based mist generation) with an electrostatic atomizing apparatus. The electrostatic atomizing apparatus uses electric field forces to atomize water droplets, eliminating the need for mechanical ultrasonic vibration. This substitution reduces power consumption and increases operational reliability without requiring frequent maintenance.
3Reliability
If a separate water reservoir and conveying system are used, then water supply is ensured, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water reservoir function with the cooling plate by allowing the cooling plate to serve dual purposes: cooling air and providing water supply through condensation. The conveying part is integrated into this merged structure, eliminating the need for separate water reservoirs and complex conveying systems. This reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining reliable water supply through natural condensation and capillary action.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling plate is designed to perform multiple functions: it cools the air passing through it and simultaneously serves as a water supply source through condensation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated water storage and conveying components, simplifying the overall system structure.
4Reliability
If ceramic materials with electrical resistance are used, then electrical insulation is provided, but nano-size mist generation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a porous metal plate instead of ceramic materials. The porous metal plate provides both electrical insulation (when dry) and efficient water conveyance through its porous structure. The larger pore diameter improves water supply to the atomizing electrodes, enhancing nano-size mist generation efficiency while maintaining necessary electrical insulation properties.
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
This solution results in a reliable, low-cost, and efficient electrostatic atomizing apparatus that can operate for extended periods with reduced power consumption, ensuring consistent mist generation and bacterial eradication within refrigerators and air conditioners.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic atomizing apparatus that generates nano-size mist
Implementation Method 2
a cooling panel that condenses moisture in air in the refrigerator
Implementation Method 3
a conveying part for conveying water by capillary action
Data Source
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AI summary
It is an object to provide an electrostatic atomizing apparatus (200) which is simply structured, is easy to assemble, is low in cost, has clogging resistance against foreign matter, can be used for a long time, and is highly reliable, or a home electrical appliance such as a refrigerator, air conditioner, etc. including the electrostatic atomizing apparatus (200). A discharge electrode (230) formed of foam metal, whereto water that attaches to a surface is supplied by capillary action, a counter electrode (240) provided so as to be opposed to the discharge electrode (230), and a water supply means that is provided directly above the discharge electrode (230) via a predetermined clearance, supplying water to the discharge electrode or the electrode holding part (220), are included.