Air Ionization System with Ozone Removal to Reduce Harmful Byproducts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air ionization systems face issues such as insufficient ozone levels for effective air cleaning, lack of configurability, complexity, high costs, and poor modular design, which hinder their ability to efficiently remove particulates and sanitize air streams.
Innovation Solution
The development of air ionization devices and systems incorporating an ozone dampening catalyst and a modular ionization tube configuration, along with a controller that measures and adjusts ionization levels, allows for effective ozone removal and intelligent control of air purification, enabling higher negative ionization levels and improved air filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air ionization systems generate high ionization levels to effectively clean and sanitize air streams, then air purification effectiveness is improved, but ozone levels become unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using the ozone generated during ionization as a precursor that is subsequently converted into beneficial negative ions through a two-stage process. The first stage generates ozone and positive ions, then the second stage converts the ozone into negative ions, effectively transforming the harmful ozone byproduct into a useful component for air sanitization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ozone as an intermediary substance in the air ionization process. The ionization tube first generates ozone, which then serves as a medium that is converted into negative ions by the corona discharge process, acting as a bridge between the initial ionization and the final air purification outcome.
2Device complexity
If air ionization systems use simple fixed configurations, then device complexity is reduced, but configurability and intelligent control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the ionization system adjustable and adaptable through multiple ionization tubes that can be independently controlled. The system allows dynamic configuration where tubes can be activated or deactivated based on air quality requirements, and the ionization level can be modified by adjusting the number of active tubes or their positioning within the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the ionization system into multiple separate ionization tubes rather than using a single fixed unit. This modular approach allows individual tubes to be independently controlled, positioned, or replaced, providing configurability and intelligent control while maintaining manageable system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If air ionization systems are designed as integrated non-modular units, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but serviceability and replaceability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by designing the ionization system with modular components including separate ionization tubes, a removable housing, and distinct mounting structures. This allows individual tubes to be replaced independently and the housing to be serviced separately, improving maintainability while keeping each module relatively simple to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the ionization tubes as removable, replaceable components from the overall system. The tubes can be taken out and replaced independently without disassembling the entire unit, and the housing can be removed for cleaning or maintenance, thereby improving serviceability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for each separate component.
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 solution achieves enhanced air filtration and sanitization by ensuring sufficient ozone removal and adjustable ionization levels, addressing the limitations of previous systems while providing a modular and cost-effective solution for air cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
The air is ionized by the ionization tube, which usually creates some ozone
Implementation Method 2
The ozone dampening catalyst removes at least some of the ozone created by ionizing molecules in the air
Data Source
AI summary
Ionization systems and methods include moving air into contact with one or more ion generators and then past an ozone removal assembly to remove at least some ozone from the air. The air may be moved by a fan and may be filtered before contacting the one or more ion generators. The amount of one or more of the following of the air may be measured: the amount of ions, particulates, temperature, humidity, and other relevant factors. The ionization amount may be adjusted based on one or more of the measured amounts. The one or more ion generators and ozone removal assembly may be constructed as part of a single unit so they can be removed and replaced easily.