Asymmetrical Waveform Ionizer for Precise Surface Charge Neutralization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ionizers fail to achieve low residual charges of +/-10V on surfaces without increasing manufacturing costs, as they do not adapt ion generation to the surface charge polarity and degree.

Innovation Solution

An ionizer with an alternating voltage source and a control device that adjusts an asymmetrical waveform on the primary side of a transformer, adapting ion generation to surface charge imbalances by modifying half-wave amplitudes and slopes, and using surface charge data for dynamic control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If symmetrical alternating voltage waveform is used for ionization, then simple hardware design is maintained, but ion balance cannot be optimized for different surface charge conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion balance optimizationVSAvoidwaveform control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by modifying the alternating voltage waveform to have different positive and negative half-wave characteristics. The control device adjusts the waveform parameters (amplitude, duration, or shape) of each half-wave independently, enabling asymmetric ion generation that adapts to different surface charge conditions without requiring complex additional hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Manufacturing precision

If ion generation is increased to achieve lower residual charges, then neutralization effectiveness improves, but energy consumption and potential over-ionization increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidual charge control precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the waveform parameters adjustable and adaptive. The control device dynamically modifies the alternating voltage waveform based on detected surface charge conditions, optimizing ion generation in real-time to achieve precise residual charge control while minimizing energy consumption through condition-based adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional hardware is added to adapt ion generation to surface charge, then ion balance optimization is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface charge adaptationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a control device that performs multiple functions: it detects surface charge conditions, generates control signals, and adjusts the waveform parameters all in one integrated unit. This multi-functional approach achieves surface charge adaptation without requiring separate additional hardware components for each function

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

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

Efficiently neutralizes surface charges to achieve residual charges below +/-10V, optimizing ion balance without additional hardware and ensuring controlled discharge.

Implementation Method 1

an active ionizer which ionizes the surrounding air by applying high voltage to emission electrodes, whereby the free electrons and gas ions thus generated are attracted by the electric field of the charged material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 2

the free electrons and gas ions thus generated are attracted by the electric field of the charged material, so that they contribute to its neutralization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4216381B1Ionizer and method for neutralization of charges on surfaces
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP4216381B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4216381B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4216381B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an ionizer (40) for neutralizing charges on surfaces, wherein the ionizer (40) has an alternating voltage source (42) having an output that outputs a waveform (130) with a positive half-wave and a negative half-wave. The ionizer (40) has a transformer (44) with a primary side (43) and a secondary side (45), wherein the primary side is electrically connected or connectable to the output of the alternating voltage source (42). An electrode (46) is electrically connected or connectable to the secondary side of the transformer (44). The ionizer (40) has a control device (48) for adjusting the waveform (130), wherein the control device is configured to control the waveform (130) such that the positive and negative half-waves are asymmetrical to each other.