Atmospheric Electrostatic Charge Collection via Low-Voltage Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for electrostatic charge collection operate at high voltages and are ineffective in collecting ion charges for controlled dispersal, posing risks in environments where static discharges can be lethal or damaging.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an array of electrically-conducting collectors and inductors, a charge regulator, a storage device, brushes for charge transfer, and charge equalization wires, designed to collect and store electrostatic charge using low-voltage operation, allowing for controlled dispersal or further use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high voltage systems are used for electrostatic charge collection, then charge collection capability is improved, but safety and reliability deteriorate due to risk of lethal discharges and damage to sensitive machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from high voltage to low voltage operation. The system collects electrostatic charge from the atmosphere using low voltage, fundamentally altering the operating parameter to eliminate safety hazards while maintaining charge collection functionality. This is achieved through the use of atmospheric electrification rather than high voltage breakdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical field-based high voltage collection mechanism with a mechanical/atmospheric interaction system. The collectors physically interact with atmospheric ions and charged particles, using atmospheric electrification processes rather than artificial high voltage fields, thereby substituting the collection mechanism to improve safety.
2Productivity
If high voltage systems are used for electrostatic charge collection, then charge collection capability is improved, but operational cost and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates at low voltage instead of high voltage, which simplifies the electrical infrastructure requirements, reduces insulation needs, and eliminates the complexity associated with high voltage switching, control, and safety systems. This parameter change directly reduces device complexity and maintenance burden.
3Productivity
If high voltage systems are used for electrostatic charge collection, then charge collection capability is improved, but harmful effects increase due to undesirable discharges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the naturally occurring atmospheric electrification, which would otherwise be a passive environmental phenomenon, into an active charge collection mechanism. By harvesting the electrostatic charge already present in the atmosphere through low voltage collectors, the system turns a natural phenomenon into a useful resource without creating harmful high voltage discharges.
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 enables reliable and safe collection and storage of electrostatic charge at low voltages, reducing the risk of harmful discharges and simplifying device construction and maintenance, while allowing for efficient charge management.
Implementation Method 1
an array having a plurality of electrically-conducting collectors to collect the electrostatic charge
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of electrically-conducting inductors electrically coupled to the electrically-conducting collectors
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of electrically-conducting inductors electrically coupled to the electrically-conducting collectors
Data Source
AI summary
A device collects electrostatic charge from the atmosphere and stores the electrostatic charge for further use. The device includes a primary array including a plurality of electrically-conducting collectors, a plurality of electrically-conducting inductors, a charge regulator, and a charge storage device. A secondary array can be added to improve the efficiency of the primary array.