Bipolar Ionization Air Handler Design to Limit Ion Recombination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air treatment systems in HVAC applications lack efficiency in addressing allergens, pathogens, odors, and indoor air quality issues, requiring improved methods for air purification and delivery.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar ionization device with a base, opposed sidewalls, high voltage wires, and a power supply that produces equal amounts of positive and negative ions, integrated into an air handler unit to treat airflow, reducing recombination of ions and enhancing air quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional air treatment systems are used, then basic air circulation is achieved, but efficiency in addressing allergens, pathogens, and odors is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing bipolar ionization with specific voltage parameters (high voltage wires at opposite polarities) to transform the physical state of air molecules, creating ions that actively neutralize harmful particles. This changes the treatment mechanism from passive filtration to active electrochemical interaction, significantly improving the system's ability to address allergens, pathogens, and odors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical filtration systems with an electrostatic field-based ionization system. Instead of relying on mechanical filters that physically block particles, the system uses high voltage wires to generate bipolar ions that chemically neutralize and break down harmful substances in the air, achieving superior treatment efficiency without mechanical constraints.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ion production is increased to improve air quality, then harmful factors are reduced more effectively, but ion recombination increases reducing overall efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a structured airflow system as an intermediary mechanism that transports ions from the generation zone to the treatment zone. This intermediary airflow prevents premature recombination of opposite polarity ions by maintaining spatial separation and directional movement, ensuring that ions remain active longer and effectively neutralize harmful particles throughout the air handling system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the air treatment process into distinct zones: ion generation zone with high voltage wires, transport zone with controlled airflow, and treatment zone where ions neutralize contaminants. This segmentation prevents random mixing of positive and negative ions, reducing recombination losses while maintaining high ion production efficiency for harmful factor reduction.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If air recirculation is increased to reduce heating and cooling costs, then energy efficiency improves, but ion effectiveness may decrease due to varying airflow velocities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic airflow control that adapts to varying recirculation rates. The system maintains effective ion treatment across different airflow velocities by adjusting ion generation parameters and utilizing the natural dynamics of bipolar ion behavior, ensuring reliable contaminant neutralization whether air recirculation is high or low, thus supporting energy efficiency without sacrificing treatment reliability.
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 device effectively reduces allergens, pathogens, and odors, improving indoor air quality and allowing for increased air recirculation, thereby reducing heating and cooling costs while maintaining ion production efficiency across varying airflow velocities and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply for providing a voltage to the high voltage wire for producing ions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods and systems for an ion generator device that includes a base, a first and second pair of spaced-apart, opposed sidewalls projecting from the base to collectively form an interior storage compartment and to define an upper edge, a top portion engaged to the upper edge, at least one high voltage wire extending from the device, and a power supply for providing a voltage to the high voltage wire for producing ions.