Bipolar Ionizer Dual-Axis Control for Charge Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ionization systems face limitations in controlling the balance of charge in target areas, particularly when close to highly charged objects, as they lack the dynamic range and resolution needed for precise ionization control.

Innovation Solution

A bipolar ionization apparatus with a controller that simultaneously adjusts the amplitude and duty cycle of both positive and negative ionization waveforms, along with the ability to modify pulse frequency and waveform shape, enabling dual-axis control for enhanced ionizer control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If amplitude control or duty cycle control is used individually, then ionization balance can be adjusted, but the dynamic range and resolution of control are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic range of ionizer controlVSAvoidresolution of control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from single-axis control (either amplitude or duty cycle) to dual-axis control by simultaneously adjusting both amplitude and duty cycle. This adds a dimensional aspect to the control system, enabling independent manipulation of two control parameters to achieve broader dynamic range and finer resolution in ionization balance control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system becomes dynamically adjustable by allowing real-time modification of both amplitude and duty cycle parameters. The controller can independently vary these parameters to adapt to different operating conditions, particularly when the ionizer is close to highly charged objects, providing enhanced adaptability and control precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the ionizer is placed close to highly charged objects, then ionization effectiveness improves, but control precision deteriorates due to limited dynamic range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveionization effectivenessVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by simultaneously modifying both amplitude and duty cycle parameters of the ionization waveform. This dual-parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain effective ionization at close proximity to highly charged objects while preserving control precision through independent optimization of each parameter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach significantly increases the dynamic range and resolution of ionizer control, effectively neutralizing a broader range of charge levels and improving ion generation precision, especially near highly charged objects like moving webs or insulators.

Implementation Method 1

a positive high voltage power supply having an output with at least one positive ion emitting electrode connected thereto and configured to generate positive ions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 2

a negative high voltage power supply having an output with at least one negative ion emitting electrode connected thereto and configured to generate negative ions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Data Source

PatentEP2061124B1Multiple-axis control apparatus for ionization systems
Publication Date: 2013.09.11 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP2061124B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2061124B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2061124B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A bipolar ionization apparatus includes a positive high voltage power supply having an output with at least one positive ion emitting electrode connected thereto and configured to generate positive ions. A negative high voltage power supply has an output with at least one negative ion emitting electrode connected thereto and is configured to generate negative ions. A controller for an ionizer outputs a positive high voltage ionization waveform and a negative high voltage ionization waveform. The controller simultaneously adjusts an amplitude and a duty cycle of each of the waveforms.