Carbon Fiber Ionizer Filter for High-Airflow Air Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air conditioners face challenges in efficiently removing foreign substances from the air without reducing airflow, as existing dust collectors can impede air flow and may not effectively charge particles for collection.

Innovation Solution

An air conditioner design incorporating a carbon fiber electrode to generate ions within a dust collector case, which charges foreign substances using an ionizer and a charged dust collecting filter, allowing for efficient particle collection while minimizing airflow reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional dust collector is used to remove foreign substances from air, then particle collection capability is improved, but air flow is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle collection capabilityVSAvoidair flow
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical filtration systems with an electrostatic precipitation system. High voltage electrodes generate ions that charge airborne particles, causing them to deposit on collected surfaces without physically blocking the air flow path. This substitution of mechanical filtration with electrostatic forces resolves the contradiction by maintaining high air flow while achieving effective particle removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of particles by applying high voltage electric fields. Particles are transformed from neutral to charged states through ionization, fundamentally altering their behavior from flowing freely with air to being attracted to and deposited on collector surfaces. This parameter change enables particle removal without mechanical obstruction to air flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If an electric dust collector is used to charge foreign substances, then collection efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollection efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into the electrode assembly: ionization of air, charging of particles, and creation of electric fields for particle attraction all occur within the same high voltage electrode structure. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate ionization chambers, charging mechanisms, and collection systems that would otherwise be required.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the ionization function and particle collection function into a single integrated electrostatic precipitation system. The high voltage electrodes serve both to generate ions for charging particles and to create the electric field that drives particle deposition, merging what could be separate systems into one unified device, thereby reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enables efficient removal of foreign substances from the air without reducing airflow, maximizes ion generation with carbon fiber electrodes, removes unused ions to prevent health issues, and allows for easy replacement of the dust collector.

Implementation Method 1

at least one electrode provided in the dust collector case and formed of carbon fibers to generate ions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Implementation Method 2

a charged dust collecting filter to collect foreign substances charged by ions generated by the electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP2870416B1Air conditioner
Publication Date: 2018.04.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2870416B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2870416B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2870416B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An air conditioner capable of efficiently collecting foreign substances in the air is disclosed. The air conditioner includes a cabinet, an air blower disposed in the cabinet to cause air to flow, a dust collector case forming a channel for the air caused to flow by the air blower, at least one electrode provided in the dust collector case and formed of carbon fibers to generate ions, and a charged dust collecting filter to collect foreign substances charged by ions generated by the electrode.