Catalyst-Sleeved Air Ionization for Ozone-Limited Purification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air ionization systems often generate insufficient ionization levels to effectively clean and sanitize air due to ozone concerns, lack configurability and intelligent control, and are complex, expensive, and difficult to service.
Innovation Solution
An air ionization unit with an ozone dampening catalyst surrounding the ionization tube, which removes ozone created during ionization, and a controller that measures air quality parameters to adjust ionization levels, integrated for modular installation and replacement, and intelligent control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air ionization is used to clean and sanitize air, then air purification effectiveness is improved, but ozone generation creates harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful ozone byproduct from the ionization process using a catalyst chamber and catalyst material, allowing the beneficial ionization to continue while eliminating the harmful ozone that would otherwise contaminate the air
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful ozone generated during ionization into beneficial oxygen through catalytic conversion, transforming a harmful byproduct into a useful component that enhances air quality and sanitation
2Productivity
If ionization levels are increased to improve air cleaning, then air purification effectiveness is improved, but ozone generation increases creating harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The catalyst chamber continuously extracts and removes ozone regardless of generation rate, enabling higher ionization levels to be used for improved air cleaning without proportionally increasing harmful ozone accumulation in the environment
Solution Approach 2:
The catalytic conversion process transforms the increased ozone generation that results from higher ionization levels into beneficial oxygen, allowing productivity to increase while harmful effects are converted into benefits
3Reliability
If air ionization units are made complex to provide intelligent control and configurability, then air purification effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases making it difficult to service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air ionization unit into modular components including the ionization tube, catalyst chamber, filter assembly, and electronic control module, allowing each segment to be independently serviced or replaced while maintaining intelligent control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes through electronic control to achieve intelligent adaptability and configurability, allowing the system to adjust ionization levels and operation modes based on environmental conditions without requiring complex mechanical adjustments
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 effective air purification by generating higher levels of negative ions, improving air filtration and sanitization while being modular, serviceable, and cost-effective, with intelligent control to optimize ionization based on air quality measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The ozone dampening catalyst removes much or all of the ozone created by ionizing molecules in the air
Implementation Method 2
air is ionized in a standard manner
Implementation Method 3
The air ionization tube and ozone dampening catalyst preferably extend outward from the support plate and into the air duct
Data Source
AI summary
Ionization systems configured with a catalyst-bearing sleeve provide improved filtration while keeping ozone levels within acceptable limits. Modular configurations provide for serviceability and replaceability. System controls monitor particulates, temperature, humidity, and other relevant factors and adjust an ionization level accordingly for optimal performance.