Ceiling-Suspended Mobile Ionization Unit for Airborne Particle Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air purification methods, such as stationary ionizers and self-driving cleaning robots, are inefficient in removing airborne particles as they do not effectively utilize electrostatic charging to accelerate particle settlement and often require complex control structures for coordinated movement within a room.

Innovation Solution

An ionization unit positioned at least 50 centimeters above the floor, equipped with a support unit for mobility and an ionizer using corona discharge, coordinates with a cleaning robot to electrically charge particles, forming clusters that settle faster, and a system where the ionization unit can be suspended from the ceiling or moved by the robot, allowing for efficient air cleaning across different regions of the room.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the ionization unit is positioned close to the floor, then it can effectively charge particles near the source, but it disturbs activities carried out below and has limited travel capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair cleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddisturbance to activities below

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ionization unit is moved from floor level to ceiling level operation, utilizing the vertical dimension to resolve the contradiction. By operating from the ceiling, the device maintains air cleaning effectiveness while eliminating disturbance to activities on the floor below.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The support unit acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables the ionization unit to operate from the ceiling. This intermediary structure provides the necessary suspension and positioning capabilities, allowing the ionization unit to function effectively without direct contact with the floor or activities below.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the ionization unit is suspended from the ceiling, then it can operate without disturbing activities below, but it requires a support structure and complex coordination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-disturbance to activities belowVSAvoidsupport structure requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support unit is integrated with the ionization unit itself, making the ionization unit self-supporting. The suction cups and positioning mechanisms are part of the ionization unit's own structure, eliminating the need for separate external support structures and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the ionization unit moves close to the floor, then it can treat regions near the floor, but particles have less distance to form clusters before settling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle cluster formationVSAvoiddistance above floor

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the ionization unit at the ceiling, maximizing the distance particles can fall and form clusters before reaching the floor. This vertical positioning resolves the contradiction between movement proximity and cluster formation distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If the ionization unit is fixed in position, then it can maintain optimal charging position, but it cannot treat different regions of the room

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging position stabilityVSAvoidcoverage of different regions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ionization unit transitions from a fixed position to a dynamic, movable position. The support unit enables the ionization unit to move across the ceiling while maintaining its operational positioning, allowing it to serve multiple regions of the room while preserving charging effectiveness at each location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 significantly increases the rate of particle settlement, allowing for effective air cleaning across the room without disturbing activities below, and enables coordinated movement between the ionization unit and the cleaning robot, enhancing the overall cleaning efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an ionizer configured to electrically charge particles in the air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Implementation Method 2

those particles tend to form clusters with other particles in the air due to electrostatic interaction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic interaction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 3

Clusters of particles in the air may descend within the room at a higher rate than individual particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20230009533A1Moveable ionization unit for cleaning air in a room

Publication Date: 2023.01.12 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA

AI summary

An Ionization unit (7) for cleaning air in a room (1) with a ceiling (3) and a floor (5), comprising an ionizer (19) configured to electrically charge particles in the air; and a support unit (13) configured to enable the ionization unit (7) to be positioned at a distance of at least 50 centimeters above the floor (5) of the room (1), wherein the support unit (13) allows the ionization unit (7) to travel within the room (1) while being distanced from the floor (5).