Corona Ionizer With AC Field and Grid Electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ionization technologies, particularly radioactive sources, pose health and regulatory hazards and are not suitable for widespread use in chemical detection systems, while non-radioactive ionizers like corona discharge systems face challenges with electrode damage and inefficient ionization.
Innovation Solution
A corona discharge ionizer device with a pin-configured discharge electrode and a grid electrode, powered by an alternating current supply, generates a high-frequency alternating electric field to produce continuous positive and negative ions, using a UV light source for seed ion creation and a variable DC offset to stabilize ionization and extend electrode life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radioactive sources are used as ionizers, then stable ion chemistry and simplicity are achieved, but health hazards and regulatory restrictions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces permanent radioactive sources with non-radioactive corona discharge ionizers that can be safely discarded or replaced without long-term regulatory concerns, eliminating health hazards while maintaining ionization functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the radioactive decay mechanism with an electric field-based corona discharge mechanism, replacing a nuclear physical process with an electrical engineering solution that achieves ionization without radioactive materials
2Object-affected harmful factors
If corona discharge ionizers are used, then health safety is improved, but electrode damage and inefficient ionization occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies alternating current (AC) power supply to the corona discharge ionizer, causing the electric field polarity to periodically reverse. This periodic action prevents charge accumulation on electrode surfaces, reduces electrostatic stress, and extends electrode life while maintaining continuous ionization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the electrical parameters by using AC power instead of DC power, changing the temporal characteristics of the electric field from static to dynamic. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both health safety and electrode durability through controlled periodic reversal of polarity
3Productivity
If high electric field is applied for ionization, then ion generation efficiency is improved, but electrode damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AC power supply creates periodic high electric fields that generate ions efficiently during each half-cycle, then reverses polarity to prevent cumulative damage. The electrodes experience high field stress only momentarily during each cycle rather than continuously, maintaining integrity while achieving high ion generation rates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static DC electric field to a dynamic AC electric field, allowing the system to adapt the field strength and direction over time. This dynamic approach enables efficient ionization during peak field periods while preventing permanent electrode damage through periodic reversal
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 provides stable, efficient ionization with continuous generation of both positive and negative ions, reducing electrode damage and enabling effective detection of trace contaminants, while being safer and more regulatory-friendly than radioactive sources.
Implementation Method 1
The power supply is preferably an alternating current power supply configured to produce an alternating electric field region in close proximity to the tip portion of the discharge electrode sufficient to cause avalanche breakdown in the gas flowing in close proximity to the tip portion of the discharge electrode
Implementation Method 2
A light source may be disposed in close proximity to the discharge electrode and configured to provide an ultra-violet (UV) output creating seed ions or other free charges in the gas flow
Implementation Method 3
A corona discharge is a type of electric field ionization where a neutral fluid such as, for example, air is ionized near an electrode having a high electric potential gradient
Data Source
AI summary
A corona discharge ionizer device which emits ions generated by corona discharge to a gas flow to be ionized includes a discharge electrode having a pin configured tip portion. A second grid electrode positioned at a spaced distance from the discharge electrode is provided. The grid electrode is preferably formed from a sheet configured material which has at least one hole formed therein adapted and configured to permit the gas flow to pass therethrough. A power supply is coupled to the discharge electrode and grid electrode configured cause ion emission from the discharge electrode. The power supply is preferably an alternating current power supply configured to produce an alternating electric field region in close proximity to the tip portion of the discharge electrode sufficient to cause avalanche breakdown in the gas flowing in close proximity to the tip portion of the discharge electrode.