Discharge unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
In discharge units used in air conditioners and air cleaners, conductive contaminants like ammonium nitrate and tobacco stains adhere to the integral supporting member between the discharge electrode and counter electrode, deteriorating insulating properties and potentially causing the electrodes to conduct, preventing discharging.
Innovation Solution
A discharge unit design featuring a wall portion on one side of the insulation member within the discharge region, which suppresses contamin adhesion by maintaining a specific distance between the discharge electrode and the wall portion, effectively preventing contaminants from reaching the insulation surface, thereby maintaining insulating properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a discharge electrode and counter electrode are supported by an integral supporting member, then the structure is simplified and ease of manufacture is improved, but insulating properties deteriorate due to contaminant adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member is divided into a first supporting member supporting the discharge electrode and a second supporting member supporting the counter electrode, separated by an insulating member. This segmentation prevents contaminant adhesion from causing conduction between electrodes while maintaining structural support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
An insulating member is introduced as an intermediary between the first and second supporting members. This intermediary component maintains electrical isolation between the discharge electrode and counter electrode, preventing contaminant-induced conduction while allowing both electrodes to be supported.
2Device complexity
If contaminants adhere to the supporting member, then the structure remains simple, but insulating properties deteriorate and discharge function is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure is segmented into separate first and second supporting members with an insulating member between them. This segmentation ensures that even if contaminants adhere to the supporting members, they cannot bridge the electrical gap between electrodes, maintaining insulating properties without increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating member acts as a mediator that maintains electrical isolation between supporting members. This intermediary component prevents contaminant adhesion from compromising insulating properties, allowing the device to remain simple while ensuring reliable discharge function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the discharge electrode and counter electrode are connected by contaminants, then the structure remains unchanged, but discharge function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting members are segmented and separated by an insulating member, creating distinct support zones for the discharge electrode and counter electrode. This segmentation maintains structural stability while preventing contaminant-induced conduction, ensuring discharge function remains reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating member serves as a mediator that maintains electrical isolation between the supporting members. This intermediary ensures that even when contaminants are present, they cannot create a conductive path between electrodes, preserving discharge function while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A discharge unit includes a discharge electrode, a counter electrode opposed to the discharge electrode, and an insulation member having a surface. The surface is continuous from the discharge electrode to the counter electrode. A wall portion is provided on one side with respect to a discharge region formed by the discharge electrode. The wall portion is configured to suppress a contaminant from adhering to the surface of the insulation member.