Absorbent Sheet Dispenser Arc Gap for Static Charge Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dispensers for absorbent sheet products face significant challenges in dissipating electrostatic charges, which can lead to high voltage buildup and potential electrical interference or user discomfort, as existing solutions like low impedance pathways or passive static charge dissipating materials are not sufficiently effective.
Innovation Solution
An arc generator is introduced that creates a high impedance path to ground using a charge collector and a grounded conductor with an adjustable arc gap, allowing for efficient dissipation of electrostatic charges by collecting and directing them through an arc gap between the collector and ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a low impedance pathway (wire) is used to connect internal components to ground, then electrostatic charge dissipation is improved, but the effectiveness is insufficient and high voltage buildup still occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an arc gap as an intermediary element between the charge collector and ground. This arc gap acts as a mediator that provides a controlled high-impedance path for electrostatic discharge, allowing safe dissipation of accumulated charges without creating harmful high voltage buildup that occurs with direct low-impedance pathways
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the impedance parameter of the ground path from low (conventional wire) to high (arc gap). By adjusting the arc gap distance and using a high-impedance path, the system transforms how electrostatic charges are dissipated, enabling effective charge removal while preventing harmful voltage accumulation
2Reliability
If passive static charge dissipating material is used in the dispenser, then some charge dissipation occurs, but it is not sufficiently effective to prevent electrostatic buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive static charge dissipating materials with an active arc discharge system. Instead of relying on gradual dissipation through passive materials, the system uses controlled electrical arcs to actively neutralize accumulated electrostatic charges, providing significantly more effective charge dissipation
Solution Approach 2:
The arc generator system operates autonomously to detect and discharge accumulated electrostatic charges. The system self-regulates by creating arcs only when needed to dissipate charges, providing automatic charge management without requiring external intervention or complex control systems
3Reliability
If an arc gap is used to create a high impedance path to ground, then electrostatic charge dissipation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrostatic discharge function into distinct components: a charge collector that gathers charges from internal components, an adjustable arc gap that provides controlled discharge path, and a grounding system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system design
4Reliability
If the arc gap distance is reduced to improve charge dissipation, then electrostatic elimination effectiveness increases, but risk of electrical interference and user exposure to discharges increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an adjustable arc gap that can dynamically adapt its distance. This allows the system to optimize the balance between charge dissipation efficiency and safety - the gap can be adjusted to provide effective discharge paths while maintaining safe operating distances to prevent electrical interference and user exposure to discharges
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 effectively reduces electrostatic charge buildup, preventing spontaneous dispensing and electronic malfunctions, while ensuring safe operation by ionizing the atmosphere and reducing re-accumulation of static charges, as demonstrated by improved performance in tests with commercially available dispensers.
Implementation Method 1
an arc generator that creates a high impedance path to ground using a charge collector and a grounded conductor with an adjustable arc gap, allowing for efficient dissipation of electrostatic charges by collecting and directing them through an arc gap between the collector and ground
Implementation Method 2
The solution effectively reduces electrostatic charge buildup, preventing spontaneous dispensing and electronic malfunctions, while ensuring safe operation by ionizing the atmosphere and reducing re-accumulation of static charges
Data Source
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AI summary
A dispenser can include a charge collector, an arc gap and a ground, where the arc gap is between the charge collector and the ground. The arc gap provides high impedance and can be set to a distance of from about 0.1 to about 0.01 inches. The technology operates by collecting charge from at one charge generating site with at least one charge collector and sending the charge to ground through the arc gap, the arc gap being between the at least one charge collector and the ground.