Ionization unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disinfection methods fail to provide an 'all-in-one' solution for surface and air disinfection, are cumbersome, and often leave toxic residues or are inefficient due to dependence on ambient temperature and humidity.
Innovation Solution
An ionization unit that produces Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) by using two electrodes maintained at different ionization parameters, generating consistent Corona discharge for efficient ionization, independent of temperature and humidity variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional disinfection methods (UV treatment, fumigation) are used, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ionization unit is divided into two distinct electrode systems: a first electrode that generates ions from ambient air, and a second electrode that converts these ions into ROS. This segmentation allows each electrode to be optimized for its specific function, simplifying the overall system design while maintaining high disinfection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary gaseous composition that serves as a bridge between the first electrode's ion output and the second electrode's ROS generation. This intermediary medium enables the conversion process while allowing both electrodes to operate independently at different parameters, reducing system complexity.
2Device complexity
If single electrode ionization is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but ionization consistency and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ionization process is segmented into two stages performed by two separate electrodes: first electrode generates ions, second electrode converts ions to ROS. This segmentation ensures that each electrode can be optimized for its specific function, improving ionization consistency and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs two different sets of ionization parameters across the two electrodes, allowing each to operate at optimal conditions for its specific function. This parameter differentiation ensures consistent ionization and ROS generation regardless of ambient conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional ionization systems are used, then initial setup is simple, but operational reliability deteriorates due to temperature and humidity dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses two different sets of ionization parameters for the two electrodes, allowing the system to maintain reliable operation across varying ambient temperature and humidity conditions. The first electrode operates optimally for ion generation, while the second electrode is optimized for ROS conversion, ensuring stable performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary gaseous composition acts as a buffer between the two electrodes, decoupling their operations and allowing each to maintain optimal parameters independently of ambient conditions, thereby improving operational reliability.
4Ease of operation
If hydrogen peroxide cartridges are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but system availability deteriorates when cartridges are spent
Solution Approach 1:
The ionization unit generates its own reactive oxygen species continuously through the two-electrode system, eliminating the need for external hydrogen peroxide cartridges. The system uses ambient air as feedstock, converting it directly into ROS, thereby maintaining continuous operation without consumable replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the need for external chemical cartridges by implementing an in-situ generation system. The two-electrode configuration enables the system to produce ROS directly from ambient air, removing the dependency on external hydrogen peroxide supplies.
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 ionization unit effectively neutralizes bacterial, fungal, and viral populations, removes suspended particulate matter and foul odors, and operates with low maintenance, ensuring efficient disinfection across various settings without downtime.
Implementation Method 1
The high voltage generators are operationally coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode to enable the electrodes to generate Corona discharge
Implementation Method 2
The high voltage generators are operationally coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode to enable the electrodes to generate Corona discharge
Implementation Method 3
An ionization unit configured to produce one or more types of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an ionization unit configured to produce one or more types of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). The ionization unit includes an inlet port, first electrode, a second electrode, one or more high voltage generators and an outlet port. The inlet port facilitates entry of a predefined gaseous composition into the ionization unit. The first electrode and second electrode are maintained at a first and second set of ionization parameters respectively. The high voltage generators are operationally coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode to enable the electrodes to generate Corona discharge. The outlet port produces a continuous stream of ROS. The first set of ionization parameters is different from the second set of ionization parameters.