Duct Adapter Mounting Ion Generator in Aircraft Circulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air purification systems in aircraft and other transportation vessels face challenges in effectively combating pathogens, odors, VOCs, mold, smoke, and dust, with prior art systems being complex, costly, and difficult to install, while also lacking durability and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A duct adapter system for mounting an ion generator unit on the exterior surface of air circulation conduits, featuring a carbon fiber construction, 3-D printed components, and stabilizing brackets to securely position electrodes within the conduit, facilitating easy installation and improved air quality through dual-polar ionization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If prior art systems are integrated into existing air control systems, then air purification function is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair purification effectivenessVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: the ion generator unit with electrodes, the duct adapter mounting system with brackets, and the conduit integration components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation by enabling modular assembly rather than requiring complex integration of the entire system at once.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The duct adapter acts as an intermediary component between the ion generator unit and the air circulation conduit. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the connection process, allowing the ion generator to be mounted without modifying the existing conduit structure, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If prior art systems are integrated into existing air control systems, then air purification function is achieved, but installation time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair purification effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The duct adapter is pre-configured with mounting brackets, aperture positions, and electrode alignment features before installation. This preliminary preparation of the mounting structure eliminates the need for custom fabrication or complex alignment procedures during installation, significantly reducing installation time and labor costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the mounting system into separate brackets and adapter components, the installation process can be performed in discrete, manageable steps rather than requiring complex multi-step integration procedures, thereby reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If electrodes are positioned within the conduit, then ionization effectiveness is improved, but mounting complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveionization effectivenessVSAvoidelectrode positioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The duct adapter serves as an intermediary mounting structure that holds the electrodes in the correct position within the conduit. It includes apertures and positioning features that automatically align the electrodes during installation, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms or precision alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The duct adapter is designed as a universal mounting structure that can accommodate standard electrode configurations without requiring custom positioning mechanisms. The standardized aperture patterns and mounting interfaces allow the same adapter design to be used across different installation locations, simplifying the overall positioning system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system enhances air quality by effectively eliminating pathogens and contaminants, providing a healthier environment for passengers and crew, while reducing installation time and costs, and maintaining performance across various temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

Needlepoint dual-polar ionization is a highly effective technology to combat pathogens such as bacteria, viruses (including Covid-19), mold, odors, smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOC's)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Data Source

PatentUS20240246680A1Duct adapter system for mounting an ion generator unit upon an air aircraft air circulation system
Publication Date: 2024.07.25 STUCK ERIC
  • US20240246680A1 patent drawing
  • US20240246680A1 patent drawing
  • US20240246680A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An air aircraft air circulation system including a duct adapter system for mounting an ion generator unit upon the exterior surface of a conduit of an air circulation system to dispose electrodes projecting from the housing of the ion generator into the interior of the conduit, and preferably having material clearance between the electrodes and the housing, between the electrodes the duct adaptor, and between the electrodes and the conduit.