Electrohydrodynamic Ventilation Electrode Layout for Arc-Free Ionic Wind

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrohydrodynamic ventilation devices face a high risk of electric arcs between the emitter and collector electrodes, leading to performance loss and electrode degradation, despite attempts to reduce this risk such as shortening the collector electrode.

Innovation Solution

The electrohydrodynamic ventilation device features at least one emitter electrode anchored to insulating supports with projection sections between the emitter and collector electrodes, and a two-body geometry with multiple collector electrodes, allowing for controlled voltage and vibration absorption, and a spacer to minimize electric field interference, increasing power density and reducing arc formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the collector electrode is shortened to reduce arc risk, then the probability of electric arcs between electrode ends is reduced, but the end of the collector electrode remains a point of high electric field density and continues to be at the same perpendicular distance from the emitter electrode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearc risk reductionVSAvoidhigh electric field density at collector end

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an insulating projection section as an intermediary element between the emitter electrode and the collector electrode. This projection extends from the emitter electrode toward the collector electrode, creating a controlled geometric relationship that reduces the perpendicular distance and thereby reduces the electric field density at the collector electrode end, eliminating the harmful high-field region without requiring arc prediction or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the perpendicular distance between emitter and collector electrodes is reduced to increase energy density, then the energy density per unit length of emitter electrode increases, but the risk of electric arcs between electrodes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy density per unit lengthVSAvoidarc risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the electrode arrangement by introducing a projection section with specific dimensional relationships. The projection creates a controlled configuration where the perpendicular distance between emitter and collector is optimized to increase energy density while maintaining arc-free operation. This geometric parameter change allows the system to operate at higher energy densities without increasing arc risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If conventional electrohydrodynamic devices operate with high electric field concentration at collector electrode ends, then ionic wind generation is effective, but continuous electric arcs appear causing performance loss and electrode degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveionic wind generation efficiencyVSAvoidperformance loss from electric arcs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful high electric field concentration at the collector electrode end into a beneficial controlled field distribution. By positioning the insulating projection section at a specific perpendicular distance from the collector electrode, the design transforms what would be an arc-prone high-field region into a controlled field zone that maintains effective ionic wind generation while preventing energy loss from electric arcs and electrode degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

This configuration significantly reduces the occurrence of continuous electric arcs, enhances energy efficiency, and allows for more compact and lightweight designs with improved performance by optimizing the distance and geometry between electrodes.

Implementation Method 1

The high concentration of electric field around the emitter electrode produces, due to the corona effect, an ionisation of the surrounding fluid, which is separated into positive and negative ions, by way of a 'cold plasma'

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Implementation Method 2

the negative ions are attracted to the collector electrode, thus generating an 'ionic wind' with the capacity to ventilate spaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon attraction: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Data Source

PatentUS20240145222A1Electrohydrodynamic ventilation device

Publication Date: 2024.05.02 CEDRION CONSULTORIA TECNICA E ING SL

AI summary

An electrohydrodynamic ventilation device with at least one emitter electrode (4) and at least two collector electrodes (3) defining an acceleration channel (6) for the flow of ionic wind between the at least two collector electrodes (3), where the at least one emitter electrode (4) is disposed on the channel (6), throughout the length of the channel (6), where the at least one emitter electrode (4) is configured to be anchored to supports (5) made of insulating material, where each support (5) has a projection section (5′) that is interposed between the at least one emitter electrode (4) and each end (3′) of the at least two collector electrodes (3).