Electrode Device Corona Discharge Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing discharge apparatus with a needle-like counter electrode often experiences a concentration of the electric field at the front end, leading to the development of glow or arc discharge, which can result in a drop in efficiency for generating effective components such as acidic components, air ions, and radicals.

Innovation Solution

The electrode device features a columnar discharge electrode with a counter electrode having a peripheral and projecting electrode portion, where the peripheral electrode portion surrounds the axis and the projecting electrode portion projects towards it, creating a configuration that prioritizes corona discharge by ensuring a shorter distance from the peripheral electrode to the discharge portion, thus reducing the likelihood of continuous dielectric breakdown.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a needle-like electrode portion is used as the counter electrode, then discharge stability is improved, but electric field concentration occurs at the front end leading to glow or arc discharge which reduces efficiency in generating effective components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge stabilityVSAvoidefficiency in generating effective components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The counter electrode is segmented into two distinct functional portions: a peripheral electrode portion that maintains overall discharge stability and a projecting electrode portion that prevents excessive electric field concentration. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function without the drawbacks of a uniform needle-like structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the counter electrode are given different geometric properties tailored to their specific functions. The peripheral electrode portion has a larger radius of curvature for stable discharge, while the projecting electrode portion has a smaller radius of curvature to control electric field distribution and prevent glow or arc discharge at critical points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the distance from the counter electrode to the discharge electrode is reduced to enhance discharge intensity, then effective component generation is improved, but the risk of continuous dielectric breakdown and glow/arc discharge increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffective component generationVSAvoiddischarge type control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The counter electrode employs local quality variation through its dual-portion structure. The peripheral electrode portion maintains an optimal distance for stable corona discharge, while the projecting electrode portion extends closer to create localized electric field control, preventing continuous dielectric breakdown without sacrificing overall discharge intensity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a simple needle-like counter electrode is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the discharge mode cannot be controlled to prevent glow or arc discharge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode structureVSAvoiddischarge mode control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The counter electrode is divided into two functional segments: a peripheral electrode portion for maintaining stable discharge and a projecting electrode portion for controlling discharge mode. This segmentation provides discharge mode control capability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and manufacturable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 maintains efficiency in generating effective components by promoting corona discharge over glow or arc discharge, ensuring intermittent dielectric breakdown and enhancing the production of acidic components, air ions, and radicals.

Implementation Method 1

discharge that intermittently creates a discharge path in a state of dielectric breakdown, the discharge path extending from the discharge electrode toward the surrounding area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Implementation Method 2

discharge that intermittently creates a discharge path in a state of dielectric breakdown

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric breakdown:

Implementation Method 3

an electric field is concentrated on a front end of the needle-like electrode portion when discharge is caused

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field concentration: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS11400465B2Electrode device, discharge apparatus, and electrostatic atomization system

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An electrode device includes a discharge electrode and a counter electrode, and discharges when a voltage is applied across the discharge electrode and the counter electrode. The discharge electrode is a columnar electrode having a discharge portion on its front end. The counter electrode faces the discharge portion. The counter electrode has a peripheral electrode portion and a projecting electrode portion. The peripheral electrode portion is disposed to surround an axis of the discharge electrode. The projecting electrode portion projects from a part of the peripheral electrode portion toward the axis of the discharge electrode. A distance from the peripheral electrode portion to the discharge portion is shorter than a distance from the projecting electrode portion to the discharge portion.