Electrode Support With Insulative Layer Prevents Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrically-enhanced air filtration systems, the accumulation of dirt and moisture on supporting structures and connections leads to unintended electrical charge leakage from high voltage electrodes, reducing system effectiveness and posing safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
The electrode support includes a conductor extending through it, electrically connected to the electrode and power supply, with an insulative layer around the conductor to prevent leakage, and features like sheds and support ribs that create a long tracking path for current, enhancing insulation even in wet or dirty conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power connections and supporting structures are used for the ionization array, then the electrode can be positioned and powered, but electrical charge leakage occurs due to dirt and moisture accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power connection function and structural support function into a single integrated electrode support structure. The support structure itself serves as the power conductor, eliminating separate power cables and connections. This integration reduces the number of interfaces where dirt and moisture could accumulate, thereby preventing electrical charge leakage while maintaining both positioning and power delivery functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode support structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for positioning the ionization array, serves as an electrical conductor to deliver power, and acts as an insulator to prevent leakage. By making the support structure universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated components, reducing potential leakage paths while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for support and power connection, then the electrode can be properly positioned and powered, but the system complexity increases and more surfaces accumulate contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support structure and power connection into a single integrated component. The electrode support is designed with conductive elements that directly deliver power while providing mechanical positioning. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts, minimizing the total surface area where dirt and moisture could accumulate, thereby reducing leakage risk without adding complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If insulating supports are used to hold the ionization array, then the electrode is positioned correctly, but leakage current occurs over the outside of the insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the positioning function and insulation function into the integrated electrode support structure. The support structure is designed with insulating properties that prevent leakage current while maintaining precise electrode positioning. By merging these functions into a single structure rather than using separate insulating supports, the patent eliminates the gap where leakage current could occur over the outside of the insulation.
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 reduces electrical leakage, maintains system effectiveness, and ensures safety by eliminating separate power connections, thus preventing high voltage exposure to unintended system elements.
Implementation Method 1
an insulative layer located around the conductor... When these supporting structures and connections accumulate dirt and/or moisture or other contaminants, electrical charge can unintentionally leak from the ionization array to ground or to other system elements
Implementation Method 2
high voltage electrodes, also referred to as 'ionization arrays' are positioned upstream of the electrostatic filters and ionize the airflow via a high voltage flow across the ionization array
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode support for an electrode of an electrically-enhanced air filtration system includes a conductor extending through the electrode support and electrically connectible to the electrode and to a power supply. An insulative layer is located around the conductor and the electrode support is configured to position the electrode in a frame of the air filtration system. An air filtration system includes a frame directing an airflow through the air filtration system and an electrode located in the frame. An electrode support positions the electrode in the frame and includes a conductor extending through the electrode support and electrically connected to the electrode and an insulative layer located around the conductor. An electrical power supply is electrically connected to the conductor to provide electrical power to the electrode.