Electrolytic Ozone Generator for Ice Machine Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice machine sterilization methods using ozone either produce harmful nitrogen oxides or require complex high-water-pressure systems, failing to provide a simple, economical, and effective solution for bacterial contamination.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing an electrolytic ozone generator connected to a pure water tank, with solenoid valves and a controlling circuit board, delivers ozone gas directly to the ice machine, mixing it with water for disinfection and allowing the rest to escape, creating a bacteriostatic atmosphere, thus avoiding nitrogen oxide production and simplifying the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-voltage discharge method is used to generate ozone, then sterilization effect is achieved, but nitrogen oxides are produced causing health hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the method of ozone generation from high-voltage discharge to electrolysis, fundamentally altering the physical-chemical parameters of the process. This parameter change eliminates nitrogen oxide production while maintaining ozone generation capability for sterilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical discharge system with an electrolytic chemical system. Instead of using high-voltage electrical discharge to ionize air, the system uses electrolysis of water to generate ozone, substituting one mechanism with another that avoids harmful byproducts
2Object-generated harmful factors
If electrolytic ozone-water mixing device is used, then sterilization is achieved without nitrogen oxides, but high water pressure is required making the device complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ozone delivery system into separate components: an ozone generation module, a solenoid valve for controlled release, and a delivery system that connects to the ice machine. This segmentation allows each component to function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a solenoid valve as an intermediary component that controls the release of ozone gas. This intermediary device enables precise control of ozone delivery without requiring high water pressure, simplifying the system while maintaining sterilization capability
3Reliability
If existing ozone sterilization systems are used, then bacterial contamination is addressed, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional system where the electrolytic ozone generator serves multiple purposes: generating ozone for sterilization, providing bacteriostatic protection, and eliminating the need for complex water pressure systems. The single ozone generation device replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate systems
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 solution effectively sterilizes the ice machine by using ozone generated from pure water, eliminating harmful byproducts and reducing system complexity, while providing economic and efficient bacteriostasis within the ice machine.
Implementation Method 1
electrolytic ozone generator generates ozone gas by electrolyzing pure water
Implementation Method 2
one part thereof is mixed with water to form ozone water that disinfects iced water, water tanks and where the ozone water flow through
Implementation Method 3
the rest of the ozone gas escapes to the air and form an ozone-containing atmosphere around the water tank and the evaporator of the ice machine, so as to provide bacteriostasis inside of the ice machine
Data Source
AI summary
A device for sterilizing an ice machine using ozone gas from an electrolytic ozone generator includes a pure water tank (2), a pure water refilling device (1), and the electrolytic ozone generator (3). The pure water tank (2) is connected to a gas-feeding solenoid valve (4) and a gas-discharging solenoid valve (5). The gas-discharging solenoid valve (5) is connected to a reducing carbon tank (6), which is connected to a vent (10). The gas-feeding solenoid valve (4) is connected to a tee pipe (11-4) of the ice machine (11). The tee pipe (11-4) is connected to a water pump (11-2) in an ice-machine water tank (11-1) and an ice-machine evaporator (11-3) through loop piping. A controlling circuit board (7) is connected to power source (8), and further connected to the electrolytic ozone generator (3), the gas-feeding solenoid valve (4), the gas-discharging solenoid valve (5), and a motherboard (11-6).