Electrostatic Air Filter with Dual Ionization Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrostatic air filters experience a decline in particulate capturing capability over time due to charge loss, and dense filter media leads to high flow resistance and energy consumption, resulting in noise and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

An air filter arrangement with an electrostatically charged filter and two ionization devices, where the first ionization device is upstream and the second is downstream, maintaining the electrostatic charge by compensating for potential changes and using less dense filter media.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an electrostatic filter is used to capture particles, then particulate capturing capability is improved, but electrostatic charge declines over time leading to reduced effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticulate capturing capabilityVSAvoidcharge retention time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The first ionisation device pre-charges particles in the airflow before they reach the electrostatic filter, ensuring continuous particle capture effectiveness without relying solely on the filter's inherent electrostatic charge which would otherwise decline over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The second ionisation device acts as an intermediary between the electrostatic filter and the environment, continuously replenishing the electrostatic charge on the filter by ionising surrounding air molecules that then transfer charge to the filter surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If dense filter media is used to improve filtration, then particulate capturing capability is improved, but flow resistance increases leading to higher energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticulate capturing capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical filtration mechanism (relying on physical density to trap particles) with an electrostatic mechanism where ionised particles are attracted to and captured by the electrostatically charged filter, allowing use of less dense media

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fundamental operating parameter of the filter from relying on mechanical density to relying on electrostatic charge, enabling the use of less dense filter media that offers lower flow resistance while maintaining or improving particle capture through electrostatic attraction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If dense filter media is used to improve filtration, then particulate capturing capability is improved, but noise levels increase due to higher energy requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticulate capturing capabilityVSAvoidnoise level

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the high-energy mechanical forcing of air through dense media with a lower-energy electrostatic attraction system where particles are naturally drawn to the charged filter, reducing the need for high-power fans and associated noise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 the particulate capturing capability of the electrostatic filter over time, reduces energy consumption, and decreases noise levels by allowing the use of filters with lower flow resistance.

Implementation Method 1

a first ionisation device (7.1, 7.2), wherein the first ionisation device (7.1, 7.2) is arranged upstream of the electrostatically charged filter (5)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonisation: Ionisation

Implementation Method 2

an electrostatically charged filter (5)... portions of the electrostatic filter having a certain electrostatic charge attract particles in the air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 3

a second ionisation device (9.1, 9.2), wherein the second ionisation device (9.1, 9.2) is arranged downstream of the electrostatically charged filter (5)... the effect of the second ionisation device (9.1, 9.2) compensates for the change in electrical potential

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonisation: Ionisation

Data Source

PatentEP2954954B1Air filter arrangement

Publication Date: 2019.08.07 ELFI ELEKTROFILTER

Figure 1~2

AI summary

An air filter arrangement (1) is provided for filtration of particles in an airflow having an airflow direction (3). The air filter arrangement (1) comprises an electrostatically charged filter (5), a first ionisation device (7.1, 7.2), and a second ionisation device (9.1, 9.2). The first ionization device (7.1, 7.2) is arranged upstream of the electrostatically charged filter (5) and the second ionisation device (9.1, 9.2) is arranged downstream of the electrostatically charged filter (5). The present disclosure also relates to an air filtering apparatus.