Electrostatic Atomizer with Air Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrostatically atomizing devices require a water tank that needs frequent replenishment, making them inconvenient for short-duration use, such as hair dryers, and the use of a heat exchanger to condense water is inefficient, taking several minutes to supply condensed water to the emitter electrode.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatically atomizing device that condenses water from the surrounding air using a refrigerator or Peltier-effect thermoelectric module on the emitter electrode, eliminating the need for a water tank and allowing for instant atomization, with a fan to introduce humid air and a heat radiator to maintain efficient cooling, and multiple emitter electrodes integrated into a single assembly for stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a water tank is used to supply water to the emitter electrode, then the device can maintain continuous operation, but the user must frequently replenish the tank which is inconvenient for short-duration use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the water tank component from the system. Instead of storing water in a tank that requires manual replenishment, the device directly condenses water vapor from the surrounding air onto the emitter electrode, removing the inconvenient tank-refilling step entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service by automatically condensing atmospheric water vapor onto the emitter electrode without requiring external water supply or manual intervention. The refrigerator component continuously extracts moisture from the air and deposits it directly where needed, eliminating the need for user action.
2Device complexity
If a heat exchanger is used to condense water from surrounding air, then the water tank can be eliminated, but it takes several minutes to obtain and supply condensed water which is not applicable to short-time operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the cooling function directly at the emitter electrode location. The refrigerator component is positioned to cool the air immediately surrounding the emitter electrode, creating a localized condensation zone that supplies water exactly where and when it is needed, rather than condensing water remotely and then transporting it.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary cooling of the surrounding air continuously, maintaining a permanent condensation-ready environment around the emitter electrode. This preliminary action ensures that water vapor is constantly available for immediate condensation and atomization, eliminating delays associated with waiting for heat exchanger water to be ready.
3Speed
If the emitter electrode is cooled to condense water from air, then instant atomization is achieved, but the cooling system must be compact and efficient for portable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical refrigeration systems with a compact Peltier-effect thermoelectric cooler. This substitution eliminates the need for compressors, condensers, and other bulky mechanical components, achieving efficient cooling in a compact form factor suitable for portable devices while maintaining rapid condensation capability.
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
Enables instant atomization of charged minute water particles without a water tank, maintaining high efficiency and stability in water condensation and particle generation, suitable for short-duration applications.
Implementation Method 1
a water feeder configured to condense the water on the emitter electrode from within the surrounding air
Implementation Method 2
the water feeder comprises a refrigerator which cools the emitter electrode to allow the water to condense on the emitter electrode from within the surrounding air
Implementation Method 3
a high voltage source configured to apply a high voltage across said emitter electrode and said opposed electrode to electrostatically charge the water on the emitter electrode for spraying charged minute water particles
Implementation Method 4
apply a high voltage across an emitter electrode supplied with the water and an opposed electrode to induce Rayleigh disintegration of the water carried on the emitter electrode, thereby atomizing the water
Implementation Method 5
a fan which is configured to introduce the surrounding air around the emitter electrode through an air intake path
Implementation Method 6
The refrigerator is combined with a heat radiator to define a heat exchanger which is accommodated within a housing together with the emitter electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An electrostatically atomizing device capable of instantly giving an electrostatically atomizing effect without requiring a water tank. The electrostatically atomizing device includes an emitter electrode, an opposed electrode opposed to the emitter electrode, a water feeder configured to give water on the emitter electrode, and a high voltage source configured to apply a high voltage across said emitter electrode and said opposed electrode to electrostatically charge the water on the emitter electrode for spraying charged minute water particles from a discharge end of the emitter electrode. The water feeder is configured to condense the water on the emitter electrode from within the surrounding air, enabling to supply the water on the emitter electrode in a short time without relying upon an additional water tank. Thus, an atomization of the charged minute water particles can be obtained immediately upon use of the device.