Electrostatic Collector With Hinged Mounting For Safe Electrode Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrostatic collectors face challenges in safely replacing electrodes, achieving precise positioning, maintaining electrode orientation, and assembling compact, portable devices for efficient particle collection in outdoor environments, particularly due to high voltage requirements and insulation issues.

Innovation Solution

A system with articulated receiving means for the electrostatic collector allows for easy mounting and electrical connection of electrodes, incorporating a support box with movable parts for secure positioning and electrical contact, and structurally distinct assemblies for easy disassembly and reassembly, ensuring precise alignment and efficient particle collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high voltage is applied to create strong electric field for particle collection, then collection efficiency is improved, but safety risks and insulation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle collection efficiencyVSAvoidhigh voltage safety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrostatic collector is divided into modular components (discharge electrode assembly, collection electrode assembly, housing) that can be separately handled and safely replaced. This segmentation allows the high voltage component to be isolated during maintenance, reducing safety risks while maintaining collection efficiency during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Insulating components and protective housings serve as intermediaries between the high voltage discharge electrode and the user/environment. These intermediaries enable the system to operate at high voltages for efficient particle collection while protecting users from direct exposure to harmful high voltage fields.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If discharge electrode is positioned close to collection electrode for compact design, then device portability is improved, but electrical insulation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidelectrical insulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge electrode is nested within or positioned in close proximity to the collection electrode, with insulating materials strategically placed between them. This nested arrangement achieves compact device volume while the insulating structures prevent electrical breakdown despite the reduced spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Thin film insulating materials are used between the discharge and collection electrodes to maintain compact dimensions. These thin insulating barriers provide sufficient electrical insulation for portable, compact designs without requiring large spacing between electrodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If electrode replacement procedure is simplified for non-specialist use, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode replacement simplicityVSAvoidelectrode positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode assemblies are pre-positioned and pre-assembled with precise spacing and alignment during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when users replace electrodes following simple procedures, the pre-established precise geometry is maintained, combining ease of operation with positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode assemblies incorporate self-aligning features and standardized connection interfaces that automatically ensure correct positioning during replacement. This self-service mechanism allows non-specialists to perform replacements without specialized tools or knowledge while maintaining precise electrode geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple assembly stages are required for collector installation, then assembly precision is improved, but installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollector assembly precisionVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electrostatic collector is segmented into pre-assembled modules (discharge electrode assembly, collection electrode assembly, housing with integrated components) that can be installed as complete units. This segmentation reduces the number of assembly stages required during installation while maintaining the precision achieved during manufacturing of each module.

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

The system simplifies the use and maintenance of electrostatic collectors, enabling safe electrode replacement, precise positioning, and efficient particle collection in compact, portable devices, facilitating easy outdoor use by non-specialists.

Implementation Method 1

A high electric field is induced between the two electrodes under the effect of a potential difference applied between the two electrodes. The electric field ionizes the volume of gas located between the two electrodes, creating a sheath or crown of ionized gas located around the discharge electrode. This phenomenon is called corona discharge.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Implementation Method 2

The gas containing the particles to be separated which is passed between the discharge electrode and the collection electrode then passes through a flow of ions and the particles to be separated are in turn ionized.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 3

Under the effect of electrostatic forces, the charged particles thus created are attracted by the collection electrode on which they are collected.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP3787798B1System for electrostatic collection of particles or microorganisms
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 BERTIN TECHNOLOGIES
  • EP3787798B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3787798B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP3787798B1 patent drawingFigure 7A~9

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrostatic collection system (10) comprising: a collector (22) comprising: - a tubular collection chamber oriented along a first axis (P1), - an elongate discharge electrode (24) extending along the first axis (P1), - a collecting electrode (26) arranged inside the collection chamber, a housing (12) comprising a first electrical terminal (28) and a second electrical terminal (30), characterised in that the system further comprises receiving means (32) of the collector (22) hingedly connected to move on the housing (12) between a first position for mounting the collector (22) in the receiving means and a second collecting position in which the first electrical terminal (28) electrically connects with the collection electrode (26) and the second electrical terminal electrically connects with the discharge electrode.