Electrostatic precipitation type air cleaner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrostatic precipitation type air cleaners face issues with the propagation of microorganisms on collection modules, leading to secondary contamination and bad odors due to decomposed organic matter and bacterial growth.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a coating layer with 0.5 w % to 5 w % zinc oxide on the high and low voltage electrode plates of the collection module, which includes urethane acrylate, a photoinitiator, and isopropyl alcohol, to inhibit microbial growth and provide effective antibacterial functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If dust particles are collected on the collection module, then dust collection efficiency is improved, but microorganisms multiply and cause secondary contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedust collection efficiencyVSAvoidsecondary contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies zinc oxide coating on the collection module surfaces where dust accumulates. Zinc oxide has inherent antibacterial and antifungal properties that convert the harmful environment (dust accumulation leading to microorganism growth) into a beneficial one (antimicrobial surface that prevents contamination). This resolves the contradiction by maintaining dust collection efficiency while eliminating secondary contamination through the antimicrobial action of zinc oxide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The collection module uses a composite structure combining the base electrode material with a zinc oxide coating layer. This composite material approach allows the collection module to maintain its electrostatic collection function while the zinc oxide layer provides antimicrobial protection, thus preventing microorganism multiplication on collected dust without compromising collection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If organic matter accumulates on the collection module, then dust collection capacity is improved, but bad odors are generated from decomposition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedust collection capacityVSAvoidbad odor

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The zinc oxide coating transforms the decomposition-prone organic matter environment into an antimicrobial surface. Zinc oxide prevents bacterial and fungal decomposition of organic matter, thereby eliminating bad odors while allowing continued accumulation of dust particles for effective air cleaning. This converts the harmful decomposition process into a controlled state where organic matter accumulates without deteriorating quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If the collection module surface is made smooth for easy cleaning, then maintenance ease is improved, but dust particle attachment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance easeVSAvoiddust collection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The collection module employs different surface properties in different functional zones. The zinc oxide coating provides a smooth, antimicrobial surface that facilitates easy cleaning and prevents biofilm formation, while still maintaining sufficient surface area and electrostatic properties for effective dust particle attachment. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between ease of maintenance and collection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 zinc oxide coating significantly enhances antimicrobial activity, preventing the propagation of bacteria and maintaining high surface hardness, thus improving the air cleaner's effectiveness in collecting dust particles while minimizing secondary contamination.

Implementation Method 1

the coating layer includes 0.5 w % to 5 w % of zinc oxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntimicrobial activity of zinc oxide:

Implementation Method 2

a charging module to charge particles by an applied power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic charging: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 3

a collection module to collect the charged particles, the collection module including at least one high voltage electrode plate and at least one low voltage electrode plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS9873128B2Electrostatic precipitation type air cleaner

Publication Date: 2018.01.23 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

An electrostatic precipitation type air cleaner is disclosed herein. The air cleaner includes a charging module to charge dust particles by applied power and a collection module to collect the dust particles charged by the charging module. The collection module includes high voltage electrode plates and low voltage electrode plates disposed opposite the high voltage electrode plates so as to form air passages with the high voltage electrode plates, at least one of the high voltage electrode plates and the low voltage electrode plates includes a conductive member, a dielectric member to surround at least a part of the conductive member and coating layers configured to coat the surfaces of the dielectric member, and the coating layer includes 0.5 w % to 5 w % of zinc oxide. The coating layer including 0.5 w % to 5 w % of zinc oxide may have high antimicrobial activity and maintain high surface hardness.