Image Forming Apparatus Exhaust Duct Ionization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses fail to sufficiently reduce the emission of ultra fine particles outside the device, as these particles are smaller than volatile organic compounds and have a low density, making it difficult to effectively neutralize or filter them.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes an exhaust duct with a positive ion generator and a negative ion generator, where the ion generators are positioned to minimize ion neutralization and maximize ionization efficiency, using a partition or counter electrodes to ensure ions adhere to volatile organic compounds and ultra fine particles, increasing their size and aggregation, which are then filtered effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single ion generator is used to emit ions into the exhaust duct, then the structure is simple, but the ionization efficiency is insufficient and ultra fine particles cannot be effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust duct is divided into multiple regions with separate ion generators (positive ion generator and negative ion generator) positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows each ion generator to independently ionize particles in its specific region, preventing ion neutralization while maintaining structural organization, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and ionization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different ion generators are positioned at specific locations within the exhaust duct to create localized ionization zones. The positive ion generator and negative ion generator are strategically placed to ensure their ion emission regions do not overlap, optimizing ionization efficiency for ultra fine particles while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Volume of moving object
If positive ion generator and negative ion generator are positioned close to each other, then the device structure is compact, but ions neutralize each other reducing ionization efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The ion generators are positioned at different locations along the exhaust duct's length (air flow direction) rather than just adjacent to each other. This spatial arrangement in the air flow direction creates sufficient distance between opposite polarity ions, preventing neutralization while maintaining compact device dimensions through optimized positioning.
3Reliability
If ion generators are positioned to maximize ionization efficiency, then ultra fine particles are effectively reduced, but the device structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust duct is segmented into distinct ionization zones with positive and negative ion generators positioned at specific locations. This segmentation achieves effective ultra fine particle reduction through optimized ion distribution while avoiding excessive structural complexity by using a modular, organized arrangement rather than a complex integrated design.
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 significantly reduces the number of ultra fine particles emitted outside the apparatus by enhancing ionization and aggregation, allowing the apparatus to meet emission standards by effectively collecting and retaining ultra fine particles within the device.
Implementation Method 1
A positive ion generator emits a positive ion into the exhaust duct
Implementation Method 2
A negative ion generator emits a negative ion into the exhaust duct
Implementation Method 3
a negative ion or a positive ion is adhered to a volatile organic compound charged negatively or positively and the volatile organic compound is neutralized
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A
AI summary
An image forming apparatus (1) includes an exhaust duct (100) to guide air inside the image forming apparatus (1) to an outside of the image forming apparatus (1). A positive ion generator (105) emits a positive ion into the exhaust duct (100). A negative ion generator (104) emits a negative ion into the exhaust duct (100). The negative ion generator (104) is shifted from the positive ion generator (105) in one of an air flow direction of the air moving inside the exhaust duct (100) and a direction perpendicular to the air flow direction.