Foam-Metal Atomizing Electrode for Clog-Resistant Water Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrostatic atomizing apparatuses face issues with clogging, reliability, power consumption, and complexity due to ceramic materials with low porosity and high electrical resistance, leading to inefficient water supply and potential electrical shocks, as well as complications in design and assembly, especially in refrigerators and air conditioners.
Innovation Solution
The electrostatic atomizing apparatus features a discharge electrode with a main body and protrusion part made of foam metal, integrated with an electrode holding part and a counter electrode, allowing for efficient capillary water supply and reduced impedance, enabling stable mist generation with low power consumption and simplified structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If ceramic materials are used for the conveying part, then the structure is stable, but the clogging resistance is extremely low and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a porous conveying part made of sponge or foam material instead of ceramic. This porous structure provides both structural stability and high clogging resistance, as the larger pore sizes prevent foreign matter accumulation while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction where the conveying part is made of sponge or foam material combined with other components. This composite approach allows optimization of both structural stability and clogging resistance by selecting materials with appropriate properties for each functional requirement.
2Reliability
If ceramic materials are used for the conveying part, then the electrical resistance is high, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical resistance parameter by replacing ceramic with sponge or foam materials that have lower electrical resistance. This parameter change allows for reduced power consumption while maintaining the necessary electrical insulation properties for safe operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous structure of sponge or foam materials inherently provides lower electrical resistance compared to ceramic, allowing better electrical conduction and reducing the power required to operate the electrostatic atomization system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the conveying part is made of ceramic with low porosity, then the capillary force is small, but the water supply time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses highly porous sponge or foam materials for the conveying part, which significantly increases capillary force compared to low-porosity ceramic. This enhanced capillary action enables rapid water supply and quick initiation of electrostatic atomization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the water supply system by ensuring the conveying part is always filled with water, creating a continuous hydraulic pathway. This ensures immediate water availability for atomization without delay.
4Device complexity
If the water reservoir part is integrally formed with the conveying part and counter electrode, then the structure is simplified, but the safety deteriorates due to electrical shock risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water reservoir part from the conveying part and counter electrode assembly. This segmentation allows the water reservoir to be removed independently for cleaning and refilling, while the electrode components remain isolated and safe from water contact, eliminating electrical shock risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary separation between the water-containing components and electrical components. This separation ensures that water and electricity remain isolated from each other, preventing electrical shock while maintaining functional integration.
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 design enhances processing efficiency, ensures stable water supply, reduces clogging, and simplifies assembly, while providing a reliable and cost-effective misting solution for refrigerators and air conditioners with improved reliability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
whereto water that attaches to a surface of the main body is supplied by a capillary action
Implementation Method 2
electrostatic atomizing apparatus that generates nano-size mist
Data Source
AI summary
It is an object to provide an electrostatic atomizing apparatus which is simply structured, is easy to assemble, is low in cost, has clogging resistance against foreign matter, can be used for a long time, and is highly reliable, or a home electrical appliance such as a refrigerator, air conditioner, etc. including the electrostatic atomizing apparatus. A discharge electrode formed of foam metal, whereto water that attaches to a surface is supplied by capillary action, a counter electrode provided so as to be opposed to the discharge electrode, and a water supply that is provided directly above the discharge electrode via a predetermined clearance, supplying water to the discharge electrode or the electrode holding part, are included.