Foam Metal Electrostatic Atomizer for Low-Clog Mist Generation
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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 atomization, as well as safety concerns and high costs in appliance integration.
Innovation Solution
The electrostatic atomizing apparatus employs a foam metal discharge electrode with a three-dimensional net structure and a specific design for the electrode holding part, allowing efficient water supply and atomization with reduced impedance and power consumption, while simplifying the structure and enhancing safety by separating the discharge electrode from the heat absorbing fin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ceramic material is used for the conveying part, then water can be conveyed through capillary action, but the low porosity and high electrical resistance cause clogging and inefficient atomization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a foam metal material with high porosity (80-90%) for the conveying part, replacing the traditional ceramic material. This high porosity structure allows efficient water supply through capillary action while preventing clogging, directly resolving the contradiction between atomization efficiency and clogging risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from ceramic to foam metal, which fundamentally alters the porosity and electrical resistance characteristics. This parameter change enables both high atomization efficiency and low clogging risk simultaneously
2Device complexity
If the conveying part is integrally formed with the counter electrode, then the structure is simplified, but the user may touch the electrode part and get an electrical shock when removing the water reservoir part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water reservoir part and the electrode part into separate components. The water reservoir part can be removed without the electrode part, eliminating the electrical shock risk while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrode holding part as an intermediary component that supports both the discharge electrode and counter electrode. This intermediary structure allows the electrodes to be electrically isolated from the removable water reservoir part, preventing electrical shock while maintaining structural integrity
3Productivity
If conventional electrostatic atomizing apparatus is used, then mist can be generated, but the impedance is high and power consumption is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The foam metal material with high porosity (80-90%) provides excellent electrical conductivity and low impedance, enabling efficient electrostatic atomization with reduced power consumption while maintaining mist generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses foam metal as a composite material that combines high porosity for water supply with high electrical conductivity for efficient atomization, achieving both productivity and energy efficiency
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 ensures stable and efficient mist generation with reduced clogging, lower power consumption, and improved safety, enabling reliable operation and cost-effective integration into appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners.
Implementation Method 1
water is supplied to a discharge electrode (230) formed of foam metal
Implementation Method 2
the water is atomized from an atomizing section at the tip of the carrying section through electrostatic aerification
Data Source
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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 means 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.