Bipolar Ion Generator Bias Voltage Control Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for automatic ion balance control in bipolar ion generators suffer from low sensitivity of ion balance sensors, inaccurate resistance adjustments, and device complexity due to isolation from ground, leading to inefficiencies in ion balance adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A method and device utilizing a grounded bias voltage source with a voltage multiplying circuit and a capacitor charging circuit, including a resistor and additional capacitor for bias current control, allowing for precise measurement and adjustment of ion balance through a comparator and AC voltage generator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an isolated bias voltage source is used to prevent ground leakage currents, then ion balance control is enabled, but sensitivity decreases due to higher leakage currents from the isolated source

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion balance control capabilityVSAvoidsensor sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a grounded bias voltage source as an intermediary solution that eliminates the need for isolation while preventing ground leakage issues through proper circuit design. The grounded source acts as a mediator between the need for stable bias voltage and the requirement for high sensor sensitivity, resolving the contradiction by showing that grounding with proper circuit architecture achieves both reliability and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If a conducting grid with variable resistors and diodes is used for automatic balance control, then ion balance adjustment is achieved, but accuracy decreases due to stepped adjustment of resistor values

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic balance controlVSAvoidion balance adjustment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces static stepped resistor adjustment with dynamic continuous control through a grounded bias voltage source. The system transitions from discrete resistance steps to continuous voltage modulation, enabling fine-tuned ion balance adjustment while maintaining automatic control. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by providing both automation and high precision through continuous rather than discrete adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the bias voltage source is isolated from ground, then ion balance control is possible, but device complexity increases and leakage currents increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion balance controlVSAvoidpower source configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the isolation requirement from the bias voltage source configuration, demonstrating that grounding the power source while implementing proper circuit architecture achieves ion balance control without the complexity of isolation. This separates the control function from the isolation function, resolving the contradiction by eliminating unnecessary complexity while maintaining control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Device complexity

If the ion balance sensor is positioned farther from the ionizing electrode, then device simplicity is maintained, but sensitivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor positioningVSAvoidion balance sensor sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism through the grounded bias voltage source that compensates for reduced sensor sensitivity. The system continuously monitors ion balance and adjusts the bias voltage accordingly, allowing the sensor to be positioned farther from the electrode while maintaining control accuracy through active compensation rather than relying solely on passive proximity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 approach enhances sensitivity and accuracy of ion balance control, simplifying the device design and achieving balance within ±1 V, compared to the ±5 V balance of previous methods, while maintaining a grounded power source.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage multiplying circuit of at least one cascade

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage multiplication: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

controlling a bias current flowing through the bias electrode... voltage drop across the resistor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOhm's law: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentUS8611065B2Method and device for automatic positive and negative ion balance control in a bipolar ion generator

Publication Date: 2013.12.17 FILT AIR

AI summary

A method and a device for automatic positive and negative ion balance control in a bipolar ion generator. The method may include applying bias voltage from a bias voltage source to a bias electrode from a power supply that includes an AC voltage generator and a voltage multiplying circuit of at least one cascade. The method may also include controlling a bias current flowing through the bias electrode for the purpose of stabilization of that current, wherein the step of controlling of the bias current is performed during charging of a capacitor in the voltage multiplying circuit.