Ion Concentration Measurement Using Resistor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring ion concentration in a defined space often fail to accurately reflect the rate of ion flow due to not accounting for the path of ion flow, leading to compromised air cleaning effectiveness, as they may not accurately measure ions that do not reach the intended space or are short-circuited.
Innovation Solution
A device and method involving an ion generator with an anode and cathode, a fan to direct ions into a defined space, conductive surfaces to measure the ion flow, and a resistor connected between the cathode and the conductive surfaces to measure voltage or current, which is proportional to ion concentration, ensuring accurate measurement of ion flow through the space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing ion concentration measurement methods are used, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates because they fail to account for ion flow path and short-circuiting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a resistor as an intermediary component connected between the cathode and conductive surfaces. This resistor serves as a mediator that converts ion flow into measurable voltage or current signals, enabling accurate measurement of ion concentration while accounting for the actual ion flow path through the defined space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical ion flow tracking methods with electrical measurement methods. By using a resistor and measuring circuit to detect voltage or current, the system substitutes direct mechanical observation of ion paths with indirect electrical signal measurement, achieving higher precision with simpler implementation.
2Productivity
If ion flow path is not accounted for in measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but air cleaning effectiveness deteriorates due to inaccurate measurement of ions reaching the intended space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measuring circuit continuously monitors the voltage or current across the resistor, which reflects the actual ion flow through the defined space. This feedback information is used to accurately assess ion concentration and verify that ions are reaching the intended space, thereby ensuring air cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistor acts as an intermediary that captures the electrical signature of ion flow through the defined space. By measuring the voltage or current across this intermediary component, the system can determine whether ions are successfully reaching the conductive surfaces and the intended space, providing accurate feedback on air cleaning performance.
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 solution effectively measures ion concentration by ensuring that the measured current is from ion flow through conductive surfaces, providing a proportional indication of ion concentration, thus enhancing the effectiveness of air cleaning by ensuring ions reach the intended space and are not short-circuited.
Implementation Method 1
generating a flow of ions from an ion generator having an anode and a cathode into the defined space
Implementation Method 2
measuring one of voltage across or direct current (DC) through a resistor connected between the cathode and the at least one conductive surface
Implementation Method 3
measuring one of voltage across or direct current (DC) through a resistor... determining ion concentration in the defined space based upon a proportionality of ion concentration to the measured voltage or current
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for measuring ion concentration in a defined space including disposing at least one conductive surface in a defined space, generating a flow of ions from an ion generator having an anode and a cathode into the defined space, measuring one of voltage across or direct current (DC) through a resistor connected between the cathode and the at least one conductive surface, and determining ion concentration in the defined space based upon a proportionality of ion concentration to the measured voltage or current.