Ion Emitter Contamination Prevention via Voltage Waveforms

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Solution Overview

Problem

AC ionizers face significant contamination issues due to particle accumulation on emitters, leading to increased corona onset voltage and reduced ion production efficiency, with existing mechanical cleaning methods being resource-intensive and potentially transferring contamination.

Innovation Solution

The application of programmed voltage waveforms through high voltage power supplies to ion emitters, utilizing Coulombic and dielectrophoretic forces to repel particles and prevent contamination, without requiring air flow or mechanical components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical cleaning methods (manual or automatic brush abrasion) are used to remove contamination from emitters, then emitter cleanliness is improved, but device complexity increases and additional mechanical parts are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemitter cleanlinessVSAvoidmechanical parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cleaning systems (brushes, abrasion mechanisms) with an electronic solution using programmed voltage waveforms. The high voltage power supply applies alternating polarity voltages to emitters, using electrostatic forces to repel particles rather than mechanical contact, thereby eliminating complex mechanical cleaning parts while maintaining emitter cleanliness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The ionizer system performs self-cleaning through programmed voltage waveforms that automatically repel particles from emitters during operation. The alternating polarity cycles create electrostatic repulsion forces that prevent particle accumulation without requiring external mechanical intervention or additional cleaning components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If mechanical brush cleaning is used to remove contamination, then emitter cleanliness is improved, but contamination may be transferred to the product being cleaned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemitter cleanlinessVSAvoidcontamination transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical contact between cleaning components and emitters by using electrostatic repulsion forces generated through programmed voltage waveforms. This non-contact cleaning method prevents abrasion and contamination transfer to products, as no physical brushes or mechanical elements touch the emitters or nearby components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If AC voltage is applied to ion emitters for ion generation, then ion production is achieved, but particle accumulation on emitters occurs leading to increased corona onset voltage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion productionVSAvoidcorona onset voltage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic voltage waveforms with alternating polarity to ion emitters. During ion generation phases, ions are produced; during cleaning phases, the reversed polarity creates electrostatic repulsion that prevents particle accumulation. This periodic switching maintains corona onset voltage within operational ranges while持续 producing ions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The programmed voltage waveforms continuously alternate between ion generation and particle repulsion modes, ensuring that ion production continues without interruption while simultaneously preventing contamination buildup. The system maintains operational effectiveness throughout the entire process without requiring shutdowns for cleaning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Effectively reduces contamination buildup on ion emitters, maintaining ionizer efficiency and preventing particle attraction, while allowing for flexible configuration compatibility with various emitter types.

Implementation Method 1

The positive cleaner voltage and negative cleaner voltage repel particles from the emitter electrode(s) by applying Coulombic force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoulombic force: Coulomb's Law

Implementation Method 2

The positive cleaner voltage and negative cleaner voltage repel particles from the emitter electrode(s) by applying Coulombic and dielectrophoretic force

Methodology Applied

Scientific Effectdielectrophoretic force: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS7813102B2Prevention of emitter contamination with electronic waveforms

Publication Date: 2010.10.12 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

An apparatus and method for minimizing contamination buildup on corona emitters that are employed in an ionizer. Contamination buildup control is accomplished with solely electronic means. High voltage is applied to the emitters with waveforms that serve to push contaminants away from the emitter, rather than attracting contaminants toward the emitters. The results are fewer cleaning cycles, more time between cleaning cycles, and more stable ionizer operation.