Ion generating device and air conditioner comprising the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners with ion generating devices cannot continuously prevent the propagation of bacteria or microorganisms within the ducts when the air conditioning operation is stopped, leading to compromised room air quality due to stagnant air and materials inside the ducts.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner design incorporating an ion generating device with a fan that can operate independently of the blower, allowing continuous ionization and minimizing airflow resistance during conditioning, featuring a coupling structure and optimal installation position to enhance ion distribution and sterilization performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ion generating device operates only while the blower is operating, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sterilization effectiveness deteriorates because bacteria and microorganisms cannot be prevented from propagating in the ducts when air conditioning is stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ion generating device with the blower assembly, allowing the ion generator to operate independently using its own motor while being integrated into the existing air conditioner structure. This merging enables continuous sterilization operation without requiring separate control systems or additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The ion generating device is positioned to preemptively generate ions in the ducts before bacteria and microorganisms can propagate. By operating continuously or independently of the blower, the device maintains a sterilized environment in advance, preventing contamination rather than reacting to it after the fact
2Volume of stationary object
If the ion generating device is installed close to the heat exchanger, then the space utilization is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to the risk of ion generation interference with the heat exchanger operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise installation positions for the ion generating device relative to the heat exchanger, creating localized optimal conditions. The ion generator is positioned at specific distances and orientations that allow it to function effectively without interfering with heat exchanger operation, demonstrating local quality optimization through precise spatial arrangement
3Stability of the object's composition
If the fan in the ion generating device operates continuously, then the ion distribution uniformity is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan in the ion generating device operates periodically rather than continuously, turning on and off in cycles. This periodic operation maintains sufficient ion distribution uniformity while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation, achieving a balance between performance and 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
The solution enables continuous sterilization of air conditioner ducts, maintaining air quality even when the unit is not in use, by ensuring ions are consistently distributed throughout the space, thereby preventing bacterial and microbial growth and minimizing airflow resistance during operation.
Implementation Method 1
the ion generating device generates negative ions or positive ions by applying a pulsed high voltage to a discharge electrode. An electric field formed by a high voltage applied to the discharge electrode accelerates free electrons in the surrounding air, and the accelerated free electrons collide with neutral molecules in the air, such as nitrogen or oxygen, to ionize the neutral molecules.
Implementation Method 2
the ion generating device generates negative ions or positive ions by applying a pulsed high voltage to a discharge electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an ion generating device and an air conditioner having the same. The air conditioner may include a housing; a blower which causes a flow of air passing through an inner space of the housing; a heat exchanger located in the inner space of the housing; and an ion generating device which is spaced apart from the heat exchanger, and coupled to an inner side of the housing, wherein the ion generating device may include: a hollow body; a fan which is coupled to one side of the body, and causes a flow of air passing through an inside of the body; and an ionizer which is coupled to the other side of the body, and generates ion, wherein the ionizer may include a case hole which is formed in a portion of the ionizer facing the inside of the body, and communicates with the inside of the body.