Ion generating device, method for manufacturing same, and air conditioner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ion generating devices require increased voltage to produce high-density negative ions, leading to ozone and noise generation, and have inefficient ion distribution due to the presence of a grounding electrode.

Innovation Solution

The ion generating device employs a discharge pin manufactured using a MEMS process with a minimized radius and a platinum coating, operated without a grounding electrode, and applies DC voltage to reduce noise and enhance ion distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If voltage is increased to generate high-density negative ions, then ion density is improved, but ozone and noise generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion densityVSAvoidozone and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the discharge pin, specifically minimizing the tip radius to a specific range (1-10 μm) and optimizing the length-to-diameter ratio. This parameter change allows high-density ion generation at lower voltages, thereby reducing ozone and noise production while maintaining effective ion generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional grounding electrode system with a simplified single-electrode configuration. By eliminating the grounding electrode and using only the discharge pin with optimized geometry, the system achieves efficient ion generation without the harmful side effects associated with traditional high-voltage two-electrode systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a grounding electrode is used in the ion generating device, then electrical circuit completeness is improved, but ion distribution efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit completenessVSAvoidion distribution efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the grounding electrode from the traditional ion generating device structure. By taking out this component, the patent eliminates the interference it causes to ion distribution while maintaining circuit functionality through alternative means, thereby improving ion distribution efficiency throughout the indoor space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Speed

If pulse voltage is applied to the discharge electrode, then ion generation speed is improved, but discharge noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion generation speedVSAvoiddischarge noise
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the voltage application parameter from pulse voltage to DC voltage. Combined with the optimized discharge pin geometry (minimized tip radius of 1-10 μm), this parameter change enables continuous ion generation at lower voltage levels, reducing noise while maintaining effective ion production speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for the generation of high-density ions at lower voltages, reducing ozone and noise production while ensuring effective ion distribution, thus improving indoor air quality without increasing energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a discharge pin having a tip and disposed at a discharge electrode is manufactured by a MEMS process... ions can be generated at relatively low voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Implementation Method 2

A Platinum (Pt) coating may be formed on the discharge pin to improve discharge efficiency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 3

It is possible to reduce discharge noise, as compared with using pulse voltage, by applying DC voltage to the discharge electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentUS12036562B2Ion generating device, method for manufacturing same, and air conditioner
Publication Date: 2024.07.16 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US12036562B2 patent drawing
  • US12036562B2 patent drawing
  • US12036562B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An ion generating device, a method for manufacturing an ion generating device, and an air conditioner are provided. The ion generating device may include a discharge electrode that generates ions, and a power supply that applies power to the discharge electrode. The discharge electrode may include a support formed of a conductor, and a discharge pin formed to protrude from a surface of the support and having a tip. The discharge pin may include nickel (Ni).