Ion generator device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Negative air ion generators face challenges with charge build-up on surfaces, leading to reduced ion flow due to repulsion, and ion confinement issues where ions are not projected into the intended space due to lack of a return current path.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves treating surfaces with conductive materials to prevent charge build-up and providing an electrical path for the electron source return, either through Earth grounding or resistive connections to building wiring, and adding conductive surfaces in the defined space to ensure a current path for ion flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional ion generation surfaces are used, then ion production occurs, but charge build-up on surfaces reduces ion flow due to repulsion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameter of the surface by introducing conductive coatings that can dynamically adjust surface charge properties. The conductive material allows controlled charge dissipation while maintaining ion generation effectiveness, preventing the charge build-up that would otherwise repel ions and reduce flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive coating acts as an intermediary layer between the ion generation source and the environment. This intermediate conductive surface provides a controlled path for charge dissipation while still allowing effective ion production, mediating between the need for ion generation and the need to prevent charge accumulation.
2Productivity
If no return current path is provided, then device structure remains simple, but ions are confined and not projected into the intended space
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive surfaces and grounding system provide a self-service return path for the electrical current. The system automatically establishes the necessary electrical circuit through the conductive coatings and grounding connections, enabling ion projection without requiring complex external circuitry or manual intervention to create the return path.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive surfaces serve multiple functions: they facilitate ion generation, provide charge dissipation pathways, and establish return current paths. This multi-functionality allows the same structural elements to address both ion production and electrical circuit completion, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Reliability
If conductive surfaces are added to prevent charge build-up, then ion flow stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire device structure complex, the patent applies conductive properties locally to specific surfaces where charge build-up occurs. The conductive coatings are targeted at critical areas such as electrode surfaces and internal chamber walls, providing charge dissipation exactly where needed while leaving the rest of the device structure relatively simple.
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 stabilizes ion production and ensures effective ion distribution into the desired space by mitigating charge build-up and ion confinement, enhancing the efficiency of negative air ion generation.
Implementation Method 1
electrons are added to air molecules (i.e. 'generating ions') by applying an electric field to spaced surfaces, generating negatively charged air particles
Implementation Method 2
These negatively charged particles bond to air-borne pollutants suspended in environmental or ambient air
Implementation Method 3
providing an electrical path for the electron source return, either through Earth grounding or resistive connections to building wiring
Implementation Method 4
at least one needle disposed relative to the fluid conduit such that the set of needles are exposed to the interior of the fluid conduit, the at least one needle conductively connected with the anode and wherein a tip of the at least one needle is less than three micrometers
Data Source
AI summary
An ion generating device can include a housing having an opening, an anode and a cathode disposed within the housing and having a space between them in fluid communication with the opening, a power source having a negative terminal and a positive terminal with a first connection between the negative terminal and the anode and a second connection between the positive terminal and the cathode, and an air mover disposed to direct an air flow through the space and out of the opening.