Ion Generator Grid Stabilizes Plasma

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for generating negative ions are not consistently reliable and are sensitive to material constituents, leading to variable performance in creating a stable plasma for ion production.

Innovation Solution

A device with an electrically conductive structure, preferably in the form of a grid of elongated segments, is used at the radiation face to enhance ion generation efficiency, featuring a rod within a sheath with voltage polarity differences to create a corona effect for consistent plasma formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a particle emitter with a tip brought to high voltage is used to create negative ions, then ion generation capability is achieved, but the device is highly sensitive to constituent materials and does not ensure constant creation of ions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstant creation of ionsVSAvoidsensitivity to constituent materials
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A conductive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the particle emitter tip and the front face. This conductive layer acts as a mediator that stabilizes the electrical field distribution, reducing sensitivity to the specific materials used in the particle emitter components while ensuring consistent ion generation. The conductive layer with its specific surface resistance value (10^-3 to 10^3 ohms per square) provides a controlled electrical pathway that maintains reliability across different material compositions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If high voltage is applied to a particle emitter tip to generate plasma and ions, then ion production is achieved, but performance repeatability during manufacture cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion production efficiencyVSAvoidperformance repeatability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the electrical parameter distribution by introducing a conductive layer with specific surface resistance characteristics. This parameter control allows the system to maintain consistent ion production efficiency regardless of minor variations in particle emitter construction during manufacturing. The conductive layer's electrical properties compensate for manufacturing tolerances, ensuring performance repeatability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a conductive structure is added to the front face to improve ion generation stability, then reliability is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplasma formation stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive layer can be implemented as a porous or mesh-like structure that provides the necessary electrical conductivity while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture. This porous conductive structure allows plasma formation stability to be enhanced without significantly increasing device complexity, as the porous design can be integrated into existing device geometries and maintains material permeability for ion passage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

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 provides a more stable and reliable generation of negative ions, ensuring consistent performance and adaptability with various materials for the ion generation face, while avoiding ozone and nitrogen oxides production.

Implementation Method 1

rod terminates at its first end in a point 39 at the level of the mouth 30 and is electrically connected by its second end to a plate 42 brought to a negative voltage generated by a high voltage generator 45. The supplied voltage has a value such as to create the corona effect.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorona effect: Corona Discharge

Data Source

PatentEP3384566B1Ion-generating device
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 TEQOYA
  • EP3384566B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP3384566B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3384566B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5c

AI summary

The invention relates to a device which comprises at least one generator of ionised particles such as negative oxygen ions with a view to making breathed air more healthy. In order to regularise the generation of said ions, the invention suggests providing a grid-shaped structure (20) made up of conductive segments at the mouths of said generators.