Ion Generator Electrode Separation to Prevent Leakage Current
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion generators suffer from undesirable leakage currents between the high-voltage and ground electrodes, reducing the number of ions generated due to their close proximity on the same surface.
Innovation Solution
The ion generator design separates the high-voltage and ground electrodes onto different surfaces of an insulating substrate, increasing the distance between them to prevent leakage currents, while allowing for efficient ion generation and optional ozone production by configuring the ground electrode as a resistor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the high-voltage electrode and ground electrode are disposed on the same surface, then the device structure is simple and compact, but an undesirable leakage current flows from the high-voltage electrode to the ground electrode, reducing ion generation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar arrangement (both electrodes on the same surface) to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement (electrodes on opposite surfaces of the insulating substrate). This spatial reconfiguration increases the distance between electrodes, preventing leakage current while maintaining structural compactness through vertical integration.
2Productivity
If the high-voltage electrode and ground electrode are disposed on different surfaces, then leakage current is prevented and ion generation is stabilized, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the high-voltage electrode and ground electrode onto a single insulating substrate, integrating multiple functional components into one unified structure. This consolidation achieves the leakage prevention benefit of separate surfaces while avoiding the complexity of multiple discrete components, as the substrate itself provides both mechanical support and electrical insulation.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple wire electrodes are provided to generate ions in multiple directions, then ion generation coverage is improved, but the number of contact portions and lead wires increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for electrodes, acts as an electrical insulator to prevent leakage current, and enables multi-directional ion generation through its three-dimensional structure. This multi-functionality allows multiple wire electrodes to be arranged in different directions without proportionally increasing connection complexity, as the substrate integrates all connections.
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 design stabilizes ion generation without reduction and allows for controlled ozone production, enhancing deodorant and antibacterial effects, while reducing the ion generator's size and improving safety with a compact, low-cost configuration.
Implementation Method 1
When a high-tension current is supplied to the wire electrode 45, a leakage current flows from the wire electrode 45 to the ground electrode 42, so that ions are generated.
Data Source
AI summary
In an ion generator, a high-voltage electrode with a contact portion is disposed on a first main surface of an insulating substrate and is connected to a wire electrode, and a ground electrode covered with an insulating film is disposed on a second main surface of the insulating substrate. The ground electrode is electrically connected to a contact portion on the first main surface via a through hole. By disposing the high-voltage electrode and the ground electrode on different surfaces, the occurrence of an undesirable leakage current flowing from the high-voltage electrode to the ground electrode is prevented.