Ion Generator Noise Cancellation via Overlapping Wire-Patterns

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ion generators face challenges in downsizing due to the need for multiple shields and separate substrates, which complicates noise reduction and increases component count, making them larger and more costly.

Innovation Solution

An ion generator design featuring a high-voltage transformer with a non-grounded secondary side, discharge and induction wire-patterns with overlapping wide regions, and electrodes connected via diodes, which cancels out noise without additional shielding components, allowing for a compact configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple shields and separate substrates are used for noise reduction, then noise reduction effectiveness is improved, but device size and component count increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the high-voltage generating circuit and power controller onto a single substrate, eliminating the need for separate substrates. Additionally, the overlapping wire-pattern configuration integrates noise cancellation functionality into the existing circuit layout without requiring additional shielding components, thereby reducing both component count and device complexity while maintaining noise reduction effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful electromagnetic noise generated by the high-voltage circuit into a beneficial effect by using overlapping wire-patterns that generate canceling magnetic fields. The noise itself is utilized to create the cancellation effect, eliminating the need for passive shielding components and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If first and second substrates are greatly separated to reduce radiated and induced noises, then noise reduction is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiated and induced noisesVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a vertical separation approach (spacing substrates apart in the Z-direction) to a planar overlapping configuration (arranging wire-patterns in the XY-plane). By using overlapping wire-patterns on the same substrate plane, noise cancellation is achieved without increasing device volume, as the cancellation occurs through spatial arrangement in two dimensions rather than requiring third-dimensional separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If two independent shields are added to the pulse generator, then electromagnetic shielding is improved, but device downsizing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic shieldingVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The high-voltage generating circuit serves a dual function: it generates the required high voltage for ion generation while simultaneously providing electromagnetic noise cancellation through its overlapping wire-pattern configuration. This self-service approach eliminates the need for dedicated shielding components, allowing device downsizing while maintaining electromagnetic compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The overlapping wire-pattern configuration performs multiple functions: it serves as the electrical connection path for the high-voltage circuit and simultaneously acts as an active noise cancellation mechanism. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate shielding components, enabling device downsizing without compromising electromagnetic shielding effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 results in a smaller, cost-effective ion generator that reduces noise effectively, eliminating the need for extra shielding and simplifying the component layout, thereby preventing malfunctions caused by noise interference.

Implementation Method 1

a high-voltage transformer 12 having a secondary side that is not grounded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The discharge wire-pattern has a discharge wide region having a second width greater than the first width. The discharge wide region and the induction wire-pattern at least partly overlap each other in plan view

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation and cancellation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10998159B2Ion generator and electric apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.05.04 SHARP KK
  • US10998159B2 patent drawing
  • US10998159B2 patent drawing
  • US10998159B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An ion generator includes a high-voltage transformer having a secondary side that is not grounded; a discharge wire-pattern; an induction wire-pattern; a discharge electrode connected to a first terminal via the discharge wire-pattern, the first terminal being disposed on the secondary side of the high-voltage transformer; and an induction electrode connected to a second terminal via the induction wire-pattern, the second terminal being disposed on the secondary side of the high-voltage transformer. The first terminal has a first width. The discharge wire-pattern includes a discharge wide region having a second width greater than the first width. The discharge wide region and the induction wire-pattern at least partly overlap each other in plan view.