Ion Sensor with Transimpedance Amplifier for Continuous Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional charged plate monitors (CPMs) for ionizers lack continuous monitoring, pose safety hazards, deplete ions near the plate, and can only sense either positive or negative ions at a time, making them ineffective for real-time ion balance maintenance in air.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with a circuit board assembly and core assembly, featuring transimpedance amplifiers to measure ion current directly, and a controller that communicates with ionizers to adjust ion production based on real-time data from sensors, ensuring continuous monitoring and ion balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a charged plate monitor (CPM) is used to measure ion effectiveness, then ion discharge can be measured, but continuous monitoring is not achieved and ions are depleted near the plate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical charged plate monitor system with an optical detection system using a photodiode and transimpedance amplifier. This substitution enables continuous monitoring without ion depletion because the optical system detects ion current electronically rather than physically collecting ions on a plate, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and continuous monitoring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transimpedance amplifier as an intermediary component that converts the ion current signal into a measurable voltage signal. This intermediary enables continuous measurement of ion current without the need for a charged plate, allowing uninterrupted monitoring while preventing ion depletion at the measurement interface
2Measurement precision
If a charged plate monitor (CPM) is used, then ion discharge can be sensed, but safety hazards arise from exposed high-voltage plate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the high-voltage charged plate with a low-voltage photodiode-based detection system. The photodiode operates at safe voltage levels while still enabling precise measurement of ion current through optical detection and transimpedance conversion, thereby eliminating safety hazards while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a solid-state photodiode sensor that is inherently safe, compact, and requires no high-voltage components. This sensor design eliminates the dangerous exposed high-voltage plate while providing equivalent or superior measurement capability through electronic signal conversion
3Measurement precision
If a charged plate monitor (CPM) is used, then ion discharge measurement is possible, but only positive or negative ions can be sensed at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal detection system using a photodiode and transimpedance amplifier that can detect both positive and negative ions simultaneously. The system measures ion current in both polarities through the same sensor interface, enabling dual ion detection capability without requiring separate charged plate monitors for each ion type
4Measurement precision
If a charged plate monitor (CPM) with large plate area is used, then ion collection is improved, but the system becomes less adaptable and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the large mechanical charged plate with a compact photodiode sensor that detects ion current through optical means. This substitution dramatically reduces the physical size of the measurement interface while maintaining or improving ion collection efficiency through the high sensitivity of the photodetector and transimpedance amplifier circuitry
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
Enables continuous, real-time measurement and adjustment of ion levels, improving the effectiveness and safety of ionization systems by maintaining optimal ion balance and reducing ion depletion.
Implementation Method 1
featuring transimpedance amplifiers to measure ion current directly
Implementation Method 2
A sensor, such as a current sensor including a transimpedance amplifier, may be utilized to sense the ion current
Implementation Method 3
at least one ionizer connected to the controller
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for sensing ions, comprising a circuit board assembly, and a core assembly connected to the circuit board assembly, the core including a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor.