Ion Wind Device Using Capacitor Discharge for Compact Thrust
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion wind generating devices are limited in their ability to be used as a power source for small-sized lifting devices, requiring complex mechanisms and traditional motors, which are not suitable for miniaturized applications.
Innovation Solution
An ion wind generating device comprising a high voltage power supply, a capacitor, a starter motor, and metal cones, where the capacitor discharges to generate ionic wind, allowing for a compact, noise-free, and efficient wind generation system that can replace traditional motor-driven mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional motors and complicated mechanism driving methods are used for small-sized lifting devices, then reliable power source is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional motor-driven mechanical systems with an ion wind generating device that uses electrostatic fields to produce thrust. The high voltage power supply generates strong electric fields between the metal cone and ground plate, creating ion wind that provides lifting force without any moving mechanical parts, thereby eliminating complex mechanisms while maintaining reliable power source functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the motor and complicated driving mechanisms from the lifting device, retaining only the essential ion wind generation components (high voltage power supply, metal cone, ground plate). This extraction simplifies the overall device structure while preserving the core power source function through electrostatic ion wind generation
2Device complexity
If traditional mechanical fans are used for wind generation, then simple structure is achieved, but noise and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fan systems with an electrostatic ion wind generation system. Instead of using rotating blades that generate noise through air turbulence and mechanical friction, the invention uses a high voltage power supply to create strong electric fields that directly ionize air molecules and generate ion wind, eliminating mechanical noise sources while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The high voltage power supply operates in periodic cycles, charging the capacitor and then discharging it to generate pulsed ion wind. This periodic operation mode maintains continuous thrust while allowing the system to reset, providing a simple yet effective noise-free wind generation mechanism without complex continuous drive systems
3Volume of moving object
If ion wind generating device is used for small-sized lifting devices, then device size is reduced, but thrust capability may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a high voltage power supply capable of generating extremely high voltages (tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of volts) to create intense electric fields between the metal cone and ground plate. By changing the voltage parameter to extremely high levels, the system generates sufficient ion wind thrust from a compact structure, overcoming the typical limitation of small size versus thrust capability
Solution Approach 2:
The metal cone component utilizes a curved conical geometry with a sharp apex. This curved structure concentrates the electric field at the cone's tip, significantly enhancing the electric field strength and ionization efficiency in a compact volume. The spherical/conical curvature allows the small device to generate disproportionate thrust relative to its size
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 device achieves a higher wind speed and can be used as a thrust source for small-sized lifting objects, offering a compact, simple, and noise-free alternative to traditional motor systems.
Implementation Method 1
Ionic wind is one of the means of producing fanless wind. When the DC voltage is turned on, negative ions will deviate from the orbit, and will be attracted and neutralized by the positive discharge electrode under the action of a strong electric field. The remaining positive ions continue to hit the air, and more positive ions are produced. During the procedure of exchanging electrodes of positive ions and negative ions, the air is drawn to flow.
Implementation Method 2
the capacitor discharges the first metal cone. When the second metal cone is located between the first metal cone and the ground plate, the first metal cone causes the second metal cone to discharge to generate an ionic wind.
Data Source
AI summary
An ion wind generating device includes a high voltage power supply, a capacitor connected in parallel to the high voltage power supply, a first metal cone connected in series to the high voltage power supply, a ground plate disposed on the same axis as the first metal cone, a starter motor, and a second metal cone disposed on a connecting shaft. The starter motor includes a rotating shaft and a connecting shaft perpendicular to the rotating shaft. After second metal cone moves to be located between first cone and the ground plate, the starter motor stops rotating. The high voltage power supply charges the capacitor with the high voltage power, and the capacitor discharges the first metal cone. When the second metal cone is located between the first metal cone and the ground plate, the first metal cone causes the second metal cone to discharge to generate an ionic wind.