Ion Wind Generator for Quiet Building Ventilation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building closure elements, such as roof windows, often rely on fans for ventilation, which require maintenance and generate noise, and do not efficiently ventilate interior spaces separated from the outside environment.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an ion wind generator in the flow path of the building closure element to generate air flow without moving parts, using electrodes to create an electric field that drives air flow and cleans the air by binding dirt particles and generating ozone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a fan is used for ventilation in building closure elements, then air flow is generated, but maintenance requirements increase and noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair flowVSAvoidmaintenance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical fan system with an ion wind generator that uses electrostatic forces to generate air flow. The ion wind generator creates ions through corona discharge that are accelerated by an electric field, producing a body force that drives air flow without any moving mechanical parts, thereby eliminating maintenance requirements and noise generation associated with traditional fans

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes electrostatic fluid dynamics by generating ionized air currents through corona discharge electrodes. The ion wind generator produces a controlled air flow through electrostatic forces acting on ionized gas molecules, creating a pneumatic effect without mechanical movement, thus achieving fan-like ventilation functionality without the drawbacks of mechanical systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Speed

If a fan is used for ventilation in building closure elements, then air flow is generated, but operational noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair flowVSAvoidoperational noise

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The ion wind generator operates by creating periodic corona discharge pulses that generate ion wind bursts. This periodic electrostatic action produces continuous air flow through accumulated ion momentum, achieving ventilation效果 without the continuous mechanical rotation and associated noise of traditional fans

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Strength

If the flow path is bounded by a cover plate, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cover plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support and enclosure for the ion wind generator, defines the flow path geometry, protects internal components from environmental exposure, and acts as a mounting surface for the electrodes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural and functional components, thereby simplifying manufacturing despite the enhanced structural requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the structural enclosure function and the flow path definition function into a single integrated cover plate structure. The cover plate is designed to simultaneously provide mechanical strength and guide air flow through the ion wind generator, merging multiple functions into one component to reduce overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 ion wind generator provides quiet, low-maintenance ventilation and air purification, enhancing the efficiency and comfort of interior space ventilation while reducing operational noise and maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

an ion wind generator (22) is arranged in the flow path (15) to generate an airflow along the flow path (15)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon wind: Ion Wind

Implementation Method 2

using electrodes to create an electric field that drives air flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 3

the ion wind generator provides quiet, low-maintenance ventilation and air purification, enhancing the efficiency and comfort of interior space ventilation while reducing operational noise and maintenance needs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 4

generating ozone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOzone generation: Ozone

Data Source

PatentEP3896246B1Building closure element with an ion wind generator and method for operating the same

Publication Date: 2023.07.05 ROTO FRANK DACHSYST TECH GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a building closure element (1). This element is characterized by a first fluid opening (16) and a second fluid opening (17) which are fluidically connected to each other at least temporarily via a flow path (15), wherein an ion wind generator (22) is arranged in the flow path (15) to generate an airflow along the flow path (15). The invention further relates to a method for operating a building closure element (1).