Ionization Process Using Charged Grid for Efficient Electron Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for converting neutral atoms or molecules into ions are inefficient, requiring high energy and often produce unwanted ions, making it difficult to reliably produce positive ions or decompose stable molecules.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the deliberate extraction of electrons from atoms and molecules using a charged grid to produce positive ions, allowing for selective decomposition and molecular construction, with controlled electron extraction and insertion units to manage the ionization process efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal ionization or coronal discharge is used to produce positive ions, then ionization can be achieved, but extremely high energy is continuously consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed electric fields instead of continuous high voltage application. The system applies short duration high voltage pulses to the grid structure, allowing ionization to occur during pulse periods while minimizing energy consumption during inter-pulse periods. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable positive ion production through controlled pulsing rather than continuous energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters by using alternating current (AC) voltages with varying frequencies and amplitudes, rather than direct current (DC) high voltage. By adjusting the frequency and amplitude parameters of the applied voltage, the system optimizes ionization efficiency while reducing overall energy consumption, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable ion production and energy usage.
2Reliability
If electrostatic precipitators or cathode discharge are used, then negative ions can be produced, but unwanted positive ions are also generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by using a positively charged grid structure instead of a negative cathode. This inversion changes the ionization mechanism to preferentially produce negative ions while minimizing positive ion generation. The positive grid attracts electrons and facilitates their attachment to neutral molecules, creating negative ions as the primary product rather than unwanted positive ions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the typically harmful effect of electron bombardment into a beneficial process. Instead of allowing high-energy electrons to cause unwanted ionization and heating, the system uses controlled electron attachment to neutral molecules, converting potential harmful electron impact into useful negative ion production. The electron capture process becomes the desired mechanism rather than a side effect.
3Reliability
If high voltage is continuously applied during coronal discharge, then ionization occurs, but the system is complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsed voltage application instead of continuous high voltage, which simplifies the power supply requirements and reduces the complexity of voltage regulation circuits. The pulsed nature allows for simpler switching mechanisms and reduces the need for complex continuous high-voltage maintenance systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable ionization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic AC voltage with variable frequency and amplitude control rather than static DC high voltage. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt ionization conditions to different operational requirements, simplifying the overall system design by using standard AC power sources with controllable parameters instead of specialized continuous high-voltage equipment.
4Reliability
If electrons are emitted to neutral atoms, then negative ions may form, but most target particles remain unmodified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized high-field region at the grid surface where electron emission and attachment occur most efficiently. By concentrating the ionization process at the grid interface rather than throughout the entire volume, the system maximizes the probability of electron-neutral molecule interactions, thereby increasing ion production efficiency while maintaining a simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a charged grid structure as an intermediary between the electron source and neutral molecules. This grid acts as a mediator that facilitates controlled electron emission and directs electrons toward neutral molecules, increasing the efficiency of negative ion formation compared to direct electron emission methods where most electrons miss their targets.
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 and efficient production of positive or negative ions, facilitating the decomposition of molecules into their constituent isotopes and the construction of unusual molecules with low maintenance energy, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
A charged grid is used to extract electrons from neutral atoms and molecules through electrostatic attraction
Implementation Method 2
controlled electron extraction and insertion units to manage the ionization process efficiently
Implementation Method 3
the production of positive and negative ions and the composition and decomposition of molecules
Data Source
AI summary
The process of the present application differs substantially from the prior art, as it facilitates the deliberate extraction of electrons from atoms and molecules during the production of positive ions, as compared with occasionally and accidentally knocking them away. It is an energy efficient process for the extraction and capture of electrons, production of positive ions and negative ions, the construction of molecules and the selective decomposition of molecules. These results are accomplished by the forcible extraction of electrons from the object molecules and atoms. The present process is superior to any other intended for the production of positive ions and the composition and the decomposition of molecules, because it not only simplifies the process, but it also speeds the process, allowing a continuous stream or beam of particles to be so converted to positive ions. Additionally, the present process demonstrates its superiority to any other because it is extremely efficient, in that, once the system is fully charged, it requires only a small maintenance energy to sustain operation. Furthermore, by the reversal of electric polarity, the process allows the production of a continuous stream or beam of negative ions.