Ionized Air Blower with Feedback-Based Ion Balance Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ionization devices struggle with balancing positive and negative ion output, leading to inefficiencies in neutralizing static charge on surfaces and maintaining ion balance.

Innovation Solution

An ionized air blower system with a control circuitry that adjusts the ratio of positive and negative ions based on real-time feedback from sensors, allowing for both ion balanced and ion imbalanced modes to achieve static charge neutralization and ion balance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional ionization devices are used, then ion output is generated, but ion balance between positive and negative ions cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion balanceVSAvoidoperation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an ion balance sensor that continuously monitors the ion balance in the workspace and provides feedback to a control circuit. The control circuit adjusts the high voltage power supplies based on this feedback to maintain balanced ion output. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by automatically maintaining ion balance without requiring manual operation or adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If ion balance sensor is placed close to ion emitters, then ion balance can be detected, but sensor may be affected by strong electric field

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion balance detectionVSAvoidelectric field interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sensor grille as an intermediary structure between the ion emitters and the ion balance sensor. The grille physically separates the sensor from the strong electric field region while still allowing ion detection. This intermediary structure enables precise ion balance measurement without exposing the sensor to harmful electric field interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If high voltage power supplies are made switchable, then ion balance control is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion balance controlVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements switchable high voltage power supplies that can dynamically adjust between positive and negative ion output based on real-time ion balance conditions. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to maintain ion balance automatically, resolving the contradiction by making the system adaptable rather than static, even though it increases complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If ion emitters are continuously operated, then ion output is maintained, but ion balance may drift over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion outputVSAvoidion balance stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic switching between positive and negative ion emission modes based on ion balance sensor feedback. Rather than continuous operation in a fixed mode, the system periodically adjusts its operation to maintain ion balance. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by preventing ion balance drift while maintaining overall ion output productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Effectively neutralizes static charge on surfaces and maintains ion balance by dynamically adjusting ion ratios, enhancing the efficiency and precision of ionization processes.

Implementation Method 1

an ionizer configured to produce positive ions and negative ions in the airflow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 2

a sensor configured to detect a charge of the airflow generated by the ionized air blower

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic detection: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP3864350B1Apparatus for an ionized air blower
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3864350B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3864350B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3864350B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Various aspects of the disclosure provides for an ionized air blower that can be used to neutralize static charge on a target surface or provide a charge on the target surface. The ionized air blower may comprise a fan configured to generate airflow toward a target surface, an ionizer configured to produce positive ions and negative ions in the airflow, and control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to control one or both of a speed of the airflow from the blower and ionization of the airflow. The ionization is performed by a selected one of ion imbalanced mode or ion balanced mode of the blower.