Ionizer Needle Cleaning with Offset Bristle Bundles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ionizers face inefficiencies in continuous operation due to the need for manual or disruptive cleaning of electrode needles, which can be damaged by electrostatic discharges and are prone to dirt and dust accumulation, disrupting ion output.

Innovation Solution

An automated cleaning system with offset bundles of bristles on rotating members that can clean ionizing electrodes without interrupting the ionizer's operation, allowing for continuous ion generation while maintaining consistent ion output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the ionizing electrode is cleaned manually or by stopping the system, then the electrode can be cleaned effectively, but the system operation is interrupted and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode cleanlinessVSAvoidsystem continuous operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning member is positioned to contact the ionizing electrode before significant dirt accumulation occurs, performing preventive cleaning during scheduled maintenance intervals without requiring system shutdown. The rotating cleaning member with offset bristle bundles is configured to automatically clean the electrode surface as part of the normal operational cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The ionizing electrode is equipped with an integrated cleaning mechanism that automatically cleans itself during operation. The cleaning member rotates in contact with the electrode, using the electrode's own position and the rotating motion to perform cleaning without external intervention or system interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the cleaning member contacts the ionizing electrode directly during active ionization, then cleaning is effective, but the ion output consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidion output consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning member is divided into multiple spaced-apart bundles of bristles rather than a single continuous contact surface. This segmentation allows different portions of the electrode to be cleaned at different times during rotation, reducing the impact on ion output consistency while maintaining effective cleaning coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning member rotates to contact the ionizing electrode periodically rather than continuously. During each rotation cycle, the cleaning action occurs intermittently as different bristle bundles contact the electrode surface, allowing ion generation to continue with minimal disruption while still achieving effective cleaning over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Device complexity

If a single bundle of bristles is used for cleaning, then the device complexity is low, but the cleaning coverage and effectiveness are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning member structureVSAvoidelectrode cleaning completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning member comprises multiple spaced-apart bundles of bristles distributed around its circumference. Each bundle contacts a different portion of the ionizing electrode during rotation, providing comprehensive cleaning coverage of the entire electrode surface while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bundles of bristles are positioned at asymmetric, offset locations rather than being uniformly distributed. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that bristles contact the electrode at optimal points during rotation, improving cleaning effectiveness on the critical emission tip area while keeping the structure simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 operation of ionizers with automated cleaning, reducing maintenance downtime and ensuring consistent ion output by cleaning electrodes without direct contact during active ionization.

Implementation Method 1

ion generators or ionizers, for generating air ions by corona discharge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Implementation Method 2

a cleaning member for cleaning the ionizing electrode... a plurality of spaced apart bundles of bristles for cleaning the ionizing electrode when the cleaning member comes into contact with the ionizing electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical cleaning: Brush

Data Source

PatentUS9948071B2Ionizer with a needle cleaning device

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 DESCO IND INC

AI summary

An ionizer, including: an ionizing electrode for ionizing air and having a longitudinal first direction; and a cleaning member including a plurality of spaced apart bundles of bristles for cleaning the ionizing electrode when the cleaning member comes into contact with the ionizing electrode, each bundle of bristles in the plurality of spaced apart bundles of bristles being offset relative to the other bundles of bristles in the plurality of spaced apart bundles of bristles along the first direction and along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.