Ionizer Electrode Cover Design to Reduce Electrical Shock Risk

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ionizers for air conditioners are not efficient and safe, as they do not effectively remove foreign substances from the air and can pose health risks due to uncontrolled ion discharge.

Innovation Solution

An ionizer system integrated with a dust collector that uses a high-voltage circuit to ionize air molecules, a charged dust collecting filter to capture foreign substances, and a grounded ion trap to prevent ion accumulation, with an electrode formed of carbon fibers for efficient ion generation and minimized space usage, and an electrode cover to prevent electrical shocks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a high-voltage electrode is used to generate ions, then ion generation efficiency is improved, but the risk of electrical shock to users increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion generation efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical shock risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is nested inside a protective cover structure. The cover completely encloses the high-voltage electrode, creating a nested configuration where the hazardous component is contained within a safe outer shell. This allows the electrode to maintain its high-voltage function while being physically isolated from users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cover acts as an intermediary barrier between the high-voltage electrode and the user. This intermediate structure transfers the function of electrical isolation, preventing direct contact while allowing the ion generation function to continue uninterrupted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the ionizer components are arranged to maximize ion generation, then ion output is improved, but the device occupies more space and disrupts airflow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion outputVSAvoiddevice space occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ionizer components are arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration that utilizes three-dimensional space effectively. The electrode, cover, and supporting structures are positioned to maximize ion generation volume while minimizing the overall footprint of the device within the air conditioner housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated assembly. The protective cover simultaneously serves as a safety barrier, a structural support for the electrode, and an airflow guide. This consolidation reduces the total number of separate components and minimizes space occupation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the electrode is exposed to generate ions directly into the airflow, then ion generation efficiency is improved, but foreign substances may contact the electrode causing safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion generation efficiencyVSAvoidsafety against foreign substance contact
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is nested within the protective cover, creating a nested configuration where the hazardous component is contained within a safe outer shell. This allows the electrode to maintain its high-voltage function while being physically isolated from users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cover acts as an intermediary barrier between the high-voltage electrode and the user. This intermediate structure transfers the function of electrical isolation, preventing direct contact while allowing the ion generation function to continue uninterrupted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system maximizes ion generation, ensures user safety by preventing electrical shocks, is easily applicable to various air conditioners, and minimizes airflow disruption with compact design.

Implementation Method 1

When high voltage is applied to the electrode, electricity is discharged, thereby ionizing molecules in the air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Implementation Method 2

The ionizer ionizes molecules in the air to produce ions, and foreign substances are charged by the produced ions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon attachment: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Data Source

PatentEP2683042B1Ionizer
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2683042B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2683042B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2683042B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An efficient and safe ionizer (122) is disclosed. The ionizer (122) includes a circuit (122c) to generate high voltage, a circuit case (122d) to surround the circuit (122c), an electrode (122a) disposed outside of the circuit case (122d) and caused to discharge electricity by the high voltage generated by the circuit (122c) to ionize molecules in air, and an electrode cover 122e) disposed at a portion around the electrode (122a).