Ionizer Switching Circuit for Voltage Efficiency and Heat Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ionizers with resistors connected in parallel to electrodes suffer from reduced voltage application efficiency, increased heat generation, and delayed switching times due to resistive and capacitive delays, compromising charge removal capability.
Innovation Solution
An ionizer design with separate DC voltage generating circuits for positive and negative polarities, each connected to a resistor, and a switch unit that controls the connection of these resistors to the electrode, allowing continuous operation of the circuits and independent switching times to optimize voltage application and reduce heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two resistors are connected in parallel with respect to the electrode in the ionizer, then the circuit can operate with both positive and negative polarity voltage generating circuits, but the voltage actually applied to the electrode decreases to half of the generated DC voltage value, significantly lowering ion generation efficiency and charge removal capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the voltage application circuit into two separate, independent paths: one path for positive polarity voltage through a first resistor, and another path for negative polarity voltage through a second resistor. A switching mechanism selectively connects either the first or second resistor to the electrode, preventing simultaneous current division. This segmentation allows both polarity capabilities to be maintained while ensuring the full generated voltage is applied to the electrode during each operating phase.
2Reliability
If the DC voltage level is increased to compensate for voltage loss in parallel resistor configuration, then the charge removal capability can be maintained, but the amount of generated heat from Joule heating in the resistors becomes large, causing the ionizer casing temperature to rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic switching between positive and negative polarity voltage application modes. The switching mechanism alternately connects the first resistor (for positive polarity) and second resistor (for negative polarity) to the electrode in time-separated intervals. This periodic action ensures that current flows through only one resistor at a time, eliminating simultaneous Joule heating from two parallel resistors. The duty cycle of switching is controlled to maintain effective charge removal capability while distributing thermal load over time, preventing excessive temperature rise in the ionizer casing.
3Power
If resistors are removed from the circuit to eliminate voltage loss, then voltage efficiency improves, but the DC high voltage generating circuits cannot be adequately protected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic switching mechanism that actively controls the connection of resistors to the electrode based on operating conditions. The switching element (such as a transistor or relay) dynamically connects either the first or second resistor to the electrode while disconnecting the other, transforming the static parallel resistor configuration into a dynamic series-connected configuration. This dynamic control maintains the protective function of the resistors by ensuring current limitation during voltage application, while achieving high voltage efficiency by preventing simultaneous operation of both resistors. The switching mechanism responds to control signals that coordinate with the polarity switching of the voltage generating circuits.
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
This design enhances charge removal capability by maintaining efficient ion generation with reduced voltage values, lowering power consumption and heat, and shortening switching times, thus improving the ionizer's responsiveness and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a positive polarity DC voltage, which is rectified by one of the voltage double rectifier circuits, is applied to one of the electrodes
Implementation Method 2
ions are generated in the vicinity of an electrode by application of a voltage to the electrode
Implementation Method 3
the generated ions are released toward an object to be neutralized, whereby static charges that charge the object can be removed
Implementation Method 4
the amount of generated heat (Joule heat) caused by respective currents that flow in the two resistors becomes large
Data Source
AI summary
In an ionizer, two output resistors are connected to a needle electrode through a switch unit. DC high voltage generating circuits, respectively, generate DC high voltages continuously during operation of the ionizer. A first switch and a second switch, which constitute the switch unit, are turned ON in mutually different time bands, respectively.