Ionizing Blower Sensor Electrostatic Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors for monitoring and controlling ionizing blowers are inefficient due to high air ion consumption, sensitivity to environmental interference, and inability to measure total ion output, leading to compromised accuracy and limited installation options.
Innovation Solution
A measurement channel isolated from external electric fields using an electrostatic grounded screen or coating, which samples ionized air and employs electrodes to capture and measure air ions, allowing for precise balance and current adjustments without noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conductive grid sensor is used to measure air ion current, then air ion current measurement is achieved, but the sensor consumes a large fraction (up to 30%) of the blower's air ion output, reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary measurement function from the traditional conductive grid sensor. Instead of using a large grid that consumes significant ions, the invention uses a small sensor electrode that measures ion current without substantially consuming the blower's ion output, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a controlled measurement zone with specific electrical properties. The sensor electrode is positioned within an electrostatic shielded environment, allowing accurate local measurement of ion current while minimizing overall ion consumption and maintaining blower efficiency
2Measurement precision
If a conductive grid sensor is exposed to external electric fields for measurement, then air ion current can be detected, but environmental interference from fans, heaters, lights, and motors generates unwanted currents that compromise accuracy and sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrostatic shield as an intermediary between the sensor electrode and external electric fields. This shield acts as a mediator that blocks unwanted electric field interference from fans, heaters, lights, and motors while allowing the sensor to accurately detect air ion current, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection capability and environmental sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-shielding the sensor electrode with an electrostatic shield before external electric field interference can affect the measurement. This preventive measure eliminates unwanted currents induced by environmental electric fields, ensuring accurate and sensitive ion current measurement without compromise
3Measurement precision
If a conductive grid sensor is used to measure net current, then current measurement is achieved, but the measurement contains no information concerning total ion output, limiting measurement completeness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using the measured ion current signal to adjust blower operation. The sensor electrode measures ion current, and this measurement is fed back to control the blower's ion generation, enabling the system to maintain optimal performance while providing complete measurement information including total ion output
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the measurement system universal by designing the sensor electrode and electrostatic shield configuration to provide multiple measurement capabilities simultaneously. The system can measure both net current and total ion output, eliminating the information loss limitation of traditional grid sensors while maintaining measurement precision
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 accurate measurement and control of ionizing blower performance by isolating the measurement process from environmental noise, maintaining analytical integrity, and allowing for precise adjustments to balance and ion density, enhancing operational efficiency and installation flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
A new type of sensor is needed for monitoring and controlling ionizing blowers. The new sensor should measure balance and air ion current. And it should be insensitive to environmental interference.
Implementation Method 2
The two most common sensors are: (1) a conductive grid connected to a low current amplifier, and (2) a three electrode combination. The conductive grid sensor measures air ion current
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for monitoring the output of an ionizing blower. A measuring channel captures a portion of the air ion stream, and measures balance plus air ion current. Since the measurement channel is isolated from extraneous electrostatic fields, measurements contain less analytical noise. Air flow through the measurement chamber is created by the inherent pressure difference between the high pressure and low pressure sides of an air mover. Two electrodes inside the measurement chamber are combined with a power supply, a low current amplifier, and a controller. The controller also makes adjustments to the ionizing blower.