Lighting Device with Integrated Ionizer and Airflow Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air treatment systems for disinfection, such as those used in buildings, are not easily implementable in existing infrastructure, may be inefficient, bulky, and can obstruct lighting functions, and often lead to recombination of ions due to airflow collisions.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device integrated with an air ionizer and airflow system that generates both positively and negatively charged particles, with distinct airflow channels to prevent ion recombination, allowing for efficient disinfection in larger spaces without compromising lighting functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If monopolar or bipolar ion emitting lighting devices are used, then disinfection function is provided, but large space is needed on the front of the lamp for ion outlet, limiting the space for lighting function
Solution Approach 1:
The ionizer components (electrodes, airflow device) are nested within the housing structure of the lighting device, with the light generating device positioned upstream and the ionizer downstream. The airflow device creates a controlled flow path that guides ions through designated openings in the front part, allowing both lighting and disinfection functions to occupy the same spatial envelope without significant interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the ionizer components in the downstream direction along the airflow path, utilizing the depth dimension of the device rather than competing for front-facing surface area. The first openings are configured upstream of the airflow device, and second openings are configured downstream, creating a three-dimensional ion release pathway that does not obstruct the lighting function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ionization components (needles, brushes) are placed in the light path, then ion generation is achieved, but obstruction of the light path occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional zones: a light generating device upstream that produces light, an intermediate airflow device that generates charged particles, and a front part with openings downstream that releases ions. This spatial segmentation ensures that ionization components do not obstruct the primary light path while still achieving effective ion generation and release.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow device acts as an intermediary between the light generating device and the ion release openings. It generates charged particles through corona discharge or similar mechanisms and transports them through controlled airflow to the second openings in the front part, where ions are released without blocking the light path.
3Productivity
If conventional ion generators are used, then ion release is achieved, but recombination of positive and negative ions occurs due to colliding airflows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric electrode configurations and differentiated airflow patterns for positive and negative ion generation. By creating unequal or staggered release paths and utilizing the directional flow from the airflow device, opposite polarity ions are released in a manner that minimizes direct collision and recombination, maintaining higher ion stability and effectiveness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing air treatment systems are implemented in buildings, then disinfection is provided, but they are not easily implementable in existing infrastructure and may be bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air treatment function with the lighting function into a single integrated device. The housing contains both the light generating device and the ionizer with airflow device, allowing the system to provide both illumination and disinfection simultaneously. This combination eliminates the need for separate air treatment systems and enables easy integration into existing lighting infrastructure.
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 solution provides effective disinfection over larger areas with minimal ion neutralization, maintaining the lighting function's integrity and allowing for even distribution of ionized air, while being compact enough for retrofitting into existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
the air ionizer device is configured to generate in an operational mode charged particles at an electrode
Implementation Method 2
the airflow device is configured to generate in the operational mode an airflow entraining the charged particles
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a lighting device (1200) comprising (i) a light generating device (100), (ii) an air ionizer device (500), (iii) an airflow device (600), and a front part (750), wherein: (A) the lighting device (1200) comprises one or more first openings (710) and one or more second openings (720); wherein the front part (750) comprises the one or more second openings (720); (B) wherein the light generating device (100) is configured to generate device light (101); wherein the front part (750) comprises a first optical diffusor element (1151), wherein the light generating device (100) is configured upstream of the first optical diffusor element (1151), and wherein the first optical diffusor element (1151) is configured to transmit at least part of the device light (101); (C) the air ionizer device (500) is configured to generate in an operational mode charged particles at an electrode (1510); and (D) the airflow device (600) is configured to generate in the operational mode an airflow (1610) entraining the charged particles; wherein the one or more first openings (710) are configured upstream of the airflow device (600) and the electrode (1510); wherein at least a part (1721) of the one or more second openings (720) is configured downstream of the airflow device (600) and the electrode (1510).