Modular Electrostatic Filter with Segmented Cathode and Anode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing two-stage electrostatic air filters face limitations in increasing filtration efficiency and maintaining consistent performance over time without corresponding energy consumption increases, and are complex to produce, assemble, and maintain, with potential electrode handling issues.

Innovation Solution

A two-stage electrostatic filter design featuring a cathode stage with parallel flat elements and an anode stage with alternating flat segments, connected by insulating elements and a high-potential electrode, allowing for modular configuration and easy assembly, with components made from folded sheet metal for reduced production costs and simplified maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the filtration efficiency is increased by increasing the capacity to retain particles, then the filtration performance improves, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is divided into multiple independent modules, each with its own anode and cathode elements. This segmentation allows the filter to achieve high filtration efficiency through increased surface area while maintaining low energy consumption by distributing the electrical load across multiple smaller, independent units that can operate more efficiently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the filter design is made complex to improve performance, then the filtration efficiency increases, but the ease of manufacture and assembly decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidease of manufacture and assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The filter consists of multiple identical modules that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. Each module contains complete anode and cathode elements that are independently manufacturable, simplifying the production process while allowing flexible configuration to achieve desired filtration performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modules are designed with universal connection features and standardized components that can be used in various configurations. The same basic module design serves multiple functions and can be assembled in different numbers and arrangements to meet different filtration requirements, simplifying manufacture while maintaining performance flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the anode components are all electrically connected to each other and to the positive pole, then the filter structure is simplified, but any damage to an anode plate results in blockage of the entire filter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidfilter reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical circuit is segmented into multiple independent modules, each with its own electrical connections. This modular electrical architecture allows one module to be isolated and maintained without affecting the operation of other modules, preventing total filter blockage from single-point failures while maintaining relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design achieves high filtration efficiency with lower energy consumption and ease of maintenance, as demonstrated by comparative efficiency graphs showing improved performance without increased energy use.

Implementation Method 1

a high-potential electrode able to generate an induction field which charges with a positive potential the walls of ionization cells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic induction: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 2

in electrostatic air filters the air passes through an ionization zone or section comprising a high-potential electrode, where the suspended solid particles are ionized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 3

the ionized particles pass along paths which are bounded by walls having a sign opposite to that of the particles, which are thus attracted towards the said walls and stably deposited thereon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Data Source

PatentEP2322280B1Electrostatic filtration module and modular, two-stage, electrostatic filter
Publication Date: 2013.05.29 SABIANA
  • EP2322280B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2322280B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2322280B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Module for forming a two-stage electrostatic filter comprising a cathode stage (100) for collecting the particles and a polarization stage (200), in which said cathode stage (100) comprises a pair of flat side elements; the cathode side elements (110) and central elements (120) being parallel to each other and connected in pairs.