Modular flexible smart multi electrode air ionizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air filtration systems in aircraft, such as HEPA filters, are not continuously effective across enclosed spaces, are costly, and do not address odor removal.
Innovation Solution
A modular, flexible, smart multi-electrode air ionizer system that uses a centrally controlled high voltage module, digital module, and electrode module with flexible printed circuit boards to emit ions, effectively neutralizing pathogens and odors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If HEPA filters are used to filter air during recirculation, then air filtration effectiveness is improved, but cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical filtration system (HEPA filters requiring physical air forcing through filters) with an electrostatic ionization system that uses high voltage electrodes to generate ions for air purification. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical filtration while achieving comparable or superior air cleaning effectiveness with reduced energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental operating parameter from mechanical pressure-driven filtration to electrostatic field-driven ionization. By applying high voltage (typically 10-50 kV) to electrode arrays, the system creates corona discharge that generates positive and negative ions which attach to airborne particles, causing them to settle or be collected, thereby purifying air without mechanical filtration.
2Reliability
If HEPA filters are used to filter air during recirculation, then air filtration effectiveness is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical HEPA filtration systems with a more cost-effective electrostatic ionization system. The ionization system uses simple high voltage power supplies and electrode arrays instead of costly filter media, housing, and mounting structures required for HEPA filters, significantly reducing overall system cost while maintaining air purification effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic ionization system uses inexpensive electrode components that can be easily replaced or reconfigured compared to expensive HEPA filters. The high voltage tracks and electrodes are made from conductive materials that are far cheaper than HEPA filter media, and the system requires no replaceable filter cartridges.
3Reliability
If air filters are placed at central locations, then air filtration is provided, but continuous effectiveness within the enclosed space is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air ionization system into multiple distributed electrode modules that can be placed throughout the enclosed space rather than relying on a single central filter. Each module contains high voltage tracks and electrodes that independently generate ions locally, providing distributed air purification coverage that ensures continuous effectiveness throughout the entire space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from centralized planar filtration to three-dimensional distributed ionization. Multiple electrode modules are positioned at different locations and heights within the enclosed space, creating a volumetric ionization field that provides comprehensive air purification coverage in all spatial dimensions rather than relying on single-point central filtration.
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 air ionizer system provides continuous air purification across aircraft spaces, effectively neutralizing pathogens and odors, while being more cost-effective and energy-efficient compared to traditional filtration systems.
Implementation Method 1
a high voltage module configured to output a high voltage... an electrode module operatively coupled to the high voltage module... configured to emit ions
Implementation Method 2
the first connector configured to receive a first ion emitter... effectively neutralizing pathogens and odors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An electrode module for use in an air ionizer system is disclosed herein. The electrode module includes a first printed circuit board (402) extending in a first direction from a first edge to a second edge, a first positive high voltage track (404) formed on the first printed circuit board, the first positive high voltage track extending in the first direction, a first negative high voltage track (406) formed on the first printed circuit board, the first negative high voltage track being spaced apart from the first positive high voltage track by a first distance in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a first ion sense trace (408) formed on the first printed circuit board, a first ion probe (409) attached to the first printed circuit board and the first ion sense trace, and a first connector (410) coupled to the first positive high voltage track and configured to receive a first ion emitter (412).