Modular Ozone Generator with Removable Electrode Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ozone generators face challenges with high energy consumption, component damage, and maintenance difficulties due to the need for complete disassembly, which leads to increased risk of failure and extended downtime, especially in water treatment operations.
Innovation Solution
The ozone generating system features a modular design with independently accessible and replaceable ozone generating cells, a water-tight and air-tight head assembly, and a pressure relief valve to prevent water ingress, allowing for easier maintenance and reducing the risk of catastrophic failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complete disassembly is required for maintenance, then accessibility to components is improved, but maintenance time and risk of damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is divided into modular ozone generating cells that can be independently accessed and replaced. Each cell contains its own electrode assembly and dielectric tube, allowing maintenance personnel to service individual cells without disassembling the entire generator structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assemblies are extracted as separate, removable components from the generator housing. This extraction allows direct access to electrodes for replacement or repair without requiring complete disassembly of the generator, significantly reducing maintenance time and risk.
2Ease of operation
If complete disassembly is required for maintenance, then accessibility to components is improved, but risk of component damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the generator into independent cells with removable electrode assemblies, the patent minimizes handling of fragile components during maintenance. Only the specific cell needing service is accessed, reducing the risk of accidental damage to other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assemblies are designed as replaceable units that can be quickly swapped out when damaged or degraded. This approach accepts that electrodes have limited lifespans due to the harsh corona discharge environment and prioritizes quick replacement over complex repair procedures.
3Ease of repair
If modular design with removable contact plate is used, then ease of maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact plate is designed as a removable component that segments the electrical connection system. This allows the contact plate to be easily removed for electrode assembly access, while the segmentation itself is achieved through simple mechanical features rather than complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable contact plate serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connections to multiple electrode assemblies, acts as a structural support element, and enables easy access to electrodes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, keeping the overall design relatively simple despite the modular architecture.
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 the reliability and accessibility of ozone generation, reducing maintenance time and costs, and preventing flooding and electrical shorts, thus providing a more stable and efficient ozone production process.
Implementation Method 1
ozone is generated in a plurality of ozone generating cells that are contained within a generator enclosure. Each ozone generating cell comprises, typically, an elongate electrode that is suspended within the interior of, but not in contact with, an elongate hollow dielectric tube
Implementation Method 2
The high electrical potential difference allows a corona discharge field to form between the electrode and dielectric. As air is passed through that field, some of the molecular diatomic oxygen (02) is ionized, and some of the ions recombine in triplets as ozone (03)
Implementation Method 3
The water is used for cooling as well as being a grounded electrical conductor
Data Source
AI summary
An ozone generating apparatus includes a base container for holder water and a head assembly connected to the upper edge of the base container, the head assembly containing ozone generating cells, each having a dielectric tube and an electrode assembly coaxially disposed with the associated dielectric tube. The dielectric tubes and electrode assemblies are disposed and connected such that the tube and/or electrode assembly of each ozone generating cell can be accessed and replaced independently of all other ozone generating cells, and such that the possibility of cascade failure of all remaining ozone generating cells upon failure of a single cell is substantially eliminated.