Nested Electrostatic Precipitator With Combs For Uniform Airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air purifiers are inefficient in removing particulate matter of micron or smaller sizes due to inadequate electrostatic forces and turbulence, which affects indoor air quality, particularly for individuals with asthma and allergies.

Innovation Solution

The air purifier incorporates a nested electrostatic precipitator with conductive electrode layers and combs that provide mechanical separation and fixed spacing, enhancing uniform electrical forces and airflow, while the conductive ink on opposing edges increases the distance between electrical fields, improving particle collection and reducing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional electrostatic precipitators are used, then particle removal is attempted, but particle collection efficiency is insufficient for particles of micron or smaller sizes due to inadequate electrostatic forces and turbulence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle collection efficiencyVSAvoidindoor air quality improvement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The precipitator is divided into multiple nested strips with conductive electrode layers positioned at specific locations (edges and surfaces) of each strip. This segmentation creates multiple localized electrical fields that work together to improve particle collection efficiency without creating turbulence, directly addressing the insufficient electrostatic forces in conventional designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If conductive electrode layers are placed on strip surfaces, then electrical fields are generated for particle charging, but interference between adjacent electrical fields may reduce effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle charging efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical field interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive electrode layers are positioned asymmetrically - specifically at the edges and selected surfaces of nested strips rather than uniformly distributed. This asymmetric placement increases the distance between adjacent electrical fields, reducing interference while maintaining effective particle charging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of manufacture

If adhesive methods are used to position electrostatic layers, then manufacturing may be simplified, but precise and consistent spacing between layers is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayer positioningVSAvoidspacing consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces adhesive bonding with a mechanical comb structure that provides fixed spacing between electrostatic layers. The comb's teeth physically maintain precise distances between nested strips, eliminating the need for adhesive application and curing while ensuring consistent spacing throughout manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If air flow through the precipitator is increased, then particle collection rate may improve, but turbulence increases which reduces collection efficiency for small particles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle collection rateVSAvoidair flow uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple strips with conductive electrode layers are nested within each other, creating a compact multi-layer structure. This nested configuration increases the effective collection area and electrostatic force distribution without increasing device size or creating turbulent flow, allowing improved particle collection rates while maintaining laminar air flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 collection of particles as small as 0.01 microns, improves air flow uniformity, and simplifies manufacturing by allowing for precise mechanical spacing, resulting in improved indoor air quality and reduced turbulence.

Implementation Method 1

The electrostatic precipitator is configured to provide electrostatic forces to remove particles from air flowing through the air purifier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic forces: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

A first continuous conductive electrode layer extends along a portion of one of the first and second surfaces and directly adjacent to one of the first and second edges of the first strip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS9914133B2Air purifier

Publication Date: 2018.03.13 FKA DISTRIBUTING CO LLC

AI summary

An electrostatic precipitator for an air purifier includes a first spiral strip having a continuous conductive electrode, a second spiral strip having a continuous conductive electrode and nested with the first strip, a plurality of combs. Each comb extends from an outer periphery of the precipitator to an intermediate region between the outer periphery and a center of the precipitator.