Ozone-Free Ionic Wind Air Mover Using Selective Ionization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ion generators used in air movers can produce ozone due to the reaction of oxygen molecules with oxygen ions, and existing methods to reduce ozone often compromise on performance by minimizing ion production or using ozone sequestration/destruction techniques, which are not entirely effective.
Innovation Solution
An air mover design with a non-sharp upstream electrode and an ionization device that selectively ionizes molecules other than oxygen using a laser or radioactive material, preventing ozone formation by creating an electric field insufficient for ionization and using photon absorption or particle collisions to ionize targeted molecules like water, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen, thereby generating ozone-free airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a sharp electrode tip is used to create a strong electric field for ionization, then ion production increases and airflow performance improves, but ozone formation increases due to oxygen molecule ionization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a non-sharp upstream electrode that creates an electric field with insufficient intensity for oxygen ionization in the general airflow path, while simultaneously employing a separate ionization device with localized ionization capability that selectively ionizes specific molecules (such as water, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen) without ionizing oxygen. This spatial and functional differentiation allows the system to maintain high ion production for airflow generation while preventing ozone formation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If ion production is minimized to reduce ozone formation, then ozone levels decrease, but airflow performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a non-sharp upstream electrode that generates an electric field insufficient for oxygen ionization, thereby acting as a mediator that enables ion production for airflow while preventing the harmful oxygen ionization pathway. Additionally, the selective ionization of alternative molecules (water, carbon dioxide, nitrogen) serves as an intermediary mechanism to maintain ion-driven airflow without creating ozone.
3Productivity
If conventional ionization methods are used to generate airflow, then airflow is produced, but ozone sequestration or destruction techniques are required to eliminate ozone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preventing ozone formation at the source through the use of a non-sharp upstream electrode and selective ionization methodology. By proactively designing the ionization process to exclude oxygen ionization, the system eliminates the need for downstream ozone sequestration or destruction techniques, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining effective airflow generation.
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 approach eliminates ozone formation while maintaining airflow efficiency, allowing for effective cooling without the need for ozone sequestration or destruction techniques, suitable for both surface cooling and bulk airflow applications.
Implementation Method 1
using a laser or radioactive material, preventing ozone formation by creating an electric field insufficient for ionization and using photon absorption or particle collisions to ionize targeted molecules
Implementation Method 2
using photon absorption or particle collisions to ionize targeted molecules like water, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen
Implementation Method 3
The ionized molecules can drive ozone-free airflow between the upstream and ground electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an air mover may include a first electrode, a second electrode and an ionization device to selectively ionize molecules in an electric field between the first and second electrodes. The ionized molecules can drive airflow between the first and second electrodes. In certain embodiments, the ionization device has an operational characteristic that prevents ionization of oxygen so that the airflow is ozone-free.