Parallel Discharge Needle Electrode Arrangement for Compact Air Purification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing discharge devices require a large space between discharge needles to prevent interference of streamer discharges, leading to an increased size of the device.

Innovation Solution

Arranging discharge needles parallel to each other and supporting them on a plate portion, allowing them to be brought closer together while maintaining stable streamer discharges, even if the tips are melted or shortened.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a filter is used to remove particles from air, then air purification is improved, but the filter becomes clogged and requires frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair purificationVSAvoidfilter replacement frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the problematic filter component entirely from the system and replaces it with an electrostatic precipitation mechanism that removes particles without using a physical filter medium, thereby eliminating clogging and replacement needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical filtration system with an electrostatic field-based particle removal system, where charged electrodes create electric fields that attract and capture particles, substituting mechanical filtration with electromagnetic forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a large number of ions are generated for air treatment, then air purification effectiveness is improved, but ozone concentration increases creating safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair purification effectivenessVSAvoidozone concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different electrode configurations and electric field strengths in different regions of the treatment chamber, creating localized zones optimized for particle capture while minimizing conditions that promote excessive ozone generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent carefully controls and optimizes electrical parameters such as voltage, current, and pulse duration to achieve effective particle ionization and capture while maintaining ozone concentrations within safe limits through precise parameter management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If a corona discharge device is used to generate ions, then air treatment capability is improved, but particles adhere to the device and require frequent cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair treatment capabilityVSAvoiddevice maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by designing the corona discharge device with a configuration where particles are repelled from the electrode surfaces or where the electrode geometry prevents particle accumulation, reversing the problem of particle adhesion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic electrode configurations or movable components that prevent static particle buildup on surfaces, allowing particles to be continuously discharged or shaken off, thereby reducing maintenance requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration reduces the size of the discharge device while maintaining high purification efficiency and stability of streamer discharges over time.

Implementation Method 1

the ionizing unit that generates ions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Implementation Method 2

the charged particles attract and capture airborne particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP3089292B1Discharge device and air treatment device
Publication Date: 2020.05.27 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP3089292B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3089292B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3089292B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a discharge device including a power source (52), a discharge electrode (61) having a plurality of discharge needles (64) each being in a linear shape or a rod-like shape, and a counter electrode (71) opposed to a tip of each of the discharge needles (64). The discharge device provides a streamer discharge from the tip of each of the discharge needles (64) toward the counter electrode (71) as a result of receiving a potential difference applied to the discharge electrode (61) and the counter electrode (71) from the power source (52). The plurality of discharge needles (64) are arranged parallel to one another.