Planar Ion Emitter with Spring Cleaning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion generators face inefficiencies due to uneven ionization from needle emitters, large size from planar structures, and inefficient dust removal, which affects ion emission levels and generator performance.
Innovation Solution
A thin planar conducting structure mounted on an insulating substrate with a spring mechanism for dust removal, where the spring contacts and removes dust while disconnecting the AC high voltage generator during cleaning, maintaining directed ion emission and reducing device depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a plurality of needles are used as ion emitters, then directed ionization is achieved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to difficulty in making needles with tips of equal sharpness
Solution Approach 1:
The planar conducting structure is divided into multiple elements arranged in a grid pattern, where each element functions as an independent ion emission unit. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve directed ionization similar to needle arrays while using a simpler planar geometry that is easier to manufacture with uniform properties.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex three-dimensional needle structures, the invention uses a two-dimensional planar conducting structure that copies the essential function of needle tips (ion emission) in a simplified form. The planar elements replicate the ionization capability without the manufacturing complexity of creating uniformly sharp needle tips.
2Productivity
If a large number of needles are used in planar structure, then ion output level is increased, but device size increases due to occupation of space by needles
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a three-dimensional needle array to a two-dimensional planar conducting structure. This dimensional reduction allows the emitter to achieve high ion output without requiring the same spatial footprint as traditional needle arrays, as the planar structure can pack emission elements more efficiently in a flattened configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple ion emission elements are merged into a single planar conducting structure that functions as one integrated emitter. This merging eliminates the need for separate needle components and their supporting structures, reducing the overall device size while maintaining high ion output through the combined effect of multiple planar elements.
3Quantity of substance
If closely packed needles are used, then ion emission density is increased, but dust removal becomes difficult as dust is trapped between needles
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the ion emission function from the complex three-dimensional needle structure and implements it in a two-dimensional planar format. This extraction opens up the emission surface, eliminating the enclosed spaces between closely packed needles where dust would be trapped, while maintaining high ion emission density through the planar element arrangement.
4Ease of operation
If cleaning device with brushes is placed between needles and screen, then dust removal is achieved, but device depth increases reducing ion generator efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the need for deep brush cleaning mechanisms by extracting the emission structure from a three-dimensional needle array to a two-dimensional planar form. This structural change allows dust to be accessed and removed from the open planar surface without requiring deep penetration into the device, thereby reducing the overall device depth while maintaining effective dust removal capability.
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 solution achieves directed ion emission with reduced size and efficient dust removal, enhancing ion generator efficiency and preventing ion emission interference during cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
The corona discharge is generated within the insulating base between the elements of the single cells of the planar structure
Implementation Method 2
a spring is mounted on the edge of the insulation substrate in such a manner that the spring coils contact the edges of the planar conducting structure. The spring travels along the conducting structure. As the spring travels it picks up by contact the accumulated dust
Data Source
AI summary
An ionizer includes a high voltage AC generator, and a planar ion emitter mounted on an insulating substrate and having an array of planar needles that protrude from an edge of the substrate. The high voltage AC generator may be actuated by a switch having a pair of mutually insulated planar contacts located near an edge of the insulating substrate and configured to be contacted by an electrically conductive coil spring. The coil spring is supported by a slider that is moveable toward the ion emitter from an initial position wherein the planar contacts are shorted by the spring so as to actuate the high voltage AC generator. Continued movement of the spring collects dust in its coils while breaking the switch contacts and de-energizing the high voltage AC generator.