Plasma Purification Module Using Mist-Wrapped Ions for Air Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial negative ion generators have limited volume and ion lifetime, leading to ineffective air purification due to neutralization of positive and negative ions.
Innovation Solution
A plasma purification module using atmospheric pressure plasma with a catchment element to convert water into nanometer-scale mists, which wrap ions and prolong their lifetime, reducing neutralization reactions and enhancing purification efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If commercial negative ion generators are used to generate ions for air purification, then ions can decompose contaminants through chemical reactions, but the volume of the discharge area is limited and ion lifetime is very short causing neutralization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces water droplets as an intermediary substance that captures and carries ions into the discharge area. The water droplets act as a mediator between the ion generation source and the contaminants, enabling ions to reach the reaction zone without direct exposure to neutralizing fields, thus extending their effective lifetime and purification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a spray mechanism that uses pneumatic or hydraulic principles to atomize water into fine droplets. These droplets are propelled into the discharge area where they interact with plasma to generate and transport ions, overcoming the limitation of short ion lifetime through fluid-based delivery systems.
2Productivity
If commercial negative ion generators are used to generate ions for air purification, then ions can decompose contaminants through chemical reactions, but the volume range of the discharge area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional point-source or planar discharge geometry to a three-dimensional spray-based discharge volume. By introducing water droplets that disperse ions throughout a volumetric region rather than confining them to a limited surface area, the effective discharge volume is dramatically increased, enabling broader air purification coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and distribution parameters of the discharge medium from a confined plasma field to a dispersed aerosol-based plasma system. This parameter change allows the discharge area to expand from a limited volume to a much larger spatial region, enhancing the purification effect while maintaining ion reactivity.
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 module effectively broadens the reaction scope and purification effect by prolonging ion lifetime and reducing neutralization, thereby improving air quality by decomposing contaminants and sterilizing airborne pathogens.
Implementation Method 1
The long electrode is configured to form a discharge area
Implementation Method 2
uses atmospheric pressure plasma with mist or water provided by a catchment element to form an ion group
Implementation Method 3
The water can be converted into mists in a nanometer scale under a high electric field
Implementation Method 4
the mists in the nanometer scale wrap the ions, such that the lifetime of the ions generated by the plasma can be prolonged
Implementation Method 5
a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, at least one long electrode... The first electrode plate is configured to be connected to a first electrode of a power supply... a voltage difference between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate substantially ranges from 3 kV to 9 kV
Data Source
AI summary
A plasma purification module is described. The plasma purification module includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, at least one long electrode and a catchment element. The first electrode plate is configured to be connected to a first electrode of a power supply. The second electrode plate is disposed over a surface of the first electrode plate, and is configured to be connected to a second electrode of the power supply, in which the second electrode plate has a channel. The long electrode is configured to form a discharge area. The long electrode is disposed on the surface of the first electrode plate and passes through the channel. The long electrode has a tip. The catchment element is disposed adjacent to the tip, and is configured to provide the discharge area with mist or water.