Radial Ion Generator Layout for Compact Airflow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ion generators are bulky and inefficient in spatial utilization due to their axial design, which increases their size and causes an oppressive feeling and decreased efficiency in spatial use.
Innovation Solution
A compact ion generator design featuring a fan that sends air radially outward, with an ion generating section and control substrate provided concentrically around the motor, reducing thickness and allowing for easier maintenance, and integration of ion generating sections with the fan cover for improved airflow and reduced component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If an axial fan and negative ion generator are provided axially opposite to each other, then ion generation function is achieved, but device size in axial direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from an axial arrangement (components arranged along the rotation axis) to a radial arrangement (components arranged around the rotation axis in concentric circles). The ion generating section is positioned radially outward from the motor, and the control substrate is positioned radially outward from the motor at a different angular position, allowing both components to coexist without increasing axial thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The control substrate and ion generating section are arranged concentrically around the motor in a radial direction, creating a nested circular layout where multiple components occupy different radial layers and angular positions around the central motor axis, maximizing space utilization without increasing overall device footprint.
2Area of stationary object
If components are arranged axially opposite to each other, then functional separation is achieved, but spatial utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functionally independent radial segments: the motor at the center, the ion generating section at a specific radial distance, and the control substrate at another radial distance and angular position. This segmentation allows each component to be accessed and maintained independently without disassembling the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the radial arrangement provide different functional qualities: the central region houses the motor, the intermediate radial region houses the ion generating section for ion production, and the outer radial region houses the control substrate for electronics. This local functional differentiation optimizes both spatial utilization and maintenance accessibility.
3Device complexity
If ion generating section is integrated with fan cover, then component count is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ion generating section is integrated with the fan cover by positioning it on the radial outer surface of the fan cover, combining two functional elements (ion generation and air flow guidance) into a single structural assembly. This reduces the total component count and simplifies the overall device architecture.
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 design results in a thinner, more balanced, and shock-resistant ion generator with improved maintenance ease and efficient airflow, addressing the bulkiness and spatial inefficiency of conventional models.
Implementation Method 1
a fan configured to send, more outwards than a radial direction, air sucked in from a side of a first direction which is along a rotational axis direction
Implementation Method 2
an ion generating section configured to generate ions in the air sent by the fan
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a compact ion generator. A control substrate (30) and an ion generating section (41) are provided concentrically around a motor (31) without overlapping each other, which motor (31) is configured to cause a fan (33) to rotate. The fan (33) is configured to send, more outwards than a radial direction, air sucked in from a side of a first direction which is along a rotational axis direction. A fan cover (50) has (i) a first air flow path (52) configured to guide, in the radial direction, the air sent by the fan (33) and (ii) a second air flow path (53) configured to cause the air, which has been guided by the first air flow path (52) to flow in the radial direction, to be sent towards the side of the first direction. The ion generating section (41) constitutes a part of a wall of the first air flow path (52).