Remote Electrode Air Ionization System for Transit Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prior air ionization systems for transit vehicles are cumbersome to install due to the positioning challenges of the block with attached electrodes within the air stream, requiring a more efficient and user-friendly installation method.

Innovation Solution

The air ionization system features remotely mounted air ionizing electrodes connected to electronic control circuitry housed in a block, with the electrodes positioned directly within the air stream using a bracket or integrated into the air distribution unit's housing, allowing for easier installation and alignment perpendicular to airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the block with attached electrodes is positioned within the air stream, then proper electrode placement is achieved, but installation becomes cumbersome and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode placementVSAvoidinstallation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate components: the block containing electronic control circuitry is separated from the air ionizing electrodes. The electrodes are mounted remotely on a bracket or integrated into the air distribution unit housing, while the block is positioned separately. This segmentation allows independent positioning and installation of each component, solving the contradiction between precise electrode placement and ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the electrodes are remotely mounted from the block, then installation ease is improved, but electrode positioning within the air stream becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinstallationVSAvoidelectrode positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A bracket serves as an intermediary structure to mount the air ionizing electrodes at the proper location within the air stream. The bracket can be attached to the air distribution unit housing or integrated into it, providing precise positioning for the electrodes while allowing the block to be installed separately. This intermediary structure resolves the positioning challenge created by remote mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 simplifies the installation process, ensures proper electrode placement, and effectively reduces airborne contaminants by up to 99.7%, including pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, improving the health and wellness of transit vehicle occupants.

Implementation Method 1

The voltage stabilizers generate high voltage, which is applied to the air ionizing electrodes via the control circuitry to create positive ion generation and negative ion generation. Ions are expelled to the environment by the external electric field generated between the screens.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon generation: Ionisation

Implementation Method 2

Ions are expelled to the environment by the external electric field generated between the screens.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS20230102854A1Air ionization system for a transit vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.03.30 JACKSON CONTROL CO INC
  • US20230102854A1 patent drawing
  • US20230102854A1 patent drawing
  • US20230102854A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An air ionization system is provided for creating an ionized airflow within a transit vehicle. The air ionization system includes a block having electronic control circuitry therein, air ionizing electrodes, and wiring electrically coupling the air ionizing electrodes to the electronic control circuitry. The air ionizing electrodes are mounted remote to the block in the transit vehicle and are mounted within an air distribution unit of the transit vehicle.