Vehicle Ionization Air Purification System with Dynamic Energy Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air purification systems in transportation vehicles face challenges with variable air flow and quality, particularly in passenger vehicles, where efficiency and efficacy are compromised due to lack of tailored solutions for gaseous pollutants.

Innovation Solution

An ionization air purification system that modifies energy levels applied to the ionization device based on air flow dynamics and quality, using a glass or fiberglass dielectric member between an anode and cathode to produce balanced ions and minimize ozone production, with a control device and method for air purification and microbial contaminant removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If ionization energy levels are increased to improve air purification efficiency, then air purification effectiveness improves, but ozone production increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair purification efficiencyVSAvoidozone production
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts ionization energy levels based on real-time air quality sensor feedback. When gaseous pollutants are detected, the system increases ionization intensity to enhance purification. When air quality is good, the system reduces ionization intensity to minimize ozone production. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between purification efficiency and ozone generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the ionization parameter (energy level) based on operating conditions. By modulating the voltage applied to the ionization source according to air flow dynamics and pollutant concentration, the system optimizes the balance between purification effectiveness and harmful byproduct generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If ionization intensity is increased to handle variable air flow dynamics, then air purification effectiveness improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair purification effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic control where ionization intensity is adjusted in real-time based on air flow rate sensors and air quality sensors. During high air flow conditions or when pollutants are detected, energy consumption increases to maintain purification effectiveness. During low air flow or clean air conditions, energy consumption is reduced, optimizing the balance between effectiveness and energy use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from air quality sensors and air flow sensors to continuously monitor conditions and adjust ionization energy levels accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that energy is consumed only when and where needed, preventing unnecessary energy expenditure while maintaining purification effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If a fixed ionization system is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying air quality and flow conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to air quality changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates air quality sensors and air flow sensors that provide feedback to a control mechanism. This feedback enables the system to automatically adapt ionization levels to varying conditions without requiring complex manual intervention, achieving adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment based on sensor inputs, automatically modifying ionization intensity according to detected air quality and flow conditions. This self-service capability provides adaptability without requiring complex external control systems, balancing simplicity and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 system effectively purifies air in vehicles by adjusting ionization levels according to air flow and quality, minimizing ozone production and ensuring continuous sanitization while maintaining high ion emissions, suitable for various transportation modes.

Implementation Method 1

an ionization device for purifying the air prior to entering into the passenger cabin of the vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 2

The air ionization device incorporates a glass or fiberglass dielectric member positioned between an anode and a cathode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical discharge: Electric Spark

Implementation Method 3

The air ionization device incorporates a glass or fiberglass dielectric member positioned between an anode and a cathode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric barrier: Dielectric

Implementation Method 4

modifying the degree of ionization by modifying the energy levels applied to the ionization device or ionization source proportional to the change in air flow dynamics or air quality

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy level modulation:

Implementation Method 5

The air ionization device is configured to produce balanced quantities of both positive ions and negative ions occurring alternately so that the ions are dispersed in an alternate fashion to avoid re-combination and opportunity to form ozone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAlternating current ionization:

Implementation Method 6

The air ionization device is configured to operate at a voltage in the range of 1,350-4,500 VAC (volts alternating current) to minimize the ability of free electrons to convert dioxygen (O2) to ozone (O3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage control:

Data Source

PatentUS10882055B2Ionization air purification system for the passenger cabin of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.01.05 CLEAN AIR GROUP
  • US10882055B2 patent drawing
  • US10882055B2 patent drawing
  • US10882055B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An ionization air purification system for the passenger cabin of vehicles, which modifies the degree of ionization by modifying the energy levels applied to an air ionization device having a tubular dielectric member or a planar dielectric member or ionization source proportional to the change in air flow dynamics and air quality. In one embodiment, an ionization air purification system for the passenger cabin of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes an ionization device for purifying the air prior to entering into the passenger cabin of the vehicle while minimizing the production of ozone as a by-product; and means for modifying the degree of ionization by modifying the energy levels applied to the ionization tube or ionization source proportional to the change in air flow dynamics or air quality.