Voltage Application Device for Discharge Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional discharge devices increase ozone generation when attempting to increase the production of radicals, which are beneficial for applications like sterile filtration and odor elimination.

Innovation Solution

A voltage application device with a control circuit that alternates between two modes to manage the voltage applied to a discharge electrode, promoting corona discharge to dielectric breakdown and then cutting off the discharge current, thereby intermittently generating a leader discharge, which produces more radicals while suppressing ozone generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the introduced energy is increased to increase the amount of radicals produced, then the amount of radicals produced is increased, but the amount of unnecessary ozone generated is also increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamount of radicals producedVSAvoidamount of ozone generated
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by alternating between a voltage application period (first mode) that generates radicals and a voltage cutoff period (second mode) that suppresses ozone generation. The control circuit periodically switches between applying and cutting off voltage to the discharge electrode, creating a pulsed discharge pattern that produces radicals during the application phase while allowing ozone to decompose during the cutoff phase, thereby achieving high radical production with suppressed ozone accumulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the voltage application state changeable between two distinct modes: a first mode where voltage is applied to generate discharge current and radicals, and a second mode where voltage is cut off to prevent excessive ozone generation. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt between radical production and ozone suppression based on operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If the voltage is continuously applied to maintain discharge current, then radicals are continuously produced, but energy consumption increases and ozone accumulates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous radical productionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by implementing alternating periods of voltage application and cutoff. During the voltage application period, radicals are produced; during the voltage cutoff period, energy consumption is eliminated while allowing the discharge system to reset. This periodic on-off pattern maintains average radical production while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous voltage application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that radical production occurs during each voltage application period, and the periodic repetition of this cycle sustains overall radical generation. The system achieves continuous effective operation through repeated cycles rather than requiring uninterrupted voltage application, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 effectively increases the production of radicals by about twice to ten times that of corona discharge while maintaining ozone generation at levels similar to corona discharge, thus achieving enhanced performance without excessive ozone production.

Implementation Method 1

the voltage application circuit applies a voltage to a load including a discharge electrode to cause the discharge electrode to discharge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Implementation Method 2

generates a discharge current by promoting corona discharge to dielectric breakdown

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric breakdown:

Implementation Method 3

Liquid is supplied to the discharge electrode, and then electrostatic atomization is achieved during the discharge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic atomization: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP3292915B1Voltage application device and discharge device
Publication Date: 2020.06.10 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3292915B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3292915B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3292915B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A voltage application device (1) according to the present disclosure includes a voltage application circuit (2) and a control circuit (3). The control circuit (3) causes the voltage application circuit (2) to alternately repeat a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is a mode that raises a voltage while time elapses, and generates a discharge current by promoting corona discharge to dielectric breakdown. The second mode is a mode that lowers the voltage to cut off the discharge current by causing a load to be in an overload state against the voltage application circuit (2). This can suppress an amount of ozone generated, while increasing an amount of radicals produced.