Voltage application device and discharge device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional discharge devices face instability due to variations in voltage, electrode shape, and liquid volume, leading to inconsistent discharge performance.

Innovation Solution

A voltage application device and discharge device that mechanically vibrate liquid at a frequency near its resonance frequency, causing periodic changes in applied voltage to stabilize discharge by forming a Taylor cone and intermittently generating leader discharge, which increases radical production while maintaining ozone levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional voltage application methods are used, then discharge can be generated, but discharge stability deteriorates due to variations in voltage, electrode shape, and liquid volume

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge stabilityVSAvoiddischarge consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration to the liquid at the discharge electrode by using a vibration generator that vibrates the liquid in the discharge electrode at a frequency near its resonance frequency. This mechanical vibration causes periodic changes in the applied voltage and stabilizes the discharge by forming a Taylor cone structure, thereby resolving the discharge stability issue caused by variations in voltage, electrode shape, and liquid volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic action by vibrating the liquid at resonance frequency, which creates periodic changes in the applied voltage. This periodic vibration ensures that discharge occurs at stable intervals, maintaining consistent discharge performance despite variations in operating conditions. The periodic action transforms irregular discharge into controlled, repeatable discharge events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If vibration frequency is increased to enhance radical generation, then radical production increases, but ozone generation may increase as a harmful side effect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradical generation rateVSAvoidozone production
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully controls the vibration frequency parameter, setting it near the resonance frequency of the liquid rather than simply maximizing it. This parameter optimization enables effective radical generation through enhanced liquid vibration and Taylor cone formation, while avoiding excessive vibration frequencies that would lead to disproportionate ozone production. The resonance frequency matching provides an optimal operating point that balances productivity and harmful byproducts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 stabilizes discharge and enhances radical generation while controlling ozone production, ensuring consistent performance despite variations in voltage and liquid volume.

Implementation Method 1

control circuit 3 is configured to periodically change a magnitude of a voltage applied to load 4 at drive frequency f1 within predetermined range W1 including resonance frequency fr1 of liquid 50

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

applies a voltage from voltage application circuit 2 to load 4 including discharge electrode 41 in a state where liquid 50 is held in discharge electrode 41, and liquid 50 held in discharge electrode 41 is electrostatically atomized due to discharge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic atomization: Electrohydrodynamics

Implementation Method 3

This type of discharge device causes a voltage application circuit to apply voltage to a discharge electrode, and generates corona discharge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Implementation Method 4

a phenomenon in which corona discharge develops into dielectric breakdown is intermittently repeated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric breakdown: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentEP3678267B1Voltage application device and discharge device
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3678267B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3678267B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3678267B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Voltage application device (1) includes voltage application circuit (2). Voltage application circuit (2) applies a voltage to load (4) including discharge electrode (41) that holds liquid (50), voltage application circuit (2) generating discharge in discharge electrode (41). During a drive period, voltage application circuit (2) periodically changes a magnitude of the voltage applied to load (4) at a drive frequency within a predetermined range including a resonance frequency of liquid (50), voltage application circuit (2) mechanically vibrating liquid (50).