Miniature low-temperature plasma discharge device

Abstract

The invention discloses a miniature low-temperature plasma discharge device, and belongs to the technical field of plasmas, the miniature low-temperature plasma discharge device comprises a flexible discharge head assembly, the flexible discharge head assembly is used for providing a uniform gas environment in a tiny gap, the tail of the flexible discharge head assembly is connected with a pneumoelectric base, the pneumoelectric base is provided with a radio frequency cable and a gas delivery pipe, and the gas delivery pipe is connected with the flexible discharge head assembly. The radio-frequency cable is connected with a radio-frequency power supply, and the gas pipe is connected with an inert gas source. The low-temperature plasma generator can induce gas discharge in a small gap to generate low-temperature plasma, and has good generation efficiency and treatment efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of plasma technology, and in particular relates to a miniature low-temperature plasma discharge device. Background Art

[0002] In dental clinical surgery, it is crucial to protect the integrity and safety of the patient's oral tissue. Although traditional sterilization methods, such as chemical agents or high-temperature lasers, can effectively eliminate bacteria and viruses, they are often accompanied by damage to surrounding tissues and potential infection risks. Especially for sensitive and fragile oral tissues, these methods may cause tissue degeneration, necrosis, and even affect the healing process.

[0003] In contrast, low-temperature plasma technology has become a highly promising alternative due to its unique physical and chemical properties. Low-temperature plasma is mainly composed of reactive oxygen, nitrogen oxides, free radicals, etc., which have strong bactericidal ability. At the same time, due to its low operating temperature, it can minimize thermal damage to surrounding tissues. In addition, the generation process of low-temperature plasma does not require the use of chemical agents, thus avoiding the risk of chemical residues and allergic reactions.

[0004] However, despite the many advantages of low-temperature plasma, there are still some challenges in practical application. Especially in areas with small gap features, such as tooth gaps, root canals, and internal grooves of teeth, the rapid loss and uneven distribution of inert gases (such as argon or helium) may lead to problems such as the inability to generate local plasma gas masses or localized concentrated high temperatures. These problems will not only reduce the sterilization efficiency, but also increase the patient's pain and the risk of postoperative complications.

[0005] To solve this problem, researchers are exploring new technologies and methods. For example, by improving the gas delivery system and discharge head design, the utilization rate and uniformity of inert gas in tiny gaps can be improved; or by developing new plasma generation technologies, such as using nanomaterials or photocatalytic materials to promote plasma generation. In addition, by optimizing the frequency and power of the RF power supply, the stability and safety of the plasma can also be improved.

[0006] In conclusion, although low-temperature plasma technology shows great potential and advantages in the field of dentistry, further research and development are still needed to overcome the limitations of existing technologies and achieve wider, safer and more efficient clinical applications. Summary of the invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a miniature low-temperature plasma discharge device to solve the technical problem of plasma generation efficiency in a tiny gap in view of the deficiencies in the above-mentioned prior art.

[0008] The present invention adopts the following technical solutions: A miniature low-temperature plasma discharge device comprises a flexible discharge head assembly, which is used to provide a uniform gas environment in a tiny gap. The tail of the flexible discharge head assembly is connected to a gas-electric base, on which a radio frequency cable and a gas pipe are arranged. The radio frequency cable is used to connect a radio frequency power source, and the gas pipe is used to connect an inert gas source.

[0009] Preferably, the tail of the flexible discharge head assembly is connected to the pneumatic and electrical base through a flexible reed.

[0010] Preferably, the flexible discharge head assembly comprises a flexible discharge head, the flexible discharge head adopts a hollow flexible tube, one end of the hollow flexible tube is provided with a porous needle tip, and the other end is connected to the gas-electric base.

[0011] Preferably, a plurality of micro-holes are distributed in the porous needle tip.

[0012] Preferably, the diameter of the micropores ranges from 20 to 100 μm, and the pore spacing is greater than or equal to 10 μm.

[0013] Preferably, the front end of the hollow flexible tube can be bent within a range of 0° to 90°.

[0014] Preferably, the inner hollow lumen of the hollow flexible tube has a diameter ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 mm.

[0015] Preferably, the frequency range of the radio frequency power source is 1-5 MHz.

[0016] Preferably, the voltage amplitude range of the RF power supply is 0.2~2kV.

[0017] Preferably, the gas used as the inert gas source is argon or helium.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: A miniature low-temperature plasma discharge device uses an inert gas source to provide a uniform gas environment in a tiny gap through a flexible discharge head assembly, and uses a radio frequency power supply to transmit radio frequency current to the flexible discharge head assembly through a gas-electric base, inducing gas discharge in the tiny gap to generate low-temperature plasma, and has good generation efficiency and processing performance.

[0019] Furthermore, the purpose of setting the flexible spring is to increase the tail contact area and power transmission efficiency of the flexible discharge head assembly.

[0020] Furthermore, the purpose of using a hollow flexible tube in the flexible discharge head is to simultaneously deliver working gas and radio frequency current to the porous needle tip and enhance the multi-scale applicability of the working environment.

[0021] Furthermore, a porous needle tip is provided at one end of the hollow flexible tube to enhance the gas flow capacity in the small gap and further enhance the generation efficiency of the plasma gas cluster.

[0022] Furthermore, the micropore diameter range is 20-100 μm and the pore spacing is greater than or equal to 10 μm in order to maintain the working strength of the porous needle tip while maintaining the normal flow of the inert gas.

[0023] Furthermore, the front end of the hollow flexible tube can be bent in a range of 0° to 90° in order to enhance the spatial flexibility of the oral working environment.

[0024] Furthermore, the diameter of the inner hollow cavity of the hollow flexible tube is in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 mm, and the purpose of setting it is to control the flow rate of the inert gas and enhance the generation efficiency of the plasma gas cluster.

[0025] Furthermore, the purpose of setting the frequency range of the radio frequency power supply to 1-5 MHz is to enhance the excitation efficiency and power transmission efficiency of the plasma gas cluster.

[0026] Furthermore, the voltage amplitude range of the RF power supply is set to 0.2~2kV for the purpose of enhancing the excitation efficiency and power transmission efficiency of the plasma gas cluster.

[0027] In summary, the present invention is applicable to atmospheric pressure environments and has a wide range of applications. It greatly improves the generation efficiency and processing performance of plasma in tiny gaps and irregular spaces without generating local concentrated high temperatures.

[0028] The technical solution of the present invention is further described in detail below through the accompanying drawings and embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings to be used in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0030] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the plasma generating device assembly of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible discharge head assembly.

[0031] Among them: 1. Flexible discharge head; 2. Porous needle tip; 3. Hollow flexible tube; 4. Gas-electric base; 5. Flexible reed; 6. Radio frequency cable; 7. Gas transmission pipe; 8. Radio frequency power supply; 9. Inert gas source. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "one side", "one end", "one side" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more.

[0034] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0035] It should be understood that when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "include" and "comprises" indicate the presence of described features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0036] It should also be understood that the terms used in the present specification are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used in the present specification and the appended claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include plural forms.

[0037] It should be further understood that the term "and / or" used in the present description and the appended claims refers to any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and includes these combinations.

[0038] Various structural schematic diagrams of the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. These figures are not drawn to scale, and some details are magnified and some details may be omitted for the purpose of clear expression. The shapes of various regions and layers shown in the figures and the relative sizes and positional relationships therebetween are only exemplary, and may deviate in practice due to manufacturing tolerances or technical limitations, and those skilled in the art may additionally design regions / layers with different shapes, sizes, and relative positions according to actual needs.

[0039] The present invention provides a miniature low-temperature plasma discharge device, which can sterilize and treat the target area efficiently without damaging the surrounding tissues by precisely controlling the delivery and excitation of inert gas, thus providing a new treatment method for dental surgery and other fields; the discharge area can be precisely positioned in a tiny gap, thereby achieving minimally invasive treatment. This is particularly important for scenes that require delicate operations such as dental surgery; by delivering inert gas and forming an inert gas mass, the device can generate atmospheric low-temperature plasma in a tiny gap. This plasma has a strong bactericidal effect, can effectively kill bacteria and viruses, and reduce the risk of infection; since the working temperature of low-temperature plasma is low, it will not cause thermal damage to the surrounding tissues, so it can maximize the protection of the integrity and functionality of oral tissues; the inert gas mass is excited by the high-frequency voltage emitted by the radio frequency power supply, and the whole process does not require the use of chemical agents, thereby avoiding the risk of chemical residues and allergic reactions; the design of the flexible discharge head enables the device to adapt to various complex oral environments, and can work effectively even in narrow or deep tiny gaps; it has the function of real-time monitoring and adjustment, and the doctor can adjust the discharge parameters at any time according to the progress of the operation and the patient's response to ensure the treatment effect and patient comfort.

[0040] See also Figure 1 The present invention discloses a miniature low-temperature plasma discharge device, comprising a flexible discharge head assembly, the tail of which is connected to a gas-electric base 4 via a flexible spring 5, a radio frequency cable 6 and a gas pipe 7 are provided on the gas-electric base 4, the radio frequency cable 6 is used to connect to a radio frequency power source 8, and the gas pipe 7 is used to connect to an inert gas source 9.

[0041] In the design and manufacture of gas-electric bases, choosing the right materials is crucial to ensure their performance and reliability. For the key component of the flexible reed, materials with good elasticity and conductivity are usually selected to meet its specific functional requirements in the gas-electric base. Copper and aluminum, as two common metal materials, each has unique advantages, so they are widely used in the manufacture of flexible reeds.

[0042] Copper is an excellent conductive material with high electrical and thermal conductivity. This makes copper flexible reeds excellent in electrical connection and heat management. In addition, copper has good ductility and processing properties, and can be made into the required shape and size through processes such as stamping and cutting. However, copper has a relatively high hardness, which may affect its elasticity and fatigue life after long-term use.

[0043] Aluminum is also an excellent conductive material. Although its conductivity is slightly lower than that of copper, aluminum is lightweight, low cost, and has better ductility and processing performance. Aluminum flexible reeds show better elasticity and fatigue resistance when subjected to repeated stress, so they are more suitable for applications that require long-term stable operation. In addition, aluminum is also more resistant to corrosion than copper, which helps to extend the service life of the flexible reed.

[0044] When selecting the material of the flexible reed, many factors need to be considered, including but not limited to: Choose the most suitable material according to the specific application scenario and performance requirements of the gas-electric base. For example, if there is a very high requirement for conductivity, copper is a better choice; if more attention is paid to lightweight and cost control, aluminum is more suitable.

[0045] Preferably, the flexible spring 5 in the gas-electric base 4 is made of copper or aluminum.

[0046] Preferably, the frequency range of the RF power source 8 is 1-5 MHz.

[0047] In the frequency range of 1 to 5 MHz, the propagation characteristics of electromagnetic waves are ideal, which can ensure the effective transmission of signals while avoiding excessive energy loss to a certain extent. This frequency range is particularly suitable for medical applications that need to penetrate human tissue, such as radiofrequency ablation for tumor treatment or pain management.

[0048] Working in this frequency range places high demands on the design and manufacture of equipment. Issues such as circuit impedance matching, electromagnetic shielding, and heat dissipation must be considered to ensure that the equipment can operate stably and reliably.

[0049] Covering a wide frequency range of 1 to 5 MHz, RF power supplies can adapt to a variety of application scenarios, from industrial heating to non-invasive treatment of biological tissues, and suitable operating frequencies can be found.

[0050] Preferably, the voltage amplitude range of the RF power supply 8 is 0.2~2kV.

[0051] The voltage amplitude range of 0.2 to 2 kV allows the RF power supply to output different power levels. Lower voltages are suitable for applications that require fine control of energy input, such as micromachining or processing of sensitive biological tissues, while higher voltages are suitable for applications that require larger energy outputs, such as material surface modification or deep tissue heating.

[0052] Different applications involve different load characteristics. A wide voltage amplitude range enables the RF power supply to better adapt to various loads, thereby improving processing efficiency and effectiveness.

[0053] By adjusting the voltage amplitude, operators can maximize the effectiveness of the RF power while ensuring safety. This is especially important for medical applications because it allows doctors to precisely control the energy input during treatment based on the patient's actual situation and treatment needs.

[0054] The frequency range and voltage amplitude of RF power can significantly increase work efficiency, improve processing effects, and ensure operational safety.

[0055] Preferably, the gas used in the inert gas source 9 is argon or helium.

[0056] See also Figure 2 The flexible discharge head assembly includes a flexible discharge head 1 with a porous needle tip 2 and a hollow flexible tube 3. The tail of the flexible discharge head 1 is connected to the gas-electric base 4 through a flexible reed 5. A plurality of micro holes are distributed in the porous needle tip 2. When the device is working, the inert gas is transported to the porous needle tip 2 of the flexible discharge head 1 and dispersed in the tiny gap to form an inert gas mass. The high-frequency voltage transported to the outer shell of the porous needle tip 2 excites the inert gas mass in the tiny gap to generate normal-pressure low-temperature plasma.

[0057] Preferably, the flexible discharge head 1 is made of a metal conductor material.

[0058] Preferably, the diameter of the micropores in the porous needle tip 2 ranges from 20 to 100 μm and the pore spacing is not less than 10 μm.

[0059] The hollow flexible tube 3 is an engineering component with high flexibility and versatility, and is widely used in situations requiring precision manipulation and spatial adaptability. Preferably, the bendable range of the front end of the hollow flexible tube 3 is 0°~90°, and it can be bent within the angle range of 0° to 90°. Such a design gives it excellent maneuverability and the ability to adapt to complex environments, allowing it to easily bypass obstacles and reach locations that are difficult to reach with traditional rigid tools. This feature is particularly important in fields such as medical surgical instruments, precision instrument assembly, and aerospace equipment maintenance.

[0060] Preferably, the diameter of the inner hollow cavity of the hollow flexible tube 3 ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 mm. The design of this size range fully considers various requirements in practical applications. 0.5 mm allows the hollow flexible tube to work in extremely narrow spaces, such as through tiny incisions in minimally invasive surgery, or for manufacturing small electronic devices. 1.5 mm can provide a larger internal space, which is convenient for passing optical fibers, wires or small tools, increasing its practicality and flexibility in complex operations.

[0061] The working principle of a micro low-temperature plasma discharge device of the present invention is: First, place the device in the tiny gap to be treated; Then, an inert gas source 9 is used to deliver inert gas to the flexible discharge head 1 through the gas delivery pipe 7, and the inert gas is dispersed in the tiny gap to form an inert gas mass; Finally, the high frequency voltage emitted by the radio frequency power supply 8 excites the inert gas in the tiny gap to generate normal pressure low temperature plasma to treat the target area.

[0062] Therefore, when the device discharges, the treated area can be quickly covered with low-temperature plasma gas. It has good adaptability to small-sized spaces and a wide range of action. It can continuously and efficiently generate low-temperature plasma gas without producing local concentrated high-temperature areas.

[0063] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the drawings here can usually be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments in the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0064] See also Figure 1 When the micro low-temperature plasma discharge device of the present invention is working, the inert gas is transported from the inert gas source 9 through the gas pipe 7 to the gas-electric base 4 and then to the flexible discharge head 1 to flow in the target gap, and the radio frequency current is transported from the radio frequency power supply 8 to the gas-electric base 4 through the radio frequency cable 6 and then to the flexible discharge head 1 to excite the inert gas in the target gap, generating a low-temperature plasma gas mass, thereby achieving the purpose of simultaneously and accurately transmitting gas and electricity to the target for operation.

[0065] See also Figure 2When the micro low-temperature plasma discharge device of the present invention is working, a high-frequency voltage is provided by a radio frequency current delivered to the porous needle tip 2, and a low-temperature plasma gas mass is excited by an inert gas delivered by a hollow flexible tube 3. The micro holes in the porous needle tip 2 ensure the gas flow capacity of the narrow space, and the plasma gas mass is freely and continuously generated in the narrow space of the oral cavity during operation.

[0066] In summary, the miniature low-temperature plasma discharge device of the present invention can significantly improve the flexible adaptability and plasma discharge efficiency of the device in multi-scale space while achieving continuous generation of low-temperature plasma in a tiny gap.

[0067] The above contents are only for explaining the technical idea of ​​the present invention and cannot be used to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any changes made on the basis of the technical solution in accordance with the technical idea proposed by the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A miniature low-temperature plasma discharge device, characterized in that: The flexible discharge head assembly comprises a flexible discharge head assembly, which is used to provide a uniform gas environment in a small gap. The tail of the flexible discharge head assembly is connected to a gas-electric base (4). A radio frequency cable (6) and a gas pipe (7) are arranged on the gas-electric base (4). The radio frequency cable (6) is used to connect to a radio frequency power source (8), and the gas pipe (7) is used to connect to an inert gas source (9).

2. The micro low-temperature plasma discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tail of the flexible discharge head assembly is connected to the gas-electric base (4) via a flexible reed (5).

3. The micro low-temperature plasma discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible discharge head assembly comprises a flexible discharge head (1), wherein the flexible discharge head (1) adopts a hollow flexible tube (3), one end of the hollow flexible tube (3) is provided with a porous needle tip (2), and the other end is connected to a gas-electric base (4).

4. The micro low-temperature plasma discharge device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A plurality of micro holes are distributed in the porous needle tip (2).

5. The micro low-temperature plasma discharge device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The diameter of the micropores ranges from 20 to 100 μm, and the pore spacing is greater than or equal to 10 μm.

6. The micro low-temperature plasma discharge device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The front end of the hollow flexible tube (3) can be bent within a range of 0° to 90°.

7. The micro low-temperature plasma discharge device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner hollow cavity of the hollow flexible tube (3) has a diameter ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 mm.

8. The micro low-temperature plasma discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frequency range of the radio frequency power source (8) is 1~5MHz.

9. The micro low-temperature plasma discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The voltage amplitude range of the radio frequency power supply (8) is 0.2~2kV.

10. The micro low-temperature plasma discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inert gas source (9) uses argon or helium.

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