Adaptive DBD Electrode Assembly for Consistent Plasma Gaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional DBD plasma devices face limitations in scalability and reproducibility due to the need for precise control of electrode distance, which becomes challenging for large area treatments and varying work piece sizes.

Innovation Solution

A plasma device with a mechanically adaptive system using a combination of levers and spacers to maintain a consistent gap distance, allowing the electrodes to self-adapt to different work pieces without requiring elaborate electronic controls or extensive adaptations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the distance between electrodes is increased to treat larger areas, then the treatment area is improved, but the required voltage exceeds commonly available power supplies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment areaVSAvoidrequired voltage
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment area is segmented into multiple zones with separate electrode pairs. Each electrode pair treats a localized area with manageable voltage requirements, while the combined effect covers the entire large surface area that would otherwise require excessive voltage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the electrode gap width is precisely maintained to ensure reproducibility, then the treatment reproducibility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment reproducibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode assembly is designed to self-adjust and self-maintain the optimal gap width through mechanical compliance and elastic deformation. The system automatically compensates for variations in workpiece surface topology without requiring external sensors or active control mechanisms, thereby ensuring treatment reproducibility while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a mechanically adaptive system with levers and spacers is used to maintain consistent gap distance, then the treatment reproducibility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment reproducibilityVSAvoidmechanical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible dielectric membrane is introduced between the electrode and workpiece. This membrane naturally conforms to the workpiece surface topology while maintaining a consistent effective treatment gap, eliminating the need for complex lever and spacer mechanisms while ensuring treatment reproducibility across varying workpiece geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 plasma device ensures reliable and reproducible plasma treatment across various materials and work piece sizes, simplifying the application of DBD plasmas and maintaining correct gap distances without complex controls.

Implementation Method 1

A plasma discharge 4 is generated in the gaps between the electrodes 1A, 1B and the work piece 3

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasma discharge: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentEP4035506B1A plasma device and a method for generating a plasma
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 UNIVERSITY OF LJUBLJANA
  • EP4035506B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2A
  • EP4035506B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2D
  • EP4035506B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A plasma device (10) comprises a mounting support (11), at least one first lever (12) rotatably mounted on the mounting support (11), at least one second lever (13) rotatably mounted on the at least one first lever (12), and a first electrode (14) attached to the at least one second lever (13).