Ceiling Ion Emitter Layout for Continuous Nonthermal Plasma Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization methods fail to comprehensively reduce or eliminate the transmission of viruses, bacteria, and spores in general medical and pharmaceutical environments, despite their effectiveness in specific enclosed tasks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of nonthermal plasma generation systems, which include ceiling-mounted ion emitter modules producing DC or AC nonthermal plasma, are used to continuously and real-time sterilize and disinfect both airborne and surface-borne microorganisms in medical and pharmaceutical environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sterilization methods (autoclave, chemical sterilants) are used, then specific enclosed tasks can be sterilized, but comprehensive environmental sterilization is not achieved and microorganisms are redistributed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/thermal sterilization systems (autoclaves, chemical fumigation) with a nonthermal plasma field-based sterilization system. The plasma field continuously sterilizes the entire environment including airborne and surface microorganisms without mechanical contact or chemical residues, resolving the contradiction between sterilization reliability and environmental adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The nonthermal plasma sterilization system performs multiple functions simultaneously: sterilizing airborne microorganisms, surface contamination, and complex geometries within a single continuous process. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate sterilization methods for different environments, achieving both high reliability and broad versatility
2Productivity
If nonthermal plasma generation systems are implemented for comprehensive environmental sterilization, then continuous real-time sterilization is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nonthermal plasma sterilization system is divided into multiple independent plasma generators that can be distributed throughout the environment. Each generator creates localized plasma fields, and collectively they provide comprehensive coverage. This segmentation enables continuous sterilization without requiring a single complex centralized system
Solution Approach 2:
The nonthermal plasma field is self-sustaining and continuously regenerates active species that sterilize microorganisms upon contact. The system requires minimal external control or intervention once activated, as the plasma chemistry automatically maintains sterilization activity, reducing operational complexity while enabling continuous productivity
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
These systems effectively inactivate a substantial fraction of bacteria, spores, fungi, and viruses in the environment, providing comprehensive and continuous sterilization, even in areas with complex geometries and varying airflow patterns.
Implementation Method 1
producing, using the plurality of ceiling mounted ion emitter modules, a DC or AC, bipolar or steady-state, nonthermal plasma (NTP)
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for sterilization using nonthermal plasma (NTP) ionization are disclosed. An example method for inactivation of viable microorganisms includes: inactivating viable microorganisms in a predetermined volume by: installing a plurality of ceiling mounted direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC), bipolar or steady-state, ion emitter modules based on a geometry of the predetermined volume; and producing, using the plurality of ceiling mounted ion emitter modules, a DC or AC, bipolar or steady-state, nonthermal plasma (NTP), each of the ceiling mounted ion emitter modules comprising a high voltage power supply (HVPS).