Coded Plasma Electrode Units for Adaptive Energy Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plasma treatment devices are limited in their applicability and handling, as they require different-sized electrode units for varying treatment areas, and the power supply units provide constant energy levels regardless of the electrode unit size, necessitating a solution for adaptable energy input and application-specific treatments.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a coding system on the electrode units allows for interchangeable use with a single power supply unit, enabling adjustable energy supply based on electrode size and application, using mechanical, magnetic, or optical recognition methods to ensure appropriate voltage and treatment programs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different-sized electrode units are used for varying treatment areas, then the applicability and versatility of the device is improved, but the power supply unit provides constant energy levels regardless of electrode size, resulting in suboptimal treatment efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability for varying treatment areasVSAvoidenergy input adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the power supply unit detects the electrode unit size through coding recognition (optical, magnetic, or mechanical) and automatically adjusts the energy output parameters accordingly. The control unit receives information about the connected electrode unit's characteristics and modifies the plasma generation parameters to match the specific treatment requirements, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes energy delivery based on real-time configuration feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of the power supply unit based on the detected electrode unit characteristics. Different electrode sizes and configurations trigger corresponding adjustments in voltage, current, pulse duration, and power output levels. This parameter adaptation ensures that each electrode unit operates at its optimal energy level for the intended treatment area, transforming a fixed-parameter system into a variable-parameter system that responds to configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a single power supply unit is used with multiple electrode units of different sizes, then the ease of operation and device simplicity is improved, but the ability to provide application-specific treatment programs is reduced without adaptive energy supply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterchangeability of electrode unitsVSAvoidapplication-specific treatment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from coding recognition to automatically select and apply the appropriate treatment program. When an electrode unit is connected, the power supply unit reads its unique coding (via optical sensors, magnetic sensors, or mechanical recognition) and automatically configures the treatment parameters, eliminating the need for manual program selection and ensuring the correct application-specific protocol is applied without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply unit is designed as a universal platform capable of supporting multiple electrode unit types and applications through integrated adaptive control. By incorporating multiple recognition methods (optical, magnetic, mechanical) and a library of pre-configured treatment programs, the single power supply unit can perform diverse functions across different applications (wound care, cosmetic treatment, skin conditioning) while maintaining ease of operation through automatic program selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If coding recognition systems are implemented to detect electrode unit characteristics, then the adaptability of energy supply is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional recognition components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy supply adaptationVSAvoidrecognition system components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The recognition system is segmented into multiple independent detection methods (optical sensing, magnetic sensing, mechanical recognition) that can function independently or in combination. Each recognition method uses simple, dedicated components rather than a single complex system, allowing the patent to distribute the recognition functionality across multiple straightforward mechanisms that collectively achieve reliable electrode unit identification without requiring overly complex individual components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables versatile use of a single power supply unit with different-sized electrode units, ensuring optimal energy delivery and treatment programs for wound care and cosmetic applications, promoting healing and reducing germs through adaptable plasma treatment.

Implementation Method 1

plasma treatment device for performing a dielectrically hindered plasma treatment of a surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectrically hindered plasma: Plasma

Implementation Method 2

The supply unit contains a high-voltage stage that generates the high voltage required for the dielectrically restricted plasma treatment from a supplied mains voltage, regularly in the form of high-voltage alternating pulse trains

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHigh-voltage alternating pulse trains: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP3656189B1Plasma treatment device
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 CINOGY GMBH
  • EP3656189B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3656189B1 patent drawingFigure 1b~1c
  • EP3656189B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c

AI summary

The invention relates to a plasma treatment device for carrying out a dielectric barrier plasma discharge, comprising an electrode unit (1), which has a treatment side (5), and comprising a supply unit (10), to which the electrode unit (1) can be mechanically connected and by means of which the electrode unit can be brought into electrical contact in order to be supplied with a supply voltage necessary for the plasma generation, wherein the electrode unit (1) has an electrode arrangement, which is shielded by means of a planar dielectric (2) at least toward the treatment side (5), enables the use of different electrode units (1) with the same supply unit (10) in that the electrode unit (1) has a coding and the supply unit (10) has an identifying device for the coding and the identifying device is connected to a control device, which controls the supply voltage for the plasma generation in accordance with the identified coding.