Cold Plasma Array Impedance Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plasma generators face challenges in efficiently igniting initial discharges and matching impedance for low-power medical applications, such as sterilization, due to high voltage requirements and difficulty in uniform power distribution.
Innovation Solution
A cold plasma generating apparatus with a cylindrical housing, central conductive center, microwave transmission member, and impedance matching adjustment member, which allows for efficient microwave transmission and impedance matching, enabling efficient plasma ignition and uniform power distribution to multiple plasma sources through a single power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high voltage is applied to generate plasma, then plasma generation is achieved, but insulation difficulty and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma generation system is divided into multiple independent plasma nozzles (array configuration) that can be individually controlled. Each nozzle operates at lower power levels, eliminating the need for high voltage while maintaining effective plasma generation capability across the entire array.
Solution Approach 2:
A waveguide structure is introduced as an intermediary to transmit microwave energy from the power source to the plasma nozzles. This allows efficient energy transfer without requiring high voltage direct connection, improving insulation safety while maintaining plasma generation effectiveness.
2Power
If conventional plasma generation methods are used, then plasma discharge is achieved, but initial discharge ignition efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the waveguide and plasma nozzle arrangement to optimize microwave energy distribution before discharge initiation. This preliminary setup ensures efficient energy coupling and rapid plasma ignition without requiring excessive power input.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters from conventional high voltage direct discharge to microwave-frequency operation with optimized waveguide dimensions and plasma nozzle geometry. These parameter changes enable efficient initial discharge ignition at lower power levels.
3Volume of stationary object
If multiple plasma sources are used, then effective plasma volume increases, but uniform power distribution becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma generation system is segmented into multiple identical plasma nozzles arranged in an array, each receiving equal microwave energy through symmetric waveguide coupling. This segmentation enables uniform power distribution across all plasma sources while collectively providing large effective plasma volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple plasma nozzles are merged into a single array system fed by one power supply through a common waveguide structure. This merging approach simplifies power distribution control while maintaining uniform energy delivery to each plasma source, achieving both large plasma volume and ease of operation.
4Power
If impedance matching is not optimized, then plasma generation continues, but microwave reflection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide dimensions, plasma nozzle geometry, and operating frequency are optimized as a coordinated system to achieve impedance matching. These parameter changes minimize microwave reflection while maintaining continuous plasma generation, eliminating the trade-off between continuity and energy efficiency.
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 apparatus efficiently ignites low-temperature plasma, matches common impedance, and increases effective plasma volume, making it suitable for sterilization applications and providing a portable, user-friendly solution for medical uses.
Implementation Method 1
a microwave transmission member that extends integrally in a direction perpendicular to one side of the center conductor and transmits microwaves from a microwave generator to the center conductor
Implementation Method 2
a plasma generator is generally a device that dissociates gas molecules between two electrodes into anions and electrons when the two electrodes are supplied with a high frequency or high voltage
Implementation Method 3
dissociates gas molecules between two electrodes into anions and electrons
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a cold plasma generating apparatus that can efficiently ignite (initially discharge) cold plasma and easily match common impedance and that is optimized for use in applications related to sterilization because it can uniformly distribute power to multiple plasma sources through a single power supply in a multi-plasma array configuration and increase effective plasma volume, and a multi-cold plasma array apparatus comprising the same.