Cold Plasma Helmet with DBD for Electrode Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cold plasma devices face challenges in maintaining a dense cold plasma electron population without electrode degradation and overheating, particularly in atmospheric pressure applications, and require adaptable designs for various treatment sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A cold plasma treatment helmet with a confinement dome that conforms to the head, a gas injection system, and dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) devices coupled to an electrical input port, which generates and maintains a non-thermal plasma for therapeutic applications, including wound healing and hair growth, using a biocompatible gas and RF fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If positive to negative electrode configuration is used to form cold plasma from noble gases, then cold plasma can be generated, but electrode degradation and overheating occur during continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric barrier layer is introduced between the electrodes to prevent direct contact and discharge, thereby eliminating electrode degradation while maintaining cold plasma generation. The dielectric material acts as an intermediary that allows plasma formation without direct electrode involvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional direct electrode discharge mechanism with a dielectric barrier discharge mechanism, where electrical energy is coupled into the gas through the dielectric barrier rather than through direct electrode contact, eliminating mechanical wear and overheating issues.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different sized cold plasma plumes are required for different treatments, then device adaptability is needed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates adjustable components that allow dynamic modification of the plasma plume characteristics. The dielectric barrier and electrode configuration can be adjusted or replaced to generate different plume sizes and shapes, enabling adaptation to various treatment requirements without requiring multiple fixed devices.
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 solution effectively treats large surface area wounds, promotes hair growth, and addresses conditions like brain swelling and neurodegenerative diseases by maintaining a stable, low-energy cold plasma environment with minimal side effects, enhancing localized blood flow and reducing bacterial loads.
Implementation Method 1
one or more DBD devices disposed in the confinement dome, where the one or more DBD devices are coupled to an electrical input port
Implementation Method 2
Cold plasma may also be effective in treating male pattern baldness through a marked increase in localized blood flow to the scalp
Data Source
AI summary
A cold plasma helmet application device for delivery of cold plasma benefits to the head of a patient. An appropriate gas is introduced into a helmet receptacle within a containment dome of the helmet. The gas is energized by one or more dielectric barrier devices that receive energy from a pulsed source. The dielectric barrier devices can be configured to match the treatment area. Such a device and method can be used to treat large surface areas treatment sites associated with the head, head trauma, brain cancer, the control of brain swelling with closed head injury or infection, as well as treating male pattern baldness.