Compound Electrode Assembly for Plasma Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plasma discharge devices lack electrodes that can provide improved stability and versatility for various applications, necessitating the development of a compound electrode assembly that enhances plasma generation and stability within plasma chambers.

Innovation Solution

A compound electrode assembly comprising a dielectric casing with a discharge electrode bonded to the end wall and sealed with a conductive adhesive, along with stabilizing and electron injection electrodes, made from materials like aluminum, platinum, and ceramic-based compounds, which are designed to improve plasma generation and stability within plasma discharge devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a simple electrode structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the plasma stability and performance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasma stabilityVSAvoidelectrode assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated electrode assembly: a discharge electrode, stabilizing electrodes, and electron injection electrodes are all mounted within a common dielectric casing. This merging approach improves plasma stability through multiple simultaneous functions while presenting a unified structure that manages complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: the discharge electrode generates plasma, the stabilizing electrodes maintain plasma stability, and the electron injection electrodes enhance electron supply. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving high plasma reliability through diverse functions within a single assembly unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a compound electrode assembly with multiple components is used, then plasma stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasma generation stabilityVSAvoidassembly manufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode assembly is segmented into distinct functional modules (discharge electrode, stabilizing electrodes, electron injection electrodes) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled within the dielectric casing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured independently, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining plasma stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dielectric casing serves as an intermediary structure that holds and isolates all electrode components. This intermediary element simplifies manufacturing by providing a pre-fabricated housing into which electrode components can be mounted and sealed, reducing the complexity of integrating multiple components directly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrodes with multiple materials are used, then plasma performance for different applications is improved, but the material selection and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication versatilityVSAvoidmaterial composition complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different electrode components are made from different materials optimized for their specific functions: the discharge electrode uses aluminum or platinum for plasma generation, while stabilizing and electron injection electrodes may use different conductive materials. This local quality approach allows each component to have optimal material properties for its specific role, enhancing application versatility without requiring the entire assembly to be complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 compound electrode assembly effectively generates and stabilizes plasma within the plasma chamber, enhancing the performance and versatility of plasma discharge devices for different applications by providing improved electrical conductivity and structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

electrodes can be used to generate a relatively stable plasma in a plasma chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma discharge: Plasma

Implementation Method 2

discharge electrode mounted in the casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical discharge: Electric Arc

Implementation Method 3

the discharge electrode being bonded to the end wall with an electrically conductive adhesive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11602039B2Electrode assemblies for plasma discharge devices

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 9518-1236 QUEBEC INC

AI summary

There is provided a compound electrode assembly for generating a plasma in a plasma chamber of a plasma discharge device. The compound electrode assembly includes a casing, a discharge electrode and a sealing compound. The casing is made of a dielectric material and includes at least one side wall and an end wall defining a closed end. The discharge electrode is mounted in the casing and is bonded to the end wall. The sealing compound surrounds the discharge electrode and extends within the casing.