Dielectric Barrier Discharge for Plasma Nano Mist Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for generating nano-sized mist using plasma require complex processes or mechanisms like electrostatic atomization or ultrasonic transducers, and direct application of plasma can impose a surgical burden on patients.

Innovation Solution

A plasma nano mist generation device utilizing a discharge tube, electrode, and controlled voltage application to generate dielectric barrier discharge, eliminating the need for complex mechanisms and allowing safe operation without grounding the target.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If electrostatic atomization method is used to generate nano-sized mist, then nano-sized mist can be generated, but the target itself is included in the high voltage system requiring closed circuit grounding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenano-sized mist generationVSAvoidsafety and operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge tube acts as an intermediary component that isolates the high voltage electrode from the target. The dielectric material of the discharge tube prevents direct contact between high voltage and the target, eliminating the need for ground wiring to the target while still enabling plasma generation for nano-mist formation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional electrostatic atomization mechanism with a plasma-based dielectric barrier discharge mechanism. Instead of using high voltage electrostatic fields to atomize liquid directly, the system uses plasma generation through dielectric barrier discharge to create nano-sized mist, substituting a mechanical/electrostatic system with a plasma-physical system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If ultrasonic transducer is used for mist generation, then atomization can be achieved, but complex atomization mechanisms are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveatomization capabilityVSAvoidatomization mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for ultrasonic transducers and complex mechanical atomization mechanisms by using plasma-based dielectric barrier discharge. The plasma process directly converts liquid into nano-sized mist through physical and chemical transformations, replacing mechanical vibration-based atomization with a plasma-physical process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the fundamental parameters of the atomization process by using plasma energy instead of mechanical ultrasonic vibration. The dielectric barrier discharge creates intense electric fields and reactive species that physically and chemically transform the liquid into nano-mist, representing a fundamental parameter change from mechanical to plasma-based energy input

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If direct plasma application is used for biomedical treatment, then plasma effects can be applied, but large surgical burden is imposed on patients

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplasma treatment effectivenessVSAvoidsurgical burden on patient
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge tube serves as a protective intermediary barrier between the plasma generation zone and the patient's skin. This allows plasma to be generated and controlled without direct contact with the patient, reducing surgical intrusion while maintaining treatment effectiveness through controlled plasma mist delivery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses controlled gas flow and plasma mist delivery mechanisms to transport plasma-derived therapeutic agents to the treatment site. This non-contact delivery method replaces direct surgical plasma application, reducing mechanical trauma and surgical burden while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 the generation of nano-sized mist with a simple configuration, improving safety and efficiency by avoiding the need for complex atomization mechanisms and enabling controlled plasma mist production.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage is applied to the electrode in order to generate dielectric barrier discharge on the side of the distal end of the electrode to generate plasma nano mist

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric barrier discharge: Plasma

Data Source

PatentEP4501464B1Plasma NANO mist generation device
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 NAT UNIV CORP TOKYO UNIV OF AGRI & TECH
  • EP4501464B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4501464B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4501464B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A plasma nano mist generation device includes: a discharge tube into which a solution is injected, the discharge tube being configured by a dielectric material; a liquid feeding unit configured to feed the solution into the discharge tube; an electrode provided in the discharge tube; a voltage application unit configured to apply a voltage to the electrode; a ground electrode provided on a side of a distal end of the electrode and on an outer periphery of the discharge tube, the ground electrode being grounded in the device itself; and a controller configured to control the liquid feeding unit and the voltage application unit such that the solution is fed to the discharge tube and a voltage is applied to the electrode in order to generate dielectric barrier discharge on the side of the distal end of the electrode to generate plasma nano mist.