Dielectric-Spaced Plasma Electrode Array for Larger Scalp Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for generating dielectrically impeded discharges are complex and limited to very local treatment, lacking the ability to effectively treat larger areas of the human scalp for hair loss or hair growth stimulation.

Innovation Solution

A device with dielectric spacers at the distal ends of electrode bodies, maintaining a defined distance and capacitive coupling, allowing for the generation of physical plasma over larger areas without mechanical damage or irritation, using pulsed high voltage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If individual electrode bodies with dielectric shields are used for local plasma generation, then plasma treatment can be applied to specific areas, but the device complexity increases and only very local treatment is possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment areaVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the treatment area into multiple zones by arranging several electrode bodies in parallel, each capable of generating plasma independently. This segmentation allows coverage of larger scalp areas while maintaining relatively simple individual electrode structures, resolving the contradiction between treatment area and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode bodies are designed with universal functionality to serve both as electrical discharge sources and as structural elements that can be arranged in various configurations. This multi-functionality enables the same basic electrode design to treat different scalp areas, expanding treatment coverage without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If electrode bodies are brought into direct contact with the scalp, then effective plasma generation is achieved, but mechanical damage and irritation may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasma generation efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical damage and irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A dielectric spacer is introduced as an intermediary element between the electrode body and the scalp surface. This spacer maintains the necessary electrical field for plasma generation while preventing direct mechanical contact, thus preserving plasma generation efficiency while eliminating mechanical damage and irritation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The dielectric spacer functions as a thin film structure that allows the electrode body to maintain close proximity to the scalp surface for effective plasma generation while providing a protective barrier. The thin film nature ensures minimal distance for electrical field penetration while preventing mechanical contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Duration of action of moving object

If high voltage is applied to generate dielectrically impeded discharges, then physical plasma is formed for treatment, but electrical stress and potential irritation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasma treatment effectivenessVSAvoidelectrical stress and irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device applies high voltage in periodic pulses rather than continuous application. This periodic action allows plasma generation for effective treatment while providing intervals that reduce cumulative electrical stress and potential irritation to the scalp, resolving the contradiction between treatment effectiveness and harmful electrical effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 efficient and safe treatment of larger scalp areas with reduced electrical and mechanical stress, promoting hair growth by stimulating microcirculation and oxygen concentration.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of electrode bodies (3) capacitively coupled to the one high-voltage connection (5)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

forming the physical plasma by dielectrically impeded discharges (14) against the surface (9) of the object (10)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectrically impeded discharges: Dielectric

Implementation Method 3

generating physical plasma by means of dielectrically impeded discharges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical plasma generation: Plasma

Data Source

PatentEP4048395B1Device for forming physical plasma on a surface of an object

Publication Date: 2025.07.02 HOCHSCHULE FUR ANGEWANDTE WISSENSCHAFT & KUNST HILDESHEIM HOLZMINDEN GOTTINGEN

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AI summary

A device (1) for forming physical plasma by way of dielectric barrier discharges relative to a surface of an object comprises a high-voltage terminal (5) and a plurality of electrode elements (3) that are capacitively coupled to the high-voltage terminal (5) and have exposed electrode surfaces (12) and extend in parallel to each other towards distal ends (7). Dielectric spacers (8) are arranged at the distal ends (7) and project over the electrode elements (3) by 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm beyond the exposed electrode surfaces (12).