Method for testing an electrode arrangement for generating a non-thermal plasma, and plasma source having an electrode arrangement of this kind and configured for performing a method of this kind

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a reliable method to test the functionality of an electrode arrangement for generating non-thermal plasma, ensuring safe and effective operation in various applications.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the determination of at least one power parameter characteristic of the plasma power during operation, comparison with predetermined target parameter values, and assessment of the electrode arrangement's functionality based on the comparison result.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If no functionality test is performed on the electrode arrangement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of plasma generation is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of plasma generationVSAvoidcomplexity of testing procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a functionality test that is automatically performed before the electrode arrangement is used for its intended application. The control device determines at least one power parameter characteristic of the plasma power, compares it with a target parameter value, and only permits operation if the functionality is confirmed. This preliminary testing ensures reliability while automating the process to minimize added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a functionality test is performed on the electrode arrangement, then the reliability of plasma generation is improved, but the loss of time before actual use increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of plasma generationVSAvoidtime for testing before use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The functionality test is automatically executed as a preliminary step before the electrode arrangement is put into operation. The control device performs the test by determining power parameters and comparing them with target values, ensuring that only functional arrangements are activated. This automated preliminary testing minimizes manual intervention time while ensuring reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the electrode arrangement is operated without functionality verification, then the productivity is maintained, but harmful factors may be generated due to poor plasma generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoiddangers from poor plasma generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control device continuously monitors the power parameters of the electrode arrangement and compares them with predetermined target parameter values. Based on this feedback, the control device can identify deviations indicating poor plasma generation and take appropriate actions, such as alerting the operator or shutting down the system, thereby preventing harmful effects while maintaining productivity during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If power parameters are monitored and compared with target values, then the measurement precision of plasma power is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of plasma power measurementVSAvoidcomplexity of measurement and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs electronic and computational methods to measure and evaluate plasma power parameters. The control device uses electronic sensors and processing units to determine power parameters and compare them with target values, replacing complex mechanical measurement systems with more compact and integrated electronic solutions that achieve high precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentUS12215892B2Method for testing an electrode arrangement for generating a non-thermal plasma, and plasma source having an electrode arrangement of this kind and configured for performing a method of this kind
Publication Date: 2025.02.04 TERRAPLASMA GMBH
  • US12215892B2 patent drawing
  • US12215892B2 patent drawing
  • US12215892B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for testing an electrode arrangement (1) for generating a non-thermal plasma, having the following steps: determining at least one power parameter which characterizes a plasma power of the electrode arrangement (1); comparing the at least one power parameter with at least one predetermined target parameter value, and obtaining a comparison result; assessing the functionality of the electrode arrangement (1) on the basis of the comparison result, and preferably selecting at least one action according to the comparison result.