Flexible Lattice Electrode for Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode arrangements for dielectrically impeded plasma treatment lack manufacturability and usability improvements, particularly in cosmetic and medical applications, especially when treating surfaces with liquids or irregularly curved surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A flexible electrode arrangement with a lattice structure dielectric that prevents direct current flow, featuring chambers with walls of 0.1-1.0 mm thickness and 0.5-3 mm height, allowing for plasma formation while maintaining a safe distance from the treated surface, using non-resorbable materials like flexible silicones, and allowing for easy replacement and sterilization of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a continuous dielectric layer is used to shield the electrode, then direct current flow is prevented, but the distance to the surface cannot be maintained and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous dielectric layer is segmented into a lattice structure with multiple discrete projections distributed across the electrode surface. Each projection acts as an independent insulating element, collectively providing the same electrical isolation function as a continuous layer while reducing material usage and structural complexity. The lattice pattern creates gaps between projections that allow plasma formation while maintaining electrical insulation where needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electrode arrangement is made flexible to adapt to curved surfaces, then adaptability improves, but maintaining structural integrity and spacing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric projections are formed from flexible material that can conform to curved surfaces while maintaining its structural form. The lattice structure's geometric design provides inherent stability, with each projection maintaining its height and spacing characteristics even when the overall array is bent or flexed to adapt to irregular surface geometries.
3Strength
If solid material is used for the dielectric structure, then mechanical strength is provided, but bonding to the surface causes tearing when removed
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible dielectric material creates a non-adhesive interface between the electrode arrangement and the treated surface. When force is applied during removal, the flexible nature of the material prevents bonding and allows clean separation without tearing or damaging the underlying surface or healing layers.
4Productivity
If larger air spaces are created for plasma formation, then plasma generation efficiency improves, but the distance to the surface increases reducing treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice structure creates localized air spaces between projections where plasma can form efficiently, while the projections themselves maintain close proximity to the surface for effective treatment. Each projection acts as a localized treatment zone with optimized spacing, providing both sufficient plasma volume and close surface contact simultaneously across the entire electrode array.
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 enhances manufacturability and usability by enabling effective plasma treatment on surfaces with liquids, including wounds, while preventing electrode material from bonding with the surface, ensuring efficient plasma formation and easy removal without disrupting the healing process.
Implementation Method 1
dielectric made of a planar flexible material which, with a layer preventing direct current flow, shields the electrode from the surface to be treated
Implementation Method 2
air spaces for the formation of the plasma are formed between the projections
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electrode array for a dielectrically impeded plasma treatment of a surface of an electrically conductive body used as a counter electrode, comprising a flexible planar electrode (1) and a dielectric (2) of a planar flexible material, which by way of a layer (3) preventing a direct current flow shields the electrode (1) from the surface to be treated. By way of a structure having projections, the dielectric (2) can rest upon the surface to be treated, wherein air spaces for forming the plasma are formed in between the projections. The producibility in particular is improved in that the structure is a lattice structure (6) of adjoining walls (7, 8) that limit a plurality of chambers (9) forming the air spaces, and in that the chambers (9) have a bottom-side closure through the layer (3) of the dielectric (2) preventing the direct current flow and have a face that is open to the surface to be treated, the contact surface of which face consists of end edges (10) of the walls (7, 8) of the lattice structure (6) on the surface to be treated.