Flexible Plasma Applicator for Irregular Surface Disinfection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plasma generators are inflexible, expensive, and not eco-friendly, limiting their use in sanitizing irregularly shaped objects and being cost-effective in healthcare settings where healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant concern.

Innovation Solution

A flexible plasma applicator made of fibrous base layers with metallic surface layers, using dielectric barrier discharge technology to generate both surface and volume plasma, capable of being used in various forms such as bandages, touchpads, and packaging, with a power source applying alternating potential to achieve rapid disinfection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid components are used in plasma generators, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to irregularly shaped objects deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using a flexible substrate (such as a flexible circuit board or thin flexible layer) to support the plasma-generating elements. This allows the plasma generator to conform to irregularly shaped objects while maintaining structural integrity through the flexible substrate's inherent stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the plasma generator structure adaptable and reconfigurable. The flexible design allows the device to change its shape and configuration dynamically to match different object geometries, enabling both structural stability during operation and flexibility during deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If conventional plasma generators are used, then plasma generation capability is improved, but cost and environmental friendliness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasma generation capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by designing a disposable plasma applicator that can be manufactured at low cost using inexpensive materials such as flexible substrates and conductive inks. The applicator is intended for single-use or limited-use applications, eliminating the need for expensive, complex, and environmentally intensive manufacturing and disposal processes associated with conventional plasma generators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical plasma generation systems with a simpler, more cost-effective design that uses a flexible substrate with conductive patterns. This substitution reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining plasma generation capability through alternative, less resource-intensive methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Power

If conventional plasma generators are used, then plasma generation capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasma generation capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by designing a universal plasma applicator that can be used on various surfaces and for different applications (sanitization, wound treatment, surface modification). The flexible design with conductive patterns on a substrate provides multi-functionality, allowing the same basic structure to serve multiple purposes without requiring complex specialized components for each application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential plasma-generating function from complex conventional systems and isolates it into a simple flexible applicator with conductive patterns. By removing unnecessary complex components and focusing only on the core plasma generation capability, the device achieves simplicity in structure and operation while maintaining effective plasma generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 plasma applicator achieves near complete disinfection within seconds to minutes, is environmentally friendly, and cost-effective, suitable for diverse applications including healthcare settings and food processing, reducing morbidity and mortality from HAIs.

Implementation Method 1

using dielectric barrier discharge technology to generate both surface and volume plasma

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric barrier discharge: Plasma

Implementation Method 2

the plasma applicator generates at least one of surface plasma and volume plasma

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma: Plasma

Data Source

PatentUS10646604B2Flexible plasma applicators based on fibrous layers

Publication Date: 2020.05.12 UNIV OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are flexible plasma applicators based on fibrous layers that are capable of rapidly sanitizing a surface via either direct or indirect contact with said surface.