Flexible Plasma Applicator for Irregular Surface Disinfection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plasma generators for sanitizing medical devices are rigid, expensive, and not eco-friendly, limiting their application due to inflexibility and high costs, especially in contaminated or sterile environments, and are not effective in addressing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A flexible plasma applicator composed of fibrous base layers with metallic surface layers, an adhesive layer, and an optional polymer coating, capable of generating dielectric barrier discharge (DBD)-based plasma, which can be used to kill microorganisms on surfaces and objects, and is designed for various applications including wound healing, disinfection, and deodorization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid plasma generators are used, then plasma generation capability is achieved, but flexibility and adaptability to irregular surfaces are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasma generation capabilityVSAvoidflexibility and adaptability to irregular surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by replacing rigid plasma generator components with flexible substrates that can be formed into various shapes and conform to irregular surfaces. The plasma generation components are integrated into flexible substrates that can be draped over patient bodies or surfaces, enabling the system to adapt to different geometries while maintaining plasma generation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies this principle by creating composite structures that combine flexible substrate materials with plasma-generating components. The flexible substrate serves as both the structural base and the plasma generation medium, integrating multiple functions into a single flexible system that maintains both reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If expensive plasma generators are used, then effective plasma sanitization is achieved, but cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasma sanitization effectivenessVSAvoidcost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by designing a disposable flexible plasma applicator that can be manufactured at low cost and discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for expensive, reusable plasma generators, reducing both initial investment and long-term operational costs while maintaining effective plasma sanitization capability for the intended application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies this principle by changing the operational parameters of plasma generation to achieve effective sanitization with lower energy input. By optimizing the plasma generation conditions and using flexible substrates that enhance plasma distribution, the system achieves effective sanitization at reduced cost compared to traditional rigid generators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If rigid plasma generators are used, then plasma generation is achieved, but ease of operation and portability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasma generation capabilityVSAvoidportability and ease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by making the plasma generator flexible and portable, allowing it to be easily handled, moved, and positioned during use. The flexible substrate enables the device to be operated in various locations and by different users without requiring complex rigid structures, significantly improving ease of operation and portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 flexible plasma applicator achieves rapid and effective disinfection and deodorization, reducing HAIs and other microbial contamination, while being cost-effective and environmentally friendly, with the ability to sanitize both surfaces and objects in a variety of settings.

Implementation Method 1

The metallic surface layer of the first substrate layer and the metallic surface layer of the second substrate are exposed and configured to be placed in conductive contact with a high voltage source to generate dielectric barrier discharge (DBD)-based plasma

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric barrier discharge:

Implementation Method 2

The DBD-based plasma is configured to generate ozone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOzone generation: Ozone

Data Source

PatentUS11684686B2Flexible plasma applicators based on fibrous layers

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 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.