Flexible Plasma Jet Device for Endoscopic Cavity Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma jet devices are rigid and unsuitable for use in cavities due to their mechanical structure, limiting their application in accessing and treating surfaces within difficult-to-reach areas, particularly in medical contexts where flexibility is required.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first conduit with a flexible section and a second conduit, where the first electrode is positioned radially outside the first flow channel, and a second electrode is positioned radially outside the first conduit, generating a non-thermal plasma jet with a curtain gas flow that confines the plasma jet, allowing for flexible insertion and use in endoscopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid housing and electrode structure is used to generate plasma jet, then the plasma generation is stable and controlled, but the device cannot be inserted into cavities or hard-to-reach areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible conduits with integrated electrodes that can bend and conform to cavity geometries while maintaining plasma generation capability. The flexible housing allows the device to access hard-to-reach areas while the integrated electrode structure ensures reliable plasma discharge along the flexible pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible configuration that can adapt its shape during insertion and operation. The flexible conduit allows real-time repositioning and conforming to cavity surfaces while maintaining electrical connectivity for stable plasma generation.
2Productivity
If electrodes are positioned close to the plasma jet for efficient generation, then plasma production is enhanced, but flashover to surrounding surfaces occurs causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dielectric barrier layer between the electrode and the plasma jet exit. This intermediary layer allows efficient plasma generation near the electrode surface while preventing direct electrical contact that would cause flashover to surrounding surfaces. The dielectric material confines the plasma and directs it safely toward the treatment area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful electrical discharge that would cause flashover into a beneficial confined plasma jet. By using the dielectric barrier to control and direct the electrical energy, the system transforms what would be a dangerous uncontrolled discharge into a precisely directed plasma stream for safe and effective surface treatment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible conduit is used to access cavities, then the device can reach hard-to-access areas, but the plasma jet becomes unconfined and diffuses radially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the plasma-generating electrode is positioned inside the flexible conduit, and the dielectric barrier is integrated within the conduit wall structure. This nested arrangement maintains plasma confinement within the flexible conduit while allowing the entire assembly to bend and reach into cavities.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible conduit acts as a confining shell that directs the plasma jet while maintaining spatial confinement. The integrated dielectric barrier within the flexible structure ensures the plasma remains confined to the intended pathway even when the conduit is bent or positioned in difficult-to-reach locations.
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 the generation of a radially confined non-thermal plasma jet that can be used in cavities, preventing flashover and allowing for effective sterilization or disinfection within small, hard-to-reach spaces without damaging the surrounding surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the device comprises a first electrode, particularly a high voltage driven electrode, and a second electrode, particularly a grounded electrode, for generating an electric field in a feed gas flow provided in the first flow channel in order to generate a plasma jet from the feed gas flow
Implementation Method 2
generate a plasma jet from the feed gas flow
Implementation Method 3
In particular, this spatial confinement is the result of the surrounding air, wherein particularly electronegative oxygen molecules repel the negatively charged electrons
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for generating a plasma jet (P) comprising a first conduit (11) inside a second conduit (12), a first electrode (17) and a second electrode (18) for generating an electric field in a feed gas flow (F) provided in a first flow channel (15) to generate a plasma jet (P), and adapted to provide a curtain gas flow (C) in the space between the first and second conduit (11,12), wherein the first electrode (17) is positioned radially outside of the first flow channel (15), and wherein the radial distance of the second electrode (18) from a longitudinal axis (I) is larger than the radial distance of the first electrode (17) from said longitudinal axis (I). At least a part of the second conduit (12) comprises a flexible section (19), wherein the bending stiffness of the flexible section (19) is such that the flexible section (19) can be bent by a bending radius in the range of 10 mm to 100 mm. The invention further relates to an endoscope comprising a device (10), a method for generating a plasma jet (P), a method and a use of the device (10) for manipulating a cavity.