Gas Discharge Apparatus With Segmented High Voltage Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for generating gas discharges at atmospheric pressure face challenges in withstanding mechanical and chemical stresses, requiring robust high voltage supplies with low impedance and adequate insulation, which complicates their design and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a low voltage assembly and a high voltage assembly connected via a plug-in connector, where the low voltage assembly provides power to a transformer that converts the voltage to high voltage, allowing for separation and replacement of high voltage components, thereby reducing environmental stress and enabling a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the high voltage supply is made robust against mechanical and chemical stresses, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a low voltage assembly and a high voltage assembly that can be separated. The high voltage assembly contains the transformer and discharge structure, while the low voltage assembly contains the power supply and control electronics. This segmentation allows the high voltage components to be protected from mechanical and chemical stresses by isolating them from the plasma generation environment, while the low voltage components can be designed with standard protection measures.
Solution Approach 2:
A plug-in connector serves as an intermediary between the low voltage and high voltage assemblies. This connector allows electrical connection when assembled but enables easy separation for maintenance or replacement. The intermediary design protects the sensitive low voltage electronics from the harsh environment of plasma generation while maintaining functional connectivity during operation.
2Device complexity
If cables are well insulated and protected from mechanical stress, then impedance decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high voltage assembly is extracted as a separate module that can be removed from the low voltage assembly. This extraction eliminates the need for long, complex cables connecting the two assemblies. The discharge structure in the high voltage assembly is positioned close to the transformer, minimizing cable length and associated impedance and insulation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a distributed layout requiring long cables to a compact integrated high voltage assembly where components are positioned in close proximity. This dimensional reorganization reduces the spatial separation between the transformer and discharge structure, thereby reducing cable length and improving electrical performance without adding complexity.
3Reliability
If the entire device is shielded and protected against environmental influences, then reliability improves, but compactness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into high voltage and low voltage assemblies with different protection requirements. Only the high voltage assembly requires extensive shielding and protection against environmental influences, while the low voltage assembly uses standard protection. This selective protection approach maintains reliability for the sensitive high voltage components while keeping the overall device compact.
Solution Approach 2:
Different levels of protection are applied to different parts of the device based on their specific requirements. The high voltage assembly receives enhanced shielding and environmental protection, while the low voltage assembly uses conventional protection measures. This localized quality approach optimizes the balance between reliability and device size by avoiding over-protection of components that do not require it.
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
This configuration enhances the device's robustness against environmental influences, allows for easy replacement of high voltage components, and minimizes impedance, resulting in a more reliable and efficient gas discharge system.
Implementation Method 1
The high voltage assembly includes an input contact and a transformer. The low voltage provided at the output contact is applied to the transformer via the input contact, and wherein the transformer is adapted to convert the low voltage to a high voltage.
Implementation Method 2
The present invention relates to a device for generating a gas discharge, for example a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment a device includes a low voltage assembly having an output contact, the low voltage assembly configured to provide a low voltage at the output contact, a high voltage assembly having an input contact and a transformer and a plug-in connection interconnecting the low voltage assembly and the high voltage assembly, wherein the plug-in connection is configured to provide an electrical contact between the output contact of the low voltage assembly and the input contact of the high voltage assembly, wherein the low voltage provided at the output contact is applied to the transformer via the input contact, wherein the transformer is configured to convert the low voltage into a high voltage, and wherein the device is configured to generate a gas discharge.