Handheld Air Plasma Torch for Non-Thermal Sterilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for sterilization and blood coagulation lack efficient and safe methods to produce non-equilibrium air plasma that can effectively generate reactive oxygen species for microbial killing and blood clotting without relying on heat, especially in portable and user-friendly formats.
Innovation Solution
A handheld air plasma torch design utilizing a magnetized arc with concentric electrodes and ring-shaped permanent magnets, powered by a simple adaptable circuitry, which produces reactive atomic oxygen through airflow, allowing for safe and efficient sterilization and blood coagulation without thermal energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sterilization methods are used, then sterilization effectiveness is achieved, but thermal energy causes damage to sensitive materials and tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter from thermal energy to non-thermal plasma energy. The plasma torch generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) through electrical discharge in air, achieving sterilization through chemical reactivity rather than thermal effects, thus eliminating thermal damage to sensitive materials and tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the thermal mechanism (heat transfer) with a plasma-based chemical mechanism. The plasma torch creates a non-equilibrium plasma field that generates highly reactive species which chemically interact with and destroy microorganisms, substituting the mechanical/thermal sterilization process with a chemical plasma process
2Ease of operation
If plasma torches are designed for portability, then ease of operation is improved, but plasma stability and ROS generation efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma torch is designed as a modular portable device with separate components: a handheld torch module, a power supply unit, and an air supply system. This segmentation allows the torch to be lightweight and portable while the power supply can provide stable electrical parameters for consistent plasma generation
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma torch utilizes ambient air as the plasma feedstock, eliminating the need for complex gas delivery systems. The device draws air directly from the environment through a simple inlet, self-regulating the plasma composition and maintaining stability without requiring external gas cylinders or complex flow control mechanisms
3Quantity of substance
If high power is used to generate plasma, then ROS production is improved, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention operates the plasma torch at low frequency (e.g., 60 Hz) periodic mode, changing the temporal parameters of plasma generation. This low-frequency operation allows sufficient ROS production while reducing peak power requirements and average energy consumption compared to high-frequency or continuous plasma generation
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma torch operates in a continuous periodic mode, maintaining steady ROS generation without interruption. The low-frequency periodic operation ensures continuous plasma exposure to the target, maintaining effective sterilization and coagulation actions while optimizing energy efficiency through rhythmic on-off cycles
4Reliability
If complex circuitry is used to control plasma, then plasma stability is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma torch circuitry is designed to automatically adapt to various AC power sources (60 Hz or 50 Hz) without requiring complex frequency conversion or regulation. The circuit self-adjusts to the input frequency, eliminating the need for complex control electronics and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining plasma stability
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 device effectively generates reactive oxygen species for microbial killing and blood clotting, providing a portable, safe, and non-thermal solution suitable for emergency and industrial use, with the ability to rapidly sterilize and coagulate blood without hazardous chemical release.
Implementation Method 1
low frequency (e.g., 60 Hz) periodic mode to produce low temperature non-equilibrium air plasma
Implementation Method 2
Based on the principle of this torch module, a portable torch device is devised for applications requiring plasma to be exposed directly to the open air
Implementation Method 3
A photo of the device including the power supply is shown in FIG. 1. This torch produces abundant RAO in the plasma effluent
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld air plasma spray is designed. Plasma is generated by a magnetized arc torch running at 60 Hz and is in non-equilibrium state; thus, the plasma effluent has relatively low temperature (touchable) and yet contains high energy electrons (>5 eV) capable to dissociate oxygen molecules to atomic oxygen. The emission spectroscopy of the torch indicates that the plasma effluent carries an abundance of atomic oxygen, which can effectively kill all kind microbes. Moreover, the experimental results show that this plasma can rapidly clot blood. This invention is for sterilization and blood coagulation applications.