Hand-held device and method of controlling a plasma source of a hand-held device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handheld plasma devices face power loss and ignition issues due to varying external electrical resistances of surfaces, as they are designed for an average resistance that is not universally applicable, leading to inefficient power consumption and potential failure on conductive or moist surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a handheld device with a variably configured internal electrical resistance that adapts to the external resistance of the surface, ensuring reliable plasma source ignition and minimizing power loss by adjusting the electrical power supply, using a transistor control to maintain a constant voltage and varying current, and incorporating moisture sensors for pre-treatment alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the plasma source is controlled with a fixed internal electrical resistance designed for average conditions, then the device structure remains simple, but power loss increases and ignition reliability decreases when external resistance varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the internal electrical resistance of the voltage source to match varying external resistance conditions. The control unit continuously monitors external resistance and adjusts the internal resistance in real-time, transforming the static resistance design into a dynamic adaptive system that maintains optimal power transfer and ignition reliability across different surface conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the control unit measures the external electrical resistance and uses this information to adjust the internal resistance of the voltage source. This closed-loop control ensures that the plasma source maintains reliable ignition and optimal performance by continuously adapting to changes in surface electrical properties
2Loss of energy
If the internal electrical resistance is adjusted to match varying external resistance, then power loss is reduced and ignition reliability improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (internal resistance) of the voltage source to optimize power transfer efficiency. By adjusting the internal resistance to match external resistance conditions, the system minimizes power loss according to the maximum power transfer theorem, ensuring efficient energy utilization across varying operational conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the internal resistance based on real-time measurement of external resistance, transforming a static electrical design into an adaptive system that optimizes power efficiency continuously during operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed for a specific average external resistance, then the voltage source design remains simple, but the device cannot operate reliably on surfaces with significantly different electrical resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the voltage source universal by enabling it to operate effectively across a wide range of external resistance values. The adaptive resistance control allows the device to function reliably on diverse surfaces including metal, plastic, and textile materials with varying electrical properties, eliminating the need for device-specific designs for different materials
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors external resistance and adjusts internal resistance accordingly, enabling the device to adapt to any surface type automatically without requiring manual configuration or specialized designs for different materials
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 approach allows for reliable operation on a wide range of surfaces, including conductive materials, reduces energy consumption, and extends battery life by optimizing power usage and ensuring consistent plasma source operation.
Implementation Method 1
a plasma source (2) for generating a plasma
Implementation Method 2
the plasma is generated by means of the plasma source (2) of the device
Implementation Method 3
an external electrical resistance (Ra) of the device, which is determined by the plasma source (2) and the surface (3) to be treated, is monitored
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a plasma source of a handheld device (1) for treating a surface (3) by means of a plasma, wherein, according to the method, during operation of the device (1), the plasma is generated by means of the plasma source of the device (1) and applied to the surface (3) to be treated, an external electrical resistance (Ra) of the device (1) determined by the plasma source (2) and the surface (3) to be treated is monitored, and a variable internal electrical resistance (Ri) of an electrical voltage supply (4) of the device (1), by means of which the plasma source of the device (1) is supplied with electrical energy for generating the plasma, is adjusted depending on the value of the external electrical resistance (Ra).