Liquid Electrode Tip for SCGD Plasma Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional solution cathode glow discharge (SCGD) and solution anode glow discharge (SAGD) devices rely on an overflow channel for grounding, which is prone to interruptions due to flow issues, leading to potential equipment damage and liquid waste, especially when dealing with limited or hazardous samples.
Innovation Solution
A liquid electrode tip with a housing containing a solution reservoir, a conductor submerged in the liquid, and vents to prevent bubble interference, eliminating the need for an overflow channel and minimizing liquid waste by using a pump to maintain flow rates that sustain plasma without excess liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an overflow channel is used to create grounding in traditional SCGD devices, then electrical contact is achieved, but flow interruptions occur leading to arc discharges and equipment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the overflow channel component from the system and replaces it with a liquid pool grounding mechanism. The liquid electrode tip directly contacts the cathode surface, eliminating the intermediate overflow channel that causes flow interruptions and arc discharges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a liquid pool as an intermediary between the liquid electrode tip and the cathode surface. This liquid pool acts as a stable electrical conductor that maintains continuous contact without the flow interruption problems of traditional overflow channels.
2Reliability
If an overflow channel is used for grounding, then electrical contact is maintained, but liquid waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the overflow channel that generates liquid waste. The new design uses a liquid pool that recirculates or is contained, preventing the continuous loss of liquid sample material.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid pool system is designed to maintain its own level and conductivity through the contained liquid, eliminating the need for continuous overflow that wastes sample material.
3Reliability
If excess flow rate is used to ensure grounding, then electrical contact is reliable, but optical emission strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow rate parameter from high excess flow to optimized lower flow rates. The liquid pool mechanism maintains reliable grounding at these lower flow rates, allowing more energy to be directed into optical emission rather than liquid flow.
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 design reduces the incidence of discharge interruptions and minimizes hazardous waste generation, allowing for stable and efficient operation with reduced flow rates that enhance optical emission strength.
Implementation Method 1
A conductor is positioned within the housing. At least a portion of the conductor is submerged by a liquid in the solution reservoir
Implementation Method 2
solution cathode glow discharge (SCGD) and solution anode glow discharge (SAGD) devices
Implementation Method 3
improve the atomic emission intensity of the plasma
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid electrode tip has a housing with a top, a bottom and at least one peripheral side wall. The housing has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. The liquid outlet is located at the top of the housing. A solution reservoir is positioned within the housing. The solution reservoir has a solution inlet in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and a solution outlet in fluid communication with the liquid outlet. A conductor is positioned within the housing with at least a portion of the conductor being submerged by a liquid in the solution reservoir. A staging area at the top of the housing is provided into which the liquid from the solution reservoir flows from the liquid outlet.