Non-Thermal Microplasma Electrodes for Smoke Clearing in Cabins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fires in enclosed vehicle environments, such as aircraft cabins, pose a significant threat due to the obstructive smoke, which can hinder passenger evacuation and crew visibility.
Innovation Solution
A fibrous substrate with elongated, parallel electrodes embedded or disposed upon it, capable of generating a non-thermal microplasma when a voltage is applied, to collect and bind airborne particulate combustion byproducts, thereby reducing smoke opacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional smoke removal methods (opening windows/doors) are used, then smoke can be dispersed, but in enclosed vehicle environments like aircraft cabins, windows cannot be opened to let outside air in
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical smoke removal methods (opening windows, air circulation) with a non-thermal plasma system that uses electrical fields to chemically interact with and decompose smoke particles and gases directly in the enclosed space, eliminating the need for physical openings or mechanical ventilation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of smoke by applying non-thermal plasma, which generates reactive species that alter the molecular structure of combustion byproducts, transforming harmful smoke components into less harmful substances without changing the thermal state of the environment
2Object-affected harmful factors
If thermal plasma is used to clear smoke, then high temperature can break down combustion byproducts, but thermal plasma may cause additional heating that could be dangerous in a fire scenario
Solution Approach 1:
The invention fundamentally changes the plasma state from thermal to non-thermal, where electrons are energized to high temperatures while the bulk gas remains at ambient temperature, enabling chemical decomposition of smoke without thermal heating of the environment
Solution Approach 2:
The non-thermal plasma affects only the smoke particles and gases locally through chemical reactions, while the surrounding air and environment remain at normal temperatures, creating a localized treatment zone without global thermal effects
3Reliability
If smoke is allowed to accumulate, then the closed environment remains sealed, but passenger visibility and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical ventilation systems with non-thermal plasma technology that actively cleans the air in place, maintaining the sealed environment while continuously removing smoke to preserve visibility and safety without requiring physical openings
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 system effectively clears smoke by generating a non-thermal microplasma that binds and removes particulate matter and gases from the air, improving visibility and enhancing safety in smoke-filled environments.
Implementation Method 1
A discharge gap is defined between each pair. The apparatus additionally includes a component configured for applying a voltage between each pair to generate a non-thermal microplasma in a corresponding discharge gap to collect or bind one or more airborne particulate combustion byproducts.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for deactivating airborne biological organisms in a closed environment, including a fibrous substrate having one or more of non-conductive fibers and non-conductive yarns; elongated, substantially parallel electrodes disposed on or embedded in the fibrous substrate arranged as one or more pairs of adjacent electrodes, wherein a discharge gap is defined between each pair; a component configured for applying a voltage between each pair to generate a non-thermal microplasma in a corresponding discharge gap, wherein the non-thermal microplasma deactivates one or more biological organisms in air present within the closed environment; and a detector in communication with the apparatus.