Microplasma Source for Sterilizing Irregular Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current low-temperature plasma sterilization methods, such as DBD plasma, face challenges in effectively sterilizing medical devices with irregular shapes and those submerged in aqueous solutions due to limited surface coverage and increased difficulty in achieving complete sterilization, leading to prolonged sterilization times and higher operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A microplasma source with a hollow inner electrode and separate pathways for reactive and plasma maintenance gases, utilizing a power supply with high frequency, high voltage, and low electric current to generate microplasma, which can efficiently sterilize bacteria on various surfaces, including those in aqueous solutions, with adjustable gas ratios and working distances to optimize sterilization time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If DBD plasma is used for sterilization, then power consumption is reduced and harmful substances are minimized, but sterilization completeness on irregular surfaces and in aqueous solutions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the plasma treatment into two distinct stages: a first plasma treatment stage and a second plasma treatment stage. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized for different purposes - the first stage for initial sterilization and the second stage for ensuring complete sterilization of remaining bacteria, particularly those in aqueous solutions and on irregular surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts plasma treatment parameters between two stages. The first stage uses specific plasma conditions for initial treatment, then transitions to a second stage with modified parameters (such as different gas compositions or power levels) to address remaining bacteria, thereby adapting the treatment to the changing sterilization needs.
2Area of stationary object
If DBD plasma is applied to medical devices with irregular shapes, then device coverage is improved, but sterilization effectiveness in apertures and wet conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sterilization process into two sequential plasma treatments. The first treatment addresses general surface coverage, while the second treatment specifically targets bacteria in apertures and wet conditions, ensuring comprehensive sterilization effectiveness across all device surfaces and geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous plasma treatment through two sequential stages without interruption. The first plasma treatment continuously acts on the device surfaces, followed immediately by a second plasma treatment that continues the sterilization action, ensuring no bacteria escape treatment due to device geometry or moisture.
3Reliability
If conventional plasma sterilization is used, then sterilization effectiveness is maintained, but sterilization time increases and operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically optimizes plasma treatment parameters across two stages to achieve both effectiveness and speed. The first stage uses parameters optimized for rapid initial sterilization, while the second stage uses adjusted parameters for complete sterilization, reducing total time compared to conventional single-stage methods while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes plasma parameters between two treatment stages, such as adjusting gas composition, power levels, or pressure conditions. This parameter optimization allows the first stage to work quickly for initial sterilization while the second stage uses optimized parameters for complete sterilization, improving overall productivity without sacrificing effectiveness.
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 microplasma source achieves rapid and complete sterilization of bacteria like E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus thermophilus on diverse surfaces, including wet portions, with reduced power consumption and environmental impact, while maintaining safety and effectiveness for temperature-sensitive materials.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply unit coupled to the electrode and the hollow metal tube to generate microplasma therebetween
Implementation Method 2
non-thermal and normal pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma is currently developed for sterilization
Implementation Method 3
a dielectric inner tube having a second inlet and a second outlet and penetrating through the protection and heat dissipation chamber wherein the second inlet is communicated to the gas transmission chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A microplasma source and a sterilization system including the same are disclosed. The microplasma source includes: a microplasma-generating unit including: a gas transmission chamber having a first inlet and a first outlet wherein the first inlet is used to import a first gas; a protection and heat dissipation chamber of which a side is connected to the inner wall of the first outlet; a dielectric inner tube having a second inlet and a second outlet and penetrating through the protection and heat dissipation chamber, wherein the second inlet is communicated to the gas transmission chamber; an electrode arranged outside at the second outlet and located in the protection and heat dissipation chamber; and a hollow metal tube disposed in the gas transmission chamber and the dielectric inner tube and having a third inlet and a third outlet, wherein the third inlet is used to import a second gas.