Modular Plasma Jet Applicator with Interchangeable High-Voltage Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular plasma jet systems for medical applications, particularly in oral treatments, face challenges in scalability and adaptability due to high manufacturing costs and complexity, as well as difficulties in orienting and adjusting plasma jets for diverse treatment geometries and angles, especially with Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) sources.
Innovation Solution
A modular plasma jet system comprising a high-voltage module and a plasma jet applicator with a cavity that forms an ionization chamber, allowing for the connection and disconnection of various plasma jet applicators with different shapes and orientations, using a dielectric to prevent arcing and maintain uniform plasma generation, and featuring a process gas flow system for adjustable plasma jet production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a plasma jet array is used to treat larger surfaces, then the treatment area is increased, but the manufacturing costs and device complexity increase proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a reusable high-voltage module and interchangeable plasma jet applicators. The high-voltage module contains the complex electronics and power supply, while the applicators are simple nozzle assemblies that can be quickly exchanged. This segmentation allows the treatment area to be adjusted by changing applicators without increasing overall device complexity, as the core complex component remains constant.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-voltage module is designed as a universal platform that can drive multiple different types of plasma jet applicators. The standardized connection interface and control system allow a single high-voltage module to support various applicator configurations for different treatment areas and geometries, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If DBD sources are used for adaptable treatment geometries, then adaptability to different treatment areas is improved, but the ability to orient plasma jets at different angles and adjust length is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma jet applicators are designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing them to be positioned at different angles and distances from the treatment surface. The applicators can be manually or mechanically adjusted during treatment, providing real-time adaptability to difficult-to-access regions while maintaining plasma jet quality through the standardized high-voltage module connection.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple plasma jets are arranged in a fixed array, then the treatment area is increased, but the ability to exchange applicators for varying jet numbers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a reusable high-voltage module and interchangeable plasma jet applicators. The high-voltage module contains the complex electronics and power supply, while the applicators are simple nozzle assemblies that can be quickly exchanged. This segmentation allows the treatment area to be adjusted by changing applicators without increasing overall device complexity, as the core complex component remains constant.
4Ease of manufacture
If plasma is generated in a separate module and guided to the applicator, then manufacturing costs for the applicator are reduced, but the uniformity of plasma jets is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
A process gas cavity acts as an intermediary between the high-voltage module and the plasma jet outlets. The cavity is filled with process gas that is fed through dedicated inlet channels, ensuring uniform gas distribution to all jet outlets. This intermediary gas delivery system maintains plasma jet uniformity while allowing the high-voltage module to be manufactured separately with standardized components.
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 system enables flexible and uniform plasma jet generation for various treatment geometries with reduced manufacturing costs and complexity, as the plasma jet applicator complexity remains constant regardless of the number of outlets, and prevents arcing for safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
A plasma jet applicator configured to ignite a plasma in the cavity with the voltage provided to the high-voltage electrode and to produce at least one plasma jet
Implementation Method 2
the cavity forms an ionization chamber in which the plasma is generated
Implementation Method 3
the cavity is separated by a dielectric from the high-voltage electrode of the high-voltage module
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a modular plasma jet treatment system (1), particularly for therapeutic or oral applications, comprising a plasma source (2) with least the following components; a high-voltage module (20) comprising a high-voltage electrode (21) and first connection means, a plasma jet applicator (30) configured to generate at least one plasma jet (35), wherein the plasma jet applicator (30) comprises a cavity (31) for a process gas (100), wherein a ceiling portion (32) of the cavity (31) is either arranged on the plasma jet applicator (30) and/or on the high-voltage module (20), the cavity (31) comprising a process gas inlet (33) and at least one plasma jet outlet (34), wherein the plasma jet applicator (30) comprises a second connection means, wherein the first and second connection means are configured such that the plasma jet applicator (30) and the high-voltage module (20) are repeatedly connectable and releasable, wherein, when the plasma jet applicator (30) is connected to the high-voltage module (20), the cavity (31) is adjacently arranged with the ceiling portion (32) at the high-voltage module (20), and wherein the cavity (31) is separated by a dielectric (23, 47) from the high-voltage electrode (21) of the high-voltage module (20).