Needle Electrode Plasma Module for Uniform Sterilization Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma generation modules require multiple units for large spaces, leading to increased ozone generation and reduced sterilization efficiency due to small active volumes and non-uniform plasma distribution.
Innovation Solution
A plasma generation module with multiple needle-shaped discharge electrodes oriented in the Z-axis direction, ground electrodes on the XY plane, and a guide block with tunnels to facilitate smooth air flow, reducing ozone generation and enhancing plasma uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple plasma modules are installed to sterilize large space, then sterilization coverage is improved, but ozone generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the plasma generation system into multiple independent cell units, each with its own discharge electrode and ground electrode. This segmentation allows the system to cover large areas while maintaining controlled ozone generation in each localized cell, preventing the cumulative ozone buildup that occurs with traditional multiple plasma modules
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple cell units into a single integrated plasma generation module structure. This consolidation allows the system to achieve large-area sterilization coverage as one unified device rather than multiple separate modules, thereby reducing overall ozone generation while maintaining effective sterilization across the entire area
2Area of stationary object
If needle-shaped electrode area is reduced for compact design, then device size is improved, but sterilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from traditional two-dimensional electrode arrangements to a three-dimensional configuration where needle-shaped discharge electrodes extend vertically (in the Z-axis direction) from the ground electrodes. This vertical dimensionality allows compact horizontal footprint while maintaining sufficient active volume for efficient sterilization through extended discharge paths
Solution Approach 2:
The needle-shaped discharge electrodes are positioned to extend upward from the ground electrodes, creating a nested configuration where the discharge structure is contained within a compact vertical space. This nesting approach allows small horizontal area while maintaining effective sterilization through vertical discharge extension
3Area of stationary object
If grid-shaped discharge structure with enclosed electrodes is used, then plasma generation area is improved, but ozone generation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs ground electrodes with localized electrode holes positioned at specific locations beneath the needle-shaped discharge electrodes. This local quality configuration ensures plasma generation occurs only at controlled points rather than across the entire electrode surface, reducing unnecessary ozone generation while maintaining effective plasma coverage area
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and positions ground electrodes at specific locations beneath the discharge electrodes rather than using a continuous enclosed grid structure. This extraction approach removes the harmful continuous discharge paths that cause excessive ozone generation while preserving the necessary plasma generation functionality at discrete controlled points
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 module generates high-density plasma uniformly across large areas with reduced ozone production, improving process convenience through modularized electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
A plasma generation device is a device that induces partial discharge by applying a high voltage ranging from several kilovolts (kV) to several thousand kilovolts to positive and negative electrodes
Implementation Method 2
A piezoelectric transformer amplifies and outputs voltage, and when the amplified high voltage is applied to a needle-shaped electrode, plasma is generated in the surrounding space of the needle-shaped electrode
Implementation Method 3
an air purifier cleans indoor air by blowing positive (+) ions and negative (−) ions generated from the plasma generation device along with air
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a plasma generation module comprising: multiple needle-shaped discharge electrodes disposed in multiple cells arranged in the XY plane such that the peaks thereof are oriented in the Z-axis direction at the centers of the cells; ground electrodes formed on perimeters of the cells in one-to-one correspondence with the peaks in the XY plane at the same height as the peaks; a guide block on which the ground electrodes are seated and which has grooves into which the multiple needle-shaped discharge electrodes are inserted; and a first terminal electrically connected to multiple needle-shaped discharge electrodes, and a second terminal electrically connected to the ground electrodes. According to the present invention, it is possible to generate plasma in a multiphasic and uniform manner by using the discharge electrodes and the ground electrodes included in the multiple cells.