Piezoelectric Transformer Node Support for Plasma Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for generating atmospheric pressure plasma face challenges in minimizing the damping of piezoelectric transformers while preventing movement, which affects plasma generation efficiency due to shifts in vibration nodes caused by plasma generation loads and differences in Young's modulus and density between input and output regions.
Innovation Solution
A device with a piezoelectric transformer supported at specific nodes, where the first support element is positioned to minimize damping by aligning with shifted vibration nodes, and a second support element can be used to further optimize the positioning, ensuring minimal energy loss through elastic deformation and using materials like polybutylene terephthalate or polyamide with glass fibers to maintain high quality factor and hardness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the piezoelectric transformer is rigidly fixed to prevent movement, then movement is prevented, but vibrations are damped reducing plasma generation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support element as an intermediary component between the piezoelectric transformer and the housing. This support element is specifically positioned at the vibration node of the piezoelectric transformer, allowing it to provide mechanical support while minimizing interference with the vibration pattern. The support element acts as a mediator that prevents rigid fixation damping by being placed at a location where it does not disrupt the essential vibrations needed for plasma generation.
2Productivity
If the piezoelectric transformer is supported at the vibration node, then damping is minimized, but the transformer may move relative to the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The support element serves as an intermediary that provides controlled support at the vibration node. By positioning this intermediary component specifically at the node location, the system achieves a balance where the transformer remains sufficiently stable for operation while the support does not dampen the vibrations required for efficient plasma generation.
3Productivity
If the operating frequency is set below parallel resonance frequency to account for load shift, then plasma generation is optimized, but vibration node positions shift requiring precise support positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-positioning the support element at the expected vibration node location based on the operating frequency being below the parallel resonance frequency. The support element is installed at a predetermined position that accounts for the anticipated shift in vibration nodes due to the plasma load, ensuring optimal support positioning before operation begins.
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 configuration ensures that the piezoelectric transformer operates efficiently with minimal damping, maintaining high plasma generation efficiency by accurately positioning support elements to align with shifted vibration nodes, thus preventing energy loss and ensuring effective plasma generation.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric transformer (1) that generates an output voltage that can be used to ionize a process gas
Implementation Method 2
the piezoelectric transformer (1) generates an output voltage that can be used to ionize a process gas
Implementation Method 3
the piezoelectric transformer rests on the first support member at a position where a node is formed when the piezoelectric transformer is operated at an operating frequency lower than its parallel resonance frequency
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (11) for producing an atmospheric pressure plasma, comprising a piezoelectric transformer (1) and a first supporting element (22) on which the piezoelectric transformer (1) rests in a position in which an oscillation nodal point forms when the piezoelectric transformer (1) is operated at an operating frequency that is smaller than its parallel resonant frequency, and the piezoelectric transformer (1) is used for producing a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma.