Plasma-Actuated Active Oxygen Supply for Stable Surface Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization methods using active oxygen are inefficient in supplying active oxygen to the surface of objects, leading to sterilization performance comparable to ozone-only methods due to limited generation and stability of active oxygen, which hinders effective treatment of surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An active oxygen supply device utilizing a plasma generator and ultraviolet light source to generate and supply active oxygen to the surface of objects through a controlled induced flow, enhancing surface treatment efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sterilization methods using ozone or ultraviolet light are used, then the sterilization process is simple, but the sterilization performance is limited and cannot effectively treat shaded portions of objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ozone supply, ultraviolet light generation, and active oxygen generation into a single integrated sterilization device. The housing contains all three components (ozone supply device, ultraviolet light generating lamp, and active oxygen generating device) working together to achieve superior sterilization performance that overcomes the limitations of individual methods while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite approach by using multiple sterilization mechanisms (ozone, ultraviolet light, and active oxygen) simultaneously. This composite sterilization system leverages the strengths of each method: ozone for penetration, ultraviolet light for surface sterilization, and active oxygen for enhanced oxidizing power, creating a synergistic effect that dramatically improves overall sterilization reliability
2Quantity of substance
If active oxygen is generated using conventional methods, then the generation process is straightforward, but the active oxygen concentration is insufficient and stability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The device generates active oxygen in advance within the housing before discharge, allowing the active oxygen to be supplied directly to the target area with high concentration. The active oxygen generating device creates a reservoir of active oxygen that can be delivered efficiently, overcoming the rapid decomposition issue by minimizing transport time and maintaining stability through controlled generation and immediate delivery
3Adaptability or versatility
If only ultraviolet light is used for sterilization, then the device structure is simple, but the sterilization is limited to irradiated portions only
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization device is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating three distinct sterilization mechanisms (ozone supply, ultraviolet light generation, and active oxygen generation) within a single unit. This allows the device to handle various sterilization needs including direct irradiation areas, shaded portions, and surfaces requiring enhanced oxidizing action, making it universally applicable to diverse sterilization scenarios while maintaining a compact integrated structure
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 device efficiently supplies active oxygen to the surface of objects, ensuring effective treatment by maintaining high active oxygen concentration and velocity, thereby improving sterilization, deodorization, bleaching, and hydrophilization processes.
Implementation Method 1
a plasma generation part which generates ozone-containing plasma from oxygen supplied by the gas supply part
Implementation Method 2
an active oxygen generation part which generates active oxygen through a reaction between the plasma and steam supplied by the steam supply part
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are an active oxygen supply device with which it is possible to more efficiently supply active oxygen to the surface of an object to be treated, a device for conducting treatment by active oxygen with which it is possible to more efficiently treat the surface of an object to be treated using active oxygen, and a method for conducting treatment by active oxygen with which it is possible to more efficiently treat the surface of an object to be treated using active oxygen. An active oxygen supply device that is a plasma actuator equipped with a plasma generator and an ultraviolet light source in a housing having at least one opening, the plasma generator being provided with a first electrode and a second electrode with a dielectric in-between and creating an induced flow that contains ozone by applying a voltage between the two electrodes, in which the plasma actuator is positioned so that the induced flow flows outside the housing from an opening, and the ultraviolet light source irradiates the induced flow with ultraviolet rays and generates active oxygen in the induced flow. Additionally, a device for conducting treatment by active oxygen, and a method for conducting treatment by active oxygen.