Plasma Treatment Applicator With Ozone Neutralization for Staff Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma treatment devices for medical applications expose medical personnel to high concentrations of reactive gases, such as ozone, leading to discomfort and health risks due to low odor thresholds and potential health issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a neutralization device using activated charcoal to reduce reactive gas concentrations outside the treatment area, particularly ozone, by converting it into stable substances, thereby reducing exposure to medical staff.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plasma treatment is used to generate reactive gases for medical therapy, then wound healing and antiseptic effects are improved, but exposure of medical personnel to harmful reactive gases increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the treatment space into a treatment area where reactive gases are generated and applied to the wound, and a surrounding area protected by the housing. This spatial segmentation allows medical personnel to work in the treatment area while being protected from excessive gas exposure by the housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary structure between the plasma generator and the medical personnel. It provides a physical barrier that allows the treatment to proceed while mediating the exposure of personnel to reactive gases, reducing their concentration in the surrounding environment.
2Reliability
If high concentrations of reactive gases are used for effective treatment, then wound disinfection and healing are improved, but health risks and discomfort to medical staff increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements local quality by concentrating reactive gases specifically at the wound site where they are needed for disinfection and healing, while the housing prevents widespread distribution. This ensures high local concentration for treatment efficacy while limiting overall exposure to personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing converts the potentially harmful widespread dispersion of reactive gases into a beneficial localized treatment by directing and containing the gas flow to the treatment area, transforming what would be a health hazard into a targeted therapeutic tool.
3Area of stationary object
If reactive gases are distributed over a wide area, then coverage is improved, but protection of surgical staff becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The housing segments the gas distribution into controlled zones, allowing coverage of the treatment area while creating distinct protected zones for personnel. This segmentation enables both wide treatment coverage and staff protection to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure acts as a flexible boundary that can be configured to provide wide treatment coverage while maintaining protection for personnel. The housing creates a controlled environment that allows gas distribution over the treatment area without compromising staff safety.
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
Effectively neutralizes reactive gases, maintaining treatment efficacy while significantly reducing the load on physicians, nurses, and caregivers by minimizing exposure to harmful gases.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporation of a neutralization device using activated charcoal to reduce reactive gas concentrations outside the treatment area, particularly ozone, by converting it into stable substances
Implementation Method 2
During plasma treatment, the reactive gases are usually formed by the transfer of sufficient energy in a gas discharge. During such a discharge, a plasma comprising partially or fully charged particles is formed
Implementation Method 3
Plasma is frequently generated in electrostatic or electromagnetic fields, e.g. by alternating or direct current excitation or microwave excitation
Implementation Method 4
They develop their oxidative potential on the surface, where they oxidize non-selective proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids
Data Source
AI summary
Device for the medical treatment of humans and/or animals, particularly for treating wounds and/or dermatoses, comprising a reactive gas generator designed for generating reactive gases and an application device for applying the reactive gases in a treatment area, comprising a neutralization device designed for neutralizing reactive gases, by means of which the concentration of reactive gases outside the treatment area can be reduced.