Non-Thermal Plasma Array for Infectious Disease Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-thermal plasma technologies are limited by their large and cumbersome designs, narrow contact points, and inability to conform to varying surface topographies, making them inefficient for treating larger areas and controlling plasma parameters like duration, power, and frequency, which are crucial for effective medical applications.
Innovation Solution
A portable, battery-powered device that drives and controls an array of non-thermal plasma emitters with a power supply comprising a step-up transformer, balanced driver, and controller, allowing for adjustable frequency and power modulation, generating plasma suitable for medical applications by producing ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and specific wavelengths of light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If forced gas plasma systems are used to create non-thermal plasma, then plasma generation is achieved, but the systems become very large and cumbersome requiring gas tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gas tank and forced gas delivery system from the plasma generation apparatus. Instead of using external gas supply, the system utilizes ambient air as the plasma generation medium, dramatically simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining non-thermal plasma generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically draws ambient air through the treatment area using the plasma generation process itself, eliminating the need for external gas delivery infrastructure. The plasma electrode configuration creates natural air flow paths that enable self-sustaining plasma generation from environmental air
2Object-affected harmful factors
If plasma plume is used to treat surfaces, then decontamination is achieved, but the narrow contact point requires moving the plume back and forth making treatment time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma generation system uses multiple plasma electrodes arranged in an array configuration, creating multiple plasma discharge points simultaneously. This segmented approach allows parallel treatment of different surface regions, eliminating the need to move a single plume across the entire treatment area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point plasma plume (0D/1D) to a planar array of plasma electrodes (2D), enabling area-wide simultaneous treatment. This dimensional expansion allows the treatment zone to cover the entire surface at once rather than requiring sequential scanning
3Temperature
If dielectric barrier discharge is used to create non-thermal plasma, then plasma generation is achieved, but the treatment area is limited by electrode size and cannot conform to different surface topographies
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma electrode array is mounted on a flexible substrate that can be bent and shaped to conform to various surface topographies. This flexible mounting allows the rigid plasma electrodes to adapt to curved or irregular surfaces while maintaining their plasma generation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs adjustable electrode positioning mechanisms that allow the plasma electrodes to dynamically adapt their configuration to match different surface geometries. This dynamic adjustability enables the same device to treat varied surface topographies effectively
4Temperature
If current non-thermal plasma devices are used, then plasma treatment is achieved, but there is no control over plasma parameters like duration, power, and frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that monitor plasma generation parameters and feed this information back to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustment of power, frequency, and duration parameters to optimize treatment effectiveness while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma generation system uses controlled periodic pulsing with adjustable frequency and duty cycle. The controller can program specific pulse patterns and durations to match different treatment requirements, providing precise temporal control over plasma application
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
Enables efficient inactivation of infectious agents on surfaces and within the body, alleviating symptoms, and sanitizing various materials and devices, while being adaptable to different sizes and shapes, improving treatment uniformity and efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
When the potential gradient between the high voltage electrode and grounded electrode is large enough, the fluid between the electrodes ionizes and becomes conductive
Implementation Method 2
If additional energy is fed into the gaseous state, the atoms or molecules in the gas will ionize and change into the energy-rich plasma state
Implementation Method 3
Another type of non-thermal plasma is known as corona discharge, which is an electrical discharge brought on by the ionization of a fluid surrounding a conductor that is electrically charged
Implementation Method 4
In air, this generates gases such as ozone (O3) and nitric oxide (NO), and in turn nitric dioxide (NO2)
Implementation Method 5
generating plasma suitable for medical applications by producing ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and specific wavelengths of light
Implementation Method 6
generating plasma suitable for medical applications by producing ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and specific wavelengths of light
Data Source
AI summary
An array of non-thermal plasma emitters is controlled to emit plasma based on application of an electric current at desired frequencies and a controlled power level. A power supply for an array controller includes a transformer that operates at the resonant frequency of the combined capacitance of the array and the cable connecting the array to the power supply. The power into the array is monitored by the controller and can be adjusted by the user. The controller monitors reflected power characteristics, such as harmonics of the alternating current, to determine initiation voltage of the plasma and/or resonant frequency plasma emitters. The array of non-thermal plasma emitters may be used in therapeutic, diagnostic, and/or medical sanitization applications, including for treatment of infectious diseases using the disclosed protocols.