Non-thermal Plasma Array Controller for Medical Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-thermal plasma technologies face challenges in efficiently treating large areas due to limited contact points and difficulty in controlling plasma parameters such as duration, power level, and frequency, which are crucial for specific medical applications.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a power supply that drives and controls an array of non-thermal plasma emitters, capable of generating high voltage at high frequency, with a micro-coaxial cable connection. The device includes a step-up transformer, balanced driver, and controller, allowing for precise control of plasma characteristics and modulation frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single plasma emitter is used, then plasma parameters can be controlled precisely, but the treatment area is limited and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the treatment system into multiple independent plasma emitters arranged in an array, where each emitter can be individually controlled through separate RF connectors. This segmentation allows the treatment area to be expanded while maintaining precise control over each emitter's plasma parameters, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and control precision.
2Power
If thermal plasma is used, then high energy is available for treatment, but thermal damage occurs to heat-sensitive materials and tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameters of plasma generation by using radio frequency electromagnetic fields instead of thermal heating methods. This parameter change enables the creation of non-thermal plasma where high energy is delivered through RF power (e.g., 13.56 MHz frequency) without corresponding thermal elevation, thus providing sufficient treatment energy while avoiding thermal damage to heat-sensitive materials and biological tissues.
3Manufacturing precision
If plasma duration and power level are not controlled, then treatment is simple to apply, but treatment precision for specific medical applications is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates feedback control mechanisms where each plasma emitter is equipped with independent RF connectors that allow real-time monitoring and adjustment of plasma parameters. The system provides feedback loops that maintain precise control over plasma duration, power level, and frequency by detecting deviations and automatically adjusting emission characteristics, thereby achieving high treatment precision while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
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 enables the generation of non-thermal plasma with specific, modifiable characteristics, suitable for various medical applications, including the inactivation of infectious agents on surfaces and within tissues, without causing thermal damage.
Implementation Method 1
The power supply comprises a step-up transformer
Implementation Method 2
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 3
in non-thermal plasmas the ions and neutrals are at a much lower temperature (sometimes as low as room temperature) than the electrons
Implementation Method 4
Corona discharges occurs at relatively high-pressures, including atmospheric pressure, in regions of sharply non-uniform electric fields
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 where a non-thermal plasma treatment regimen is prescribed according to a prescription setting.