Non-Thermal Plasma Array Controller for Uniform Surface 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 therapeutic and diagnostic applications in plasma medicine.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a power supply connected to an array of non-thermal plasma emitters via a micro-coaxial cable, featuring a step-up transformer, balanced driver, and controller, which operates at resonant frequency to control plasma emissions, allowing for adjustable power and frequency modulation, and is portable and battery-powered for convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If forced gas flow methods are used to create non-thermal plasma, then plasma can be generated, but the device becomes large and cumbersome requiring gas tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex gas flow systems with a simpler pneumatic approach using a pump to circulate gas through the reaction chamber, eliminating the need for large gas tanks and complex flow control mechanisms while maintaining non-thermal plasma generation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters by using a pump-driven closed-loop gas circulation system instead of forced gas flow, allowing plasma generation at lower gas flow rates and reducing the overall device size while maintaining effective plasma treatment
2Ease of operation
If plasma plume is used to treat surfaces, then plasma contact is achieved, but the contact point is narrow requiring back and forth movement for larger areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a point-contact plasma plume to a distributed plasma field by introducing a grounded screen that creates multiple plasma contact points across the treatment area, allowing simultaneous treatment of larger surfaces without manual movement
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the plasma treatment into multiple parallel contact points across the grounded screen, dividing the treatment area into zones that are treated simultaneously, thereby reducing total treatment time for larger surfaces
3Adaptability or versatility
If plasma emitters are used for treatment, then plasma generation is achieved, but control over plasma parameters like duration, power, and frequency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of plasma parameters through a programmable microcontroller that can adjust power, frequency, and duration based on treatment requirements, allowing adaptive optimization without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates feedback control where the microcontroller monitors plasma generation conditions and automatically adjusts operating parameters to maintain optimal plasma characteristics for different treatment scenarios
4Temperature
If plasma is applied to heat-sensitive materials, then non-thermal treatment is achieved, but uniformity of treatment across the area is difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a grounded screen that creates locally optimized plasma contact points across different areas, allowing each zone to receive tailored plasma treatment for uniform results across the entire surface
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 and controlled generation of non-thermal plasma for treating larger areas with improved uniformity and flexibility, allowing for specific modulation frequencies to target microorganisms and biological effects, enhancing the effectiveness of plasma medicine applications.
Implementation Method 1
The transformer operates at the resonant frequency of the combined capacitance of the array and connecting cable
Implementation Method 2
The power supply comprises a step-up transformer
Implementation Method 3
When the potential gradient is large enough, the fluid between the electrodes ionizes and becomes conductive
Implementation Method 4
the atoms or molecules in the gas will ionize and change into the energy-rich plasma state
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.