Non-Thermal Plasma Array for Uniform Large-Area 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 uniformly treat larger areas, as well as a lack of control over plasma parameters such as duration, power, and frequency, which restricts their effectiveness in applications like plasma medicine.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system that drives and controls an array of non-thermal plasma emitters, using a step-up transformer, balanced driver, and controller to generate high voltage at resonant frequencies, allowing for adjustable power and modulation of plasma parameters, and is designed to be portable and battery-powered for convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single plasma plume is used to treat surfaces, then the plasma generation is simple, but the treatment area is limited and requires time-consuming scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides a single plasma source into multiple plasma emitters arranged in an array. Each emitter generates its own plasma plume, collectively covering a larger treatment area without requiring mechanical scanning, thus resolving the contradiction between treatment area and treatment efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple plasma emitters are combined in an array configuration, merging their individual plasma fields to create a broad coverage treatment zone. This allows simultaneous treatment of large surfaces, improving both treatment area and productivity.
2Ease of operation
If forced gas flow is used to create plasma, then plasma generation is achieved, but the system becomes large and cumbersome requiring gas tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma emitters are designed to draw ambient air as the process gas, eliminating the need for external gas tanks and forced gas flow systems. This self-service approach to gas supply dramatically reduces system size and improves portability while maintaining plasma generation capability.
3Reliability
If plasma parameters are not controlled, then the device is simple to operate, but the treatment effectiveness for specific biological effects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors plasma generation parameters and adjusts them to maintain optimal conditions for specific biological effects. This feedback control ensures reliable and effective treatment outcomes while managing the complexity through automated regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts plasma parameters such as power, frequency, and emitter activation patterns based on treatment requirements. This dynamic control enables tailored plasma applications for different biological effects while maintaining operational simplicity through automated management.
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 effective treatment of larger areas with uniformity, allowing for precise modulation of plasma parameters to achieve specific biological effects, enhancing its application in plasma medicine.
Implementation Method 1
A power supply system that drives and controls an array of non-thermal plasma emitters, using a step-up transformer, balanced driver, and controller to generate high voltage at resonant frequencies
Implementation Method 2
generate high voltage at resonant frequencies
Implementation Method 3
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 4
in non-thermal plasmas the ions and neutrals are at a much lower temperature (sometimes as low as room temperature) than the electrons. Non-thermal plasma usually can operate at less than 104° F. at the point of contact
Implementation Method 5
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 6
In air, this generates gases such as ozone (O3) and nitric oxide (NO)
Data Source
AI summary
As described herein, the combination of one or more cannabinoids with non-thermal plasma in therapeutically effective amounts synergistically improves the effects of both. A method of treating a condition of a subject using non-thermal plasma includes applying a cannabinoid vehicle comprising at least one cannabinoid topically to skin of the subject, and, using a device that generates the non-thermal plasma, applying a therapeutically effective amount of the non-thermal plasma to the subject and the cannabinoid vehicle applied to the subject. The condition may be insomnia or pain in soft tissue of the subject, and the method can include the cannabinoid vehicle onto an area of the skin near the soft tissue and operating the device to emit the non-thermal plasma at a plasma frequency of between 100 Hz and 10,000 Hz onto the area of the skin for between 20 and 40 minutes.