Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Generator for Cut-Flower Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preserving cut-flowers are inefficient in maintaining freshness and preservation period due to moisture and bacterial growth, and existing sterilization methods are costly and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A system using an atmospheric pressure plasma generator to control humidity and generate sterilizing active species within a container for cut-flowers, combined with antibacterial preservative receptacles made from materials like silica nanocomposites with silver nanoparticles to extend freshness and preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sterilization methods (ethylene oxide gas, ozone, low-temperature plasma) are used, then disinfection and sterilization effect is achieved, but cost and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a portable atmospheric pressure plasma generator that can be easily moved and disposed of after use, replacing expensive fixed sterilization equipment. The device generates plasma on-demand without requiring permanent installation or large facility space, making sterilization accessible and cost-effective for various settings including field operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical sterilization systems (vacuum chambers, high-temperature ovens) with an atmospheric pressure plasma system that operates at ambient conditions. The plasma generator uses electromagnetic fields to ionize gas and create reactive species for sterilization, eliminating the need for mechanical vacuum pumps or high-temperature heating systems.
2Ease of operation
If moisture is not controlled in the preservation container, then preservation simplicity is maintained, but bacterial growth and freshness deterioration occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the humidity parameter within the container by introducing desiccant materials that absorb excess moisture. This passive humidity control mechanism maintains optimal moisture levels without requiring active dehumidification systems, preserving simplicity while preventing bacterial growth and flower deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces desiccant materials as intermediary substances between the flowers and the container environment. These materials act as moisture buffers, absorbing excess humidity and releasing it when conditions dry out, thereby mediating the humidity levels to prevent both mold growth and desiccation of flowers.
3Reliability
If high temperature heating is used for surface treatment, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but deformation and denaturation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of gas to plasma state for surface treatment and sterilization. By ionizing atmospheric gas to create plasma, the system achieves high reactivity and sterilization effectiveness at ambient temperatures, avoiding thermal damage to sensitive materials while maintaining treatment efficacy through chemical reactions of reactive plasma species.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces thermal heating mechanisms with electromagnetic field-based plasma generation. The plasma generator uses high-frequency electric fields to ionize gas molecules, creating reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that provide sterilization and surface treatment effects without thermal contact, thus preventing deformation and denaturation of treated materials.
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 system effectively maintains constant humidity and disinfects the container environment, enhancing the freshness and marketability of cut-flowers by removing moisture and bacteria, thereby extending their preservation period.
Implementation Method 1
The atmospheric pressure plasma generator generates, by discharge, various active species including ozone
Implementation Method 2
the atmospheric pressure plasma generator generates, by discharge, various active species including ozone
Implementation Method 3
removing moisture contained in air in a container in which cut-flowers are preserved to maintain a constant humidity
Implementation Method 4
by including a preservative in a cut-flower receptacle made of an antibacterial material, antibacterial and disinfection of the preservative are enabled
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A system for preserving cut-flowers using an atmospheric pressure plasma generator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a container that preserves cut-flowers, an air filter that extracts at least some of moisture contained in air in the container and discharges the same, an air compressor that generates compressed air from the air from which the at least some of the moisture was removed by the air filter, and a plasma generator that generates active species through plasma discharge using the compressed air generated from the air compressor as a plasma discharge gas.