Plasma device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma devices are limited in their ability to provide comprehensive cleaning of surfaces, as they primarily focus on inactivating odor molecules and destroying cell walls without further cleaning, such as removing lint and hair.
Innovation Solution
A plasma device with an elongated housing containing a plasma source and a plateau electrode, equipped with contact elements that mechanically interact with the surface to be treated, enhancing cleaning by collecting lint and hair, and utilizing non-thermal plasma to inactivate odors and damage cell walls, combined with optional UV light for additional microbial DNA destruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plasma device is used to inactivate odor molecules and destroy cell walls, then microbial inactivation is improved, but mechanical cleaning of lint and hair is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a plasma source for microbial inactivation with a mechanical cleaning element (roller or brush) in a single integrated device. The mechanical element is positioned to contact the surface before the plasma treatment, enabling lint and hair removal. This merging of chemical (plasma) and mechanical cleaning functions into one device allows simultaneous achievement of both microbial inactivation and physical cleaning without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma device is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical cleaning via the roller/brush element, plasma generation for microbial inactivation, and odor molecule destruction. The device integrates components that enable it to serve as both a mechanical cleaner and a plasma treatment device, making it a universal cleaning solution that addresses both physical contaminants (lint, hair) and biological contaminants (bacteria, viruses, odors).
2Productivity
If contact elements with high friction coefficient are added to mechanically pretreat the surface, then lint and hair removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional zones: a mechanical cleaning element (roller or brush) positioned upstream of the plasma source. The contact element is further segmented into surface-contacting portions (with high friction coefficient for lint/hair removal) and non-contacting portions (that do not touch the surface). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall device design modular and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical cleaning element acts as an intermediary between the user and the plasma source. It performs the preliminary mechanical cleaning of lint and hair before the plasma treatment, protecting the plasma source from contamination and ensuring optimal plasma treatment conditions. This intermediary element simplifies the overall system by handling the mechanical cleaning task that would otherwise require complex filtration or protection mechanisms for the plasma source.
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 achieves improved surface cleaning by mechanically pre-cleaning surfaces, effectively removing lint and hair while using non-thermal plasma to inactivate odors and destroy microbial cell walls, with optional UV for enhanced antimicrobial effects, ensuring thorough and efficient treatment.
Implementation Method 1
The plasma device according to the invention has a particularly elongated housing in which a plasma source is arranged... via which plasma can be or is applied to the surface to be treated... non-thermal plasma, also known as cold plasma, specifically to eliminate odors and certain hydrocarbons. Such a plasma can also be used to kill bacteria, spores, viruses, etc.
Implementation Method 2
at which distance molecules attached to the surface to be treated can be inactivated by electrons from the plasma... ions and electrons move as free charge carriers... become negatively charged due to the bombardment with the electrons present in the plasma
Implementation Method 3
This contact element has a higher coefficient of friction on textiles than the plateau surface and acts similarly to a lint roller or thread lifter, enabling lint or hair to be collected
Implementation Method 4
with optional UV light for additional microbial DNA destruction
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a plasma device (1) for treating surfaces, particularly textiles. To achieve improved surface cleaning, a housing (4) is provided in which a plasma source (5) is arranged. The plasma source has a plateau surface (6) extending longitudinally along the housing (4) with at least one electrode (7) through which plasma can be applied to the surface to be treated. In the transverse direction, next to the electrode (7) or the plasma source (5), at least one contact element (8) is provided for mechanical pretreatment of the surface. This contact element interacts mechanically with the surface to be treated during operation of the plasma device (1). This allows mechanical pretreatment to be combined with plasma surface treatment.