Plasma Generation Device With Inverse Dielectric Fluid

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional atmospheric plasma generation devices require higher voltages due to the nature of atmospheric plasma generation under atmospheric pressure, leading to a tendency for discharge to shift from glow to arc discharge, resulting in localized plasma generation, reduced efficiency, and potential damage to treated objects due to high temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A plasma generation device with a discharge position control unit made of a dielectric material containing an inverse characteristic fluid whose dielectric constant decreases with increasing temperature, preventing arc discharge by shifting the discharge to regions with higher dielectric constants, thus maintaining non-localized plasma generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If higher voltage is applied to generate atmospheric plasma, then plasma generation efficiency is improved, but discharge localizes to arc discharge causing harmful high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplasma generation efficiencyVSAvoidlocalized high temperature damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the temperature-dependent dielectric constant of the fluid medium. As the fluid temperature increases in regions where discharge has already occurred, its dielectric constant decreases, automatically suppressing further discharge in those regions and preventing arc discharge localization while maintaining efficient plasma generation in cooler regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by allowing the discharge pattern to dynamically shift across different regions of the fluid medium. The discharge moves from regions with higher dielectric constants (cooler fluid) to regions with lower dielectric constants (warmer fluid), creating a dynamic, non-localized plasma generation pattern that prevents stationary arc discharge

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If discharge voltage is increased for atmospheric plasma generation, then plasma volume is improved, but discharge becomes localized reducing plasma volume

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplasma volumeVSAvoiddischarge distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the fluid's dielectric constant with temperature to maintain uniform discharge distribution. The temperature-dependent dielectric constant creates natural feedback that distributes discharge across multiple regions, preventing localization and maintaining large plasma volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control through the fluid medium's thermal and dielectric properties. As discharge occurs and heats the fluid, the dielectric constant decreases, providing negative feedback that suppresses further discharge in that region and redirects it to cooler regions, maintaining uniform distribution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution effectively suppresses arc discharge and enhances plasma generation efficiency, ensuring stable, non-localized plasma production that can be applied for various treatments like sterilization and surface modification without damaging the treated objects.

Implementation Method 1

formed by an inverse characteristic material with a dielectric constant that decreases with an increase in temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric constant temperature dependence: Dielectric Permittivity

Implementation Method 2

the thermal conduction of the fluid may be no more than 4 W/(m·K)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2779803B1Plasma generation device for suppressing localised discharges
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 SAGA UNIVERSITY
  • EP2779803B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(h)
  • EP2779803B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(e)
  • EP2779803B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

There is provided a plasma generation device capable of suppressing arc discharge in which discharge is localized to cause a high temperature, and allowing atmospheric discharge plasma to be stably generated with a high generation efficiency in a low temperature at about a room temperature without being spatially biased. The plasma generation device arranged with a plurality of electrodes facing each other includes a discharge position control unit, which is arranged between each of the plurality of electrodes, and is formed by containing an inverse characteristic material composed of a fluid having polarizability and a property that dielectric constant decreases with an increase in temperature, in a container formed of a dielectric material, wherein the inverse characteristic material is spaced apart from each of the plurality of electrodes.