Plasma Generation Apparatus with Curved Flow Path for Gas Introduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma generation methods require external gas feed systems, such as pumps, to introduce gas into the plasma generation apparatus, which increases complexity and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A plasma generation apparatus and method that utilizes a flow path tube with concave or convex portions to create a pressure difference, allowing gas to be introduced from an external space into the apparatus without a gas feed device, and applies a voltage between electrodes to generate plasma within bubbles containing the introduced gas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external gas feed systems (pumps) are used to introduce gas into the plasma generation apparatus, then gas introduction is reliable, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid flow itself generates the pressure difference needed to introduce gas into the flow path tube. The system uses its own operating liquid to accomplish the gas introduction function that would otherwise require an external pump, thereby eliminating the gas feed device and reducing complexity while maintaining reliable gas introduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas feed device (pump) is extracted/removed from the system. Instead of using an external pump to introduce gas, the invention utilizes the pressure difference generated by the liquid flow itself to draw gas into the flow path tube through the gas introduction path, thereby simplifying the apparatus structure.
2Reliability
If external gas feed systems (pumps) are used to introduce gas into the plasma generation apparatus, then gas introduction is reliable, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the energy already present in the liquid flow to generate the pressure difference required for gas introduction. No additional energy is consumed by a separate gas feed pump, as the liquid flow's kinetic energy and pressure are utilized to accomplish the gas introduction function.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas introduction function is merged with the liquid flow function. The same liquid flow that serves to transport or process the liquid also generates the pressure difference needed to introduce gas, combining two functions into one process and eliminating the need for separate energy-consuming gas feed equipment.
3Device complexity
If concave or convex portions are added to the flow path tube to generate pressure difference, then gas introduction is achieved without external devices, but flow path structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Concave or convex portions are formed on the internal wall surface of the flow path tube to create curvature variations. These curved surface features generate pressure differences that enable gas introduction without external devices, accepting increased shape complexity as a trade-off for eliminating gas feed device complexity.
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
This approach enables efficient plasma generation without the need for external gas feed systems, reducing energy consumption and apparatus complexity while effectively generating plasma for sterilization and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one of the concave portion and the convex portion causes, when the liquid flows therethrough, a pressure difference to be generated between at least part of the inside of the flow path tube and the external space of the flow path tube, allowing a gas to be introduced into the liquid from the external space through the gas introduction path
Implementation Method 2
the power source applies the predetermined voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode in a state in which a bubble containing the gas is generated in the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A plasma generation apparatus includes a flow path tube through which a liquid flows and which includes a concave portion and/or a convex portion on an internal wall surface thereof, a liquid feed device, a first electrode, a second electrode, a power source, and a control circuit which controls the liquid feed device and the power source. The concave portion and/or the convex portion causes, when the liquid flows therethrough, a pressure difference to be generated between at least part of the inside of the flow path tube and the external space, allowing a gas to be introduced into the liquid from the external space through a gas introduction path. The power source applies a predetermined voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode in a state in which a bubble containing the gas is generated in the liquid.