Low Temperature Plasma Device with Offset Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current low temperature plasma generators are bulky, inflexible, require high voltage for plasma ignition, and generate unstable plasma flames that are difficult to deliver to hard-to-reach treatment sites, with existing devices relying on premixed gases for stability, which limits their application in medical and dental treatments.
Innovation Solution
A plasma generation system with a grounded electrode and at least one high-voltage electrode, arranged vertically apart, that reduces the voltage required for plasma ignition and sustains a stable plasma flame, allowing for in-situ mixing of gases and precise delivery of low temperature plasma using a hand-piece with a curved tip for targeted applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If current plasma generators use premixed gas for stability, then plasma flame stability is improved, but device flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The gas delivery system is segmented into separate carrier gas and reactive gas pathways. The carrier gas flows through the central channel while reactive gas is introduced through the side wall at a downstream location, allowing independent control of each gas stream while achieving stable plasma through their interaction in the plasma generation zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier gas is pre-flowed through the device before reactive gas is introduced. This preliminary action establishes a stable gas flow pattern and prepares the plasma generation zone, enabling stable plasma ignition and sustained operation when reactive gas is added.
2Power
If plasma generators require high voltage for ignition, then plasma generation capability is improved, but safety and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode configuration parameters are optimized to reduce ignition voltage requirements. The grounded electrode and high-voltage electrode are positioned with specific spacing and geometric arrangement that creates an enhanced electric field at the plasma generation zone, enabling plasma ignition at lower applied voltages while maintaining effective plasma generation capability.
3Area of moving object
If plasma flame size is reduced for precise delivery, then targeting precision is improved, but plasma stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device creates a localized plasma generation zone with specific geometric configuration. The electrode tips and gas injection points are positioned to confine plasma formation to a small, well-defined region, producing a miniature plasma flame that is both compact for precise delivery and stable due to the controlled local environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma stability is maintained by transitioning from a two-dimensional flame structure to a three-dimensional confined plasma zone. The electrode arrangement and gas flow configuration create a volumetric plasma region that is compact in all dimensions, providing stability through three-dimensional confinement rather than relying on large two-dimensional flame structures.
4Ease of manufacture
If device structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but plasma delivery precision to hard-to-reach sites deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a flexible shaft section that allows the rigid plasma generation assembly to be positioned and oriented for accessing hard-to-reach treatment sites. This dynamic element provides mechanical flexibility without complicating the plasma generation mechanism, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling precise delivery to various anatomical locations.
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 generates a stable, miniature plasma flame at reduced voltage, enabling controlled and targeted delivery to specific surfaces, improving safety and effectiveness in medical and dental procedures by reducing voltage requirements and allowing for in-situ gas mixing for enhanced operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
the carrier-gas flows from the carrier-gas supply, via the tubing connection member and the shaft member, to the tip member and is excited by the plurality of electrodes to generate the plasma flame at the tip opening
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a low plasma generation system. In one implementation, the system includes a plurality of electrodes with a grounded electrode and at least one high-voltage electrode. The grounded and the high-voltage electrodes are arranged such that a tip of the grounded electrode and a tip of the at least one high-voltage electrode have a vertical-level difference.