Plasma Pouch With Embedded Electrodes For Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plasma technologies for biological decontamination and sterilization face limitations as items to be sterilized must be placed within the plasma, potentially damaging them and restricting the sterilization volume.
Innovation Solution
A plasma-generating device comprising a pouch with embedded electrodes and a dielectric medium, where the electrodes are partially exposed to generate plasma within the pouch, allowing for the creation of a flexible wall that can produce plasma on either the interior or exterior, with a sealable opening and evacuation hose for gas management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If items are placed within the plasma for sterilization, then sterilization efficacy is improved, but the items may be damaged by direct plasma exposure
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric barrier layer is introduced between the plasma-generating electrodes and the items to be sterilized. This dielectric barrier acts as an intermediary that allows plasma to be generated on one side while protecting the items on the other side from direct plasma exposure, thereby maintaining sterilization efficacy while preventing damage to the items
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization system is divided into separate zones: a plasma generation zone where electrodes create plasma against a dielectric barrier, and a protected zone where items are placed. This segmentation allows the plasma to be confined to a specific region, enabling sterilization through the barrier while keeping items in a protected environment
2Reliability
If items are placed within the plasma for sterilization, then sterilization is achieved, but the sterilization volume is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma generation is extended from a point or small area source to a large-area planar configuration using multiple electrodes arranged on the dielectric barrier. This dimensional expansion allows plasma to be generated across a broad surface area, significantly increasing the sterilization volume and enabling simultaneous treatment of multiple items or large items
3Reliability
If a rigid chamber is used for plasma generation, then plasma containment is improved, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric barrier is implemented as a flexible thin film or sheet rather than a rigid chamber wall. This flexible dielectric barrier can be conformally wrapped around or adapted to different item shapes and sizes while maintaining plasma containment, providing both the necessary structural integrity for plasma generation and the flexibility to accommodate various sterilization scenarios
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
Enables effective biological decontamination and sterilization while protecting external surfaces from plasma exposure, allowing for the sterilization of items of varying sizes and shapes without direct plasma contact, enhancing the scope and efficacy of the process.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of electrodes generate plasma within the interior of the pouch in response to application of voltage to the plurality of electrodes
Implementation Method 2
The electrodes may be at least partially embedded in a dielectric medium on the inner side of the pouch wall
Data Source
AI summary
A device with a pouch having a pouch wall with an inner side and an outer side, the pouch wall defining an interior of the pouch. A plurality of electrodes embedded in the pouch wall with at least one electrode partially exposed within the interior of the pouch. The plurality of electrodes generate plasma within the interior of the pouch in response to application of an voltage to the plurality of electrodes.