Plasma Probe Electrode Hydrophobic Surface Ignition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plasma probes for plasma coagulation of biological tissue often exhibit poor ignition behavior, requiring high voltages or close proximity to the tissue for plasma discharge formation, which can lead to mechanical harm and thermal overload issues.

Innovation Solution

A plasma probe with a flexible hose and an electrode having a hydrophobic surface section, preferably near the distal end, to improve ignition behavior by reducing liquid ingress and turbulence, and a flow guide element to enhance gas flow and plasma stability, along with hydrophobic coatings or micro-structuring for water-repellency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional plasma probes are used, then plasma discharge can be formed, but high voltages are required or close proximity to tissue is needed, leading to mechanical harm and thermal overload

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveignition behaviorVSAvoidmechanical harm and thermal overload

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface properties of the electrode through hydrophobic coating or micro-structuring. This changes the interaction between the electrode surface and surrounding fluids, preventing liquid accumulation that would otherwise require high voltages for ignition. The hydrophobic surface reduces surface energy, causing liquids to bead up and roll off rather than accumulate, thereby improving ignition reliability without requiring excessive voltage or close tissue proximity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of liquid accumulation (which causes poor ignition behavior) into a beneficial effect by using hydrophobic surface properties. Instead of trying to prevent liquids from reaching the electrode area entirely, the invention allows liquids to contact the surface but then uses the hydrophobic effect to automatically repel them. This transforms the potential harm of liquid presence into a self-cleaning mechanism that actually improves ignition performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If high voltages are used for plasma ignition, then plasma discharge can be formed, but mechanical harm and thermal overload occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasma discharge formationVSAvoidmechanical harm and thermal overload

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the surface energy parameter of the electrode by applying hydrophobic coatings or creating micro-structured surfaces. This parameter change prevents liquid films from forming on the electrode, which are responsible for requiring high voltages for ignition. With the hydrophobic surface, even small voltages can effectively ignite plasma because the electric field is not shunted through liquid conductive paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the electrode tip projects out of the outlet opening, then plasma discharge can be formed, but mechanical harm to tissue occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasma discharge formationVSAvoidmechanical harm to tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the hydrophobic effect to convert the potential problem of having a non-protruding electrode tip (which might seem to reduce plasma formation capability) into an advantage. The hydrophobic surface ensures that even when the electrode tip is flush with or recessed from the outlet opening, plasma can still form reliably because the hydrophobic surface prevents liquid accumulation that would otherwise interfere with ignition. This allows the electrode tip to remain non-protruding, avoiding mechanical tissue harm while maintaining effective plasma discharge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 hydrophobic surface configuration enhances ignition readiness and stability, preventing liquid accumulation and thermal overload, allowing for efficient plasma discharge formation even in wet conditions and maintaining plasma stream consistency.

Implementation Method 1

an electrode (17) having a surface section (21) that is configured hydrophobically

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 2

a plasma probe (10) for plasma coagulation of biological tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma discharge: Plasma

Data Source

PatentUS20220022933A1Plasma Probe with Improved Ignition Behavior

Publication Date: 2022.01.27 ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH

AI summary

A plasma probe (10) comprises a fluid line (14) that is preferably configured as a hose and an electrode (17) arranged therein, the tip (20) of which is located in the proximity of the outlet opening (16). The electrode (17) comprises a hydrophobically configured surface section (21). As an option, additional elements of the plasma probe (10), particularly in the proximity of the outlet opening (16), can be provided with hydrophobic surfaces. Such a probe comprises a remarkably improved ignition readiness and an improved steadiness due to the permanence of the obtained discharge base point.