Plasma Smart Window for Ambient Air Sterilization Indoors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for sterilizing ambient air, such as using toxic substances or high-temperature pressurized air, are not suitable for interior spaces and can be harmful, lacking an effective and environmentally friendly solution for large-area sterilization.

Innovation Solution

A plasma-based smart window system is installed with an atmospheric pressure plasma device comprising a light-transmissive substrate, transparent flat patterned electrodes, and a cover plate, generating surface plasma at ambient temperature and pressure to inactivate microorganisms in the air by applying a specific power supply parameter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods such as toxic substances or high-temperature pressurized air are used for sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but safety and environmental friendliness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidtoxicity and environmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the plasma discharge process to operate at ambient temperature and pressure conditions, eliminating the need for toxic chemicals and high-temperature pressurized air while maintaining effective sterilization through generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical and chemical sterilization methods (hot air sterilizers, toxic substances) with a plasma-based electrochemical system that generates reactive species in situ, providing a non-toxic alternative that is safe for interior spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If high-temperature pressurized air sterilization is used, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but applicability to interior spaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidapplicability to interior spaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention operates the plasma device at ambient temperature and pressure conditions, making it suitable for interior space application while maintaining sterilization effectiveness through generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that inactivate microorganisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If toxic substances are used for sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces chemical sterilization methods using toxic substances with a plasma-based electrochemical system that generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, eliminating the need for toxic chemicals and their associated environmental pollution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes from chemical-based sterilization to plasma-based electrochemical reactions operating at ambient conditions, producing no toxic waste products and eliminating environmental pollution associated with chemical sterilants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method effectively sterilizes ambient air by producing reactive species like hydroxyl radicals and ozone, reducing microbial concentrations without using toxic chemicals, maintaining low operating temperatures, and being environmentally friendly.

Implementation Method 1

applying a power supply parameter of a predetermined magnitude between the first and second transparent flat patterned electrodes at ambient temperature and pressure to generate a surface plasma proximate to the light-transmissive substrate or the light-transmissive cover plate so as to inactivate microorganisms in the ambient air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma: Plasma

Data Source

PatentUS11752233B2Method for sterilizing ambient air using plasma-based smart window

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 MING CHI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

AI summary

A method for sterilizing ambient air includes the steps of: a) installing a plasma-based smart window including an atmospheric pressure plasma device which includes first and second transparent flat patterned electrodes sandwiched between a light-transmissive substrate and a light-transmissive cover plate; and b) applying a power supply parameter of a predetermined magnitude between the first and second transparent flat patterned electrodes at ambient temperature and pressure to generate a surface plasma proximate to the light-transmissive substrate or the light-transmissive cover plate so as to inactivate microorganisms in the ambient air.