Plasma Source Electrode Spacing for Wound Sterilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional plasma sources are not suitable for large-area in vivo sterilization of wounds due to high temperatures and electromagnetic irradiation, and existing devices are either not designed for large-area applications or have limitations in plasma output and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A plasma source with a specific ratio of electrode-electrode distance to electrode-wall distance, multiple ionization electrodes, and a mesh-covered outlet, which generates a low-temperature plasma with low electromagnetic irradiation, suitable for large-area wound sterilization, using argon gas and microwave ionization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional plasma sources are used for wound sterilization, then plasma generation is achieved, but the temperature is too high and electromagnetic irradiation is too strong for in vivo applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplasma temperatureVSAvoidelectromagnetic irradiation
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the plasma source by using a specific geometric configuration of ionization electrodes with optimized spacing ratios. This geometric parameter optimization enables the plasma to operate at lower temperatures and reduced electromagnetic irradiation levels, making it suitable for in vivo wound sterilization applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If a single electrode plasma needle is used, then plasma generation is achieved, but the outlet area is too small for large-area wound sterilization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization areaVSAvoidplasma output efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the plasma generation system into multiple ionization electrodes arranged in a specific geometric configuration within the ionization chamber. This segmentation allows the plasma to be generated across multiple points simultaneously, expanding the effective sterilization area while maintaining efficient plasma output through the optimized electrode arrangement and spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 plasma source achieves efficient plasma generation with low energy input, suitable for in vivo applications, providing effective sterilization and treatment of bacteriological, fungicidal, and viral skin disorders with minimal heat and radiation exposure.

Implementation Method 1

several ionization electrodes being disposed within the ionization chamber for ionizing the gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 2

The plasma source according to the invention provides a large plasma output with a low energy input, so that the plasma source is well suitable for in vivo applications, e.g. sterilization of wounds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasma: Plasma

Data Source

PatentEP1925190B1Plasma source
Publication Date: 2015.02.11 ADTEC EURO
  • EP1925190B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1925190B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1925190B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a plasma source (1) , particularly for disinfection of wounds, comprising: an ionization chamber (2) having an inlet (3) for introducing a gas into the ionization chamber (2) and further having an outlet (9) for dispensing the ionized gas onto an object; several ionization electrodes (4) being disposed within the ionization chamber (2) for ionizing the gas and a predetermined ratio of the electrode-electrode distance on the one hand and the electrode-wall distance on the other hand, wherein the ratio is in a range between 1.8 and 2.2.