Plasma Source With Gas Flow Pressure Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plasma sources are not suitable for in vivo sterilization of wounds due to high temperatures and electromagnetic irradiation, which requires low-temperature and low-electromagnetic plasma generation.
Innovation Solution
A plasma source with an ionization chamber connected to a conduit that carries a gas flow, reducing pressure within the ionization chamber through gas flow, utilizing a Venturi or Laval nozzle to enhance plasma generation efficiency, and incorporating electrodes and a magnetic field to control plasma generation and radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional plasma sources are used, then plasma generation is achieved, but high temperature and electromagnetic irradiation are produced which are unsuitable for in vivo wound sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional thermal plasma generation methods with a mechanical flow-based approach. A fluid flow (gas or liquid) is passed through an electric field to generate plasma, substituting direct thermal heating with a flow-mediated plasma generation process that inherently limits temperature while maintaining plasma reactivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the plasma generation parameters by operating at low temperature and controlled pressure conditions. By adjusting the flow rate, electric field strength, and pressure, the system generates plasma with reduced electromagnetic irradiation and temperature, making it suitable for biological applications
2Productivity
If pressure in ionization chamber is reduced to improve plasma generation efficiency, then ionizability improves, but additional pressure control mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the plasma generation process itself to create the pressure reduction needed for efficient operation. The fluid flow through the ionization chamber naturally creates a pressure drop, eliminating the need for separate vacuum pumps or pressure control systems while maintaining optimal plasma generation conditions
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 solution enables efficient generation of low-temperature, non-thermal plasma suitable for wound sterilization with reduced electromagnetic irradiation, improving plasma generation efficiency and safety for temperature-sensitive surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a conduit carrying a gas flow of a carrier gas (e.g. ambient air, argon or nitrogen)... the gas flow in the conduit carries away gas particles (e.g. ions, electrons, atoms) out of the ionization chamber thereby reducing the pressure in the ionization chamber
Implementation Method 2
When using a Laval nozzle, the nozzle generates a shock wave within the carrier gas flow thereby increasing the flow speed of the carrier gas flow at the junction connecting the ionization chamber to the conduit, which in turn results in a pressure reduction
Implementation Method 3
the gas flow in the conduit comprises a subsonic flow speed (M1) downstream nozzle and/or a substantially sonic flow speed (M≈1) in the nozzle... produces the desired pressure reduction in the supersonic gas flow in the conduit according to the well-known laws of Bernoulli
Implementation Method 4
an ionization chamber in which a plasma is generated... a first electrode and a second electrode for generating the plasma in the ionization chamber
Implementation Method 5
the plasma source according to the invention preferably comprises a magnet generating a magnetic field in the ionization chamber and/or downstream the ionization chamber in a conduit, wherein the magnetic field enhances the plasma generation
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a plasma source (1) comprising: a conduit (3, 4) carrying a gas flow and an ionization chamber (10) in which a plasma is generated, wherein the ionization chamber (10) is connected to the conduit (3, 4), so that the gas flow in the conduit (3, 4) carries away gas particles out of the ionization chamber (10) thereby reducing the pressure in the ionization chamber (10).