Atmospheric Plasma Surface Barrier Discharge Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma surface treatment technologies face challenges such as high system costs, energy consumption, inhomogeneous plasma structures, limited applicability to complex geometries, and unsuitability for handheld operation due to complex power supply devices and high gas consumption.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a surface barrier discharge generated by a dielectric-covered high-voltage electrode in contact with a grounded, electrically conductive electrode in a weak process gas atmosphere, which reduces ignition voltage and enhances plasma homogeneity, allowing for efficient, uniform treatment of various surfaces without the need for cooling or complex positioning systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If low-pressure plasma processes are used for surface treatment, then treatment quality is improved, but system costs and device complexity increase due to vacuum equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating pressure parameter from low-pressure (vacuum) to atmospheric pressure, eliminating the need for vacuum equipment while maintaining effective plasma surface treatment. This is achieved by generating plasma directly at atmospheric pressure through corona or barrier discharge mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the vacuum equipment component from the plasma treatment system, replacing it with atmospheric pressure plasma generation methods that do not require vacuum chambers, thereby simplifying the overall system.
2Manufacturing precision
If low-pressure plasma processes are used, then surface treatment effectiveness is improved, but productivity decreases due to discontinuous working method
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables continuous plasma treatment at atmospheric pressure, allowing workpieces to be treated continuously as they pass through the plasma zone, eliminating the discontinuous batch processing required by vacuum systems and significantly improving productivity.
3Productivity
If atmospheric pressure plasma is used to improve productivity, then treatment speed increases, but plasma uniformity deteriorates due to inhomogeneous discharge structure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating controlled discharge regions with specific electrode geometries and arrangements that ensure uniform plasma distribution across the workpiece surface, preventing localized overheating or excessive treatment while maintaining overall uniformity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex positioning systems are used to adapt devices to complex surface geometries, then applicability to various workpieces is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal plasma treatment device that can handle various workpiece geometries through simple adjustment mechanisms and flexible electrode arrangements, eliminating the need for complex positioning systems while maintaining broad applicability.
5Power
If high power supply devices are used to generate plasma, then plasma generation capability is improved, but device portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the electrical parameters (voltage, current, frequency) to optimize plasma generation at lower power levels, enabling the use of compact, portable power supplies while maintaining effective surface treatment capability.
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 cost-effective, low-energy, and low-gas-consumption plasma treatment suitable for complex geometries, allowing for handheld operation and universal application, with reduced material damage and improved treatment efficacy as demonstrated by contact angle measurements and surface diagnostic methods.
Implementation Method 1
a surface barrier discharge occurs through the contact of a dielectric-covered high-voltage electrode with a grounded, electrically conductive contact electrode
Implementation Method 2
in a weak process gas atmosphere flowing from a specially adapted gas nozzle and directed locally at the contact point
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a series of devices for dry cleaning, activating, modifying, coating, and biologically decontaminating (degerming, disinfecting, sterilizing) surfaces by means of an atmospheric pressure plasma generated using a surface barrier discharge. The invention is used for dry cleaning, activating, coating, modifying, and biologically contaminating surfaces by means of an atmospheric pressure plasma generated in a defined, flowing gas atmosphere by a surface barrier discharge, comprising a high-voltage electrode that is covered with a dielectric or ferroelectric material, an electrically conducting grounded contact electrode, a high-voltage supply, a gas supply, and a gas nozzle (encompassing a gas outlet). Said gas nozzle is located in the direct vicinity of the grounded contact electrode, is integrated into the contact electrode, or acts as the grounded contact electrode. Furthermore, the gas outlet is designed such that a discharged gas flow is directed to the contact point of the grounded contact electrode. The method is characterized in that the contact electrode including the gas nozzle and the material that is to be treated are moved relative to one another.