Dielectric Coated Plasma Thread for Wet Environment Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wound healing and infection prevention technologies face challenges such as limited flexibility, risk of electrode damage, and inability to function in wet environments, particularly for chronic wounds prone to infections in diabetic patients.
Innovation Solution
A plasma thread using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) technology, comprising a dielectric coated/insulated wire, which can be woven into bandages or used as sutures, generating plasma along its entire length without a grounded electrode, and is adaptable to various applications, including military and healthcare uses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a mesh made of plasma wire with two wires placed orthogonally is used, then plasma formation is restricted to junctions between two wires of opposite polarity, but this limits the plasma generation surface area and effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma generating surface is segmented into multiple discrete points along the thread length where plasma can be generated. By placing electrode junctions at multiple locations along the thread rather than relying on a single orthogonal mesh structure, the invention increases the total plasma generation surface area while maintaining a simple thread-based structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional orthogonal mesh structure to a one-dimensional linear thread structure with distributed plasma generation points along its length. This dimensional change allows the plasma generating surface to extend along the thread rather than being confined to a single junction plane, effectively increasing the treatment area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastic materials are used for internal treatment probes or balloons, then flexibility is achieved, but metallic contacts may crack due to stretching
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric coating acts as an intermediary layer between the metallic electrode and the external environment. This intermediate layer protects the metallic contact from direct exposure to body fluids and mechanical stress, preventing corrosion and cracking while allowing the thread to maintain its flexibility for internal treatment applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining flexible elastic material with protected metallic electrodes. The elastic material provides the necessary flexibility for insertion and manipulation, while the dielectric-coated metallic core maintains electrical functionality and resistance to degradation, creating a multi-functional composite that resolves the contradiction between flexibility and durability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If exposed electrodes are used in plasma generating devices, then plasma generation is enabled, but the electrodes may be corroded or damaged when exposed to water or liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric coating serves as a protective intermediary layer that isolates the metallic electrode from direct contact with body fluids and corrosive environments. This intermediate layer allows the electrode to maintain its plasma generation capability while preventing corrosion and damage from exposure to water and liquids during wound treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric coating is designed as a sacrificial protective layer that can be consumed or degraded before the metallic electrode is damaged. This protective coating acts as a disposable barrier that sacrifices itself to protect the more valuable and sensitive metallic electrode components from corrosion and environmental damage.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If one of the electrodes needs to be grounded for plasma generation, then plasma can be generated, but this limits the ability to function in wet environments and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the thread itself self-sufficient by incorporating both positive and negative electrode capabilities within the same structure. Each segment of the thread can generate plasma independently without requiring an external grounded electrode, allowing the device to function autonomously in wet environments without additional grounding components.
Solution Approach 2:
The thread structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the structural element and the plasma generating mechanism. By integrating both positive and negative electrode functionality into the single thread structure, the invention eliminates the need for separate grounded electrodes and external grounding components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining plasma generation 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 plasma thread effectively sterilizes wounds, accelerates healing, and is user-friendly, reducing the risk of tissue damage and electrode corrosion, while being capable of repeated use in wet conditions and flexible enough for diverse applications.
Implementation Method 1
Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is a type plasma generation process wherein plasma is created due to the accumulation of charge on one side of a dielectric medium between two electrodes
Implementation Method 2
Cold atmospheric plasma can be used to decontaminate most surfaces without damaging the material of the surface being treated
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided herein, according to an embodiment, a plasma thread application of dielectric barrier discharge, which incorporates the effectiveness of plasma in sterilization and the flexibility of thread like structure and has the malleability to be formed into any apparel design. The design of one embodiment uses a dielectric coated/insulated wire in the range of 30 to 40 awg based on the application in question. It can be used as sutures or can be woven into a material for countless bandage-like applications. The ready availability of medically approved dielectric materials is conducive to the manufacture of the same.