Plasma Treatment Device with Decoupled Side Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma treatment devices for small parts suffer from high heat input and wear due to the complex and costly rotary device construction, leading to increased thermal stress and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
The plasma device is located in a separate side room outside the influence area of the rotary device, with stationary electrodes generating a plasma that extends into the treatment room, decoupling heat input and allowing for a defined plasma spread, reducing wear and thermal stress on components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rotary device forms the electrode and voltage is applied directly to it, then plasma generation is achieved, but high heat input and wear occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate functional zones: a plasma generation chamber where electrodes generate plasma, and a treatment chamber where the rotary device processes parts. This segmentation isolates the heat-generating plasma source from the mechanical rotary components, reducing thermal stress and wear on the rotary device.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma generation function is extracted from the rotary device and placed in a separate plasma chamber. The rotary device is removed from the high-temperature plasma environment, allowing it to operate in a cooler treatment chamber while still receiving plasma treatment benefits through controlled plasma flow or exposure.
2Reliability
If the rotary device forms the electrode, then plasma treatment is achieved, but the construction becomes complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent modules: a plasma generation system with electrodes in a plasma chamber, and a separate treatment system with the rotary device. This modular approach simplifies the rotary device construction by removing the need for complex rotating electrode mechanisms, voltage bushings, and associated cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode function is extracted from the rotary device and implemented as stationary electrodes in the plasma chamber. This eliminates the need for complex rotating electrical connections and simplifies the rotary device to a pure mechanical handling and treatment mechanism.
3Productivity
If voltage is applied to the rotary device during treatment, then plasma is generated, but wear of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment process is segmented into two stages: plasma generation in a stationary chamber, and plasma application in the rotary treatment chamber. This allows the rotary device to handle parts through the plasma field without being part of the high-voltage generation system, reducing electrical arcing and wear on mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
A plasma cloud or plasma flow acts as an intermediary between the stationary electrodes and the rotary device. The plasma is generated in the plasma chamber and then transferred to the treatment chamber, allowing the rotary device to receive plasma treatment without direct electrical contact, thereby reducing wear.
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
This configuration minimizes heat input and wear on mechanical components, extends the service life of the rotary device and treated parts, and ensures uniform surface treatment of small parts with reduced maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
A plasma is a gas whose constituents are partially or fully composed of ions, free electrons, excited atoms, radicals (free atoms), molecular fragments and photons
Implementation Method 2
The ions in the plasma generated by the alternating field collide with the surface of the small parts and form a chemical bond with the dirt on the small parts
Implementation Method 3
The ions in the plasma generated by the alternating field collide with the surface of the small parts and form a chemical bond with the dirt on the small parts
Implementation Method 4
After the small parts have been accommodated in a carrier arranged coaxially to the rotary device and the housing has been closed, a negative pressure is generated in the interior
Implementation Method 5
An alternating field is generated at the two electrodes by means of a high-frequency alternating voltage, which leads to the ionization of a process gas and thus to the generation of plasma
Implementation Method 6
An alternating field is generated at the two electrodes by means of a high-frequency alternating voltage
Implementation Method 7
The electrons are only present in an insignificant number, so the ions are responsible for heat transfer. The 'cold' ions keep the heat content of the entire system relatively low
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for treating small parts by means of a plasma, which in particular comprises a plasma device (3) with which a plasma can be generated which extends at least over a region of the interior (6) of the housing (2) and acts at least temporarily on the small parts located in or on the carrier (17) or moving with it, wherein the plasma extends between two spaced-apart electrodes (23), and the plasma can be generated between two stationary electrodes (23).To further develop the device in such a way that heating of the mechanical components and thus wear is minimized, it is proposed that the plasma device (3) be located in an ancillary chamber (13) which is arranged outside the area of influence swept by the rotating device (18), the carrier (17), and the small parts to be treated, and which forms part of the interior (6). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for treating small parts in a plasma.