Vacuum Cleaner Plasma Source Control to Reduce Ozone Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices with plasma sources face issues of ozone production, which can irritate the respiratory tract and cause discoloration or damage to surfaces, and result in increased wear on the plasma source, due to uncontrolled atmospheric oxygen interaction.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device that integrates a vacuum cleaner with a plasma source, featuring a detection device to control the direction of movement and a valve system to manage suction and plasma application, ensuring ozone is not sucked in during plasma operation, and using a control device to activate the plasma only when air is drawn from the environment or when the fan is off, thus preventing ozone production and reducing exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a plasma source is used to treat surfaces and eliminate odors, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but ozone is produced which causes respiratory irritation and surface discoloration
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is divided into two distinct operational modes: plasma treatment mode and suction mode. The plasma source and suction system operate separately in time, with the plasma source activated only when the suction system is inactive. This temporal segmentation prevents ozone produced during plasma treatment from being sucked up and redistributed, thereby maintaining cleaning effectiveness while eliminating the harmful ozone dispersal effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The device operates in periodic cycles, alternating between plasma treatment phases and suction phases. During plasma treatment, the plasma source is activated to eliminate odors and disinfect surfaces. Following this, the suction system activates to remove any residual ozone and treated particles. This periodic alternation ensures that plasma treatment benefits are achieved while minimizing ozone exposure and harm.
2Productivity
If the blower runs continuously to maintain suction, then cleaning performance is improved, but ozone produced during plasma treatment is sucked in and discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The blower operates periodically rather than continuously. It runs during suction phases to maintain cleaning performance, but is deactivated during plasma treatment phases. This periodic operation ensures that when plasma is generating ozone, the blower is not active to draw it in, thereby preventing ozone discharge while maintaining suction performance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The blower's operational state is dynamically adjusted based on the treatment phase. The control system monitors whether plasma treatment is active and automatically adjusts the blower state accordingly - switching it off during plasma treatment and switching it on during suction phases. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by adapting suction performance to the current operational context.
3Productivity
If plasma is applied continuously to maximize disinfection, then surface treatment effectiveness is improved, but wear on the plasma source increases due to ozone exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment process is segmented into discrete plasma treatment intervals followed by suction intervals. The plasma source operates at full power during treatment intervals to maximize disinfection effectiveness, then remains inactive during suction intervals. This segmentation allows intensive plasma application when needed while providing rest periods that prevent excessive wear and extend plasma source lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The useful action of plasma treatment is maintained continuously through the alternating cycle - plasma treatment followed immediately by suction to remove byproducts. This continuous alternation ensures disinfection effectiveness is maintained over time while the suction phase actively removes ozone that would otherwise accumulate and damage the plasma source, thereby extending its operational life.
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 solution effectively reduces ozone exposure, preventing respiratory irritation and extending the plasma source's lifespan by ensuring ozone is not discharged during suction, while allowing for effective surface disinfection and odor neutralization through controlled plasma application.
Implementation Method 1
a plasma source 8 arranged in the suction mouth 4, via which plasma can be applied to the surface 2 to be treated
Implementation Method 2
cold plasma, which can be used in a targeted manner to eliminate odors and certain hydrocarbons
Implementation Method 3
a detection device that is able to detect a direction of movement of the suction mouth 4
Implementation Method 4
a valve device 7 connected to it in a communicating manner, via which a negative pressure in the suction mouth 4 can be controlled
Implementation Method 5
a blower 3 with a suction mouth 4 connected thereto
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cleaning device (1) for treating surfaces (2), particularly textiles. To enable improved and gentle surface cleaning, a plasma source (8) is provided in a suction nozzle (4), through which plasma can be applied to the surface (2) to be treated. A control device (12) is provided, communicating with the plasma source (8), the detection device (5), the blower (3), and the valve device (7). The control device (12) is designed to activate the plasma source (8) only when the valve device (7) is open and air (13) is drawn in exclusively from the environment and not through the suction nozzle (4), and/or when the blower (3) is switched off.