WO2022144596A1

WO2022144596A1 - An apparatus and a method for plasma-ozone sanitization

Info

Publication number: WO2022144596A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/051081
Authority: WO
Inventors: Siddharoodha C Angadi; Abdul Rehaman; Paribhasha Bandewar; Aarti Lohar
Original assignee: Siddharoodha C Angadi
Priority date: 2020-12-28
Filing date: 2021-02-10
Publication date: 2022-07-07

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for plasma-ozone sanitization are disclosed. The apparatus includes a slab which includes a first layer, a mid-layer and a second layer. The apparatus also includes a plasma generation unit configured to create a potential difference across the slab to generate plasma, an ignition coil configured to generate voltage of a pre-defined 5 range, a controlling unit which includes a power amplifier sub-unit configured to amplify output voltage, a power driver sub-unit and a micro controller configured to control functioning of the sterilizing apparatus. The apparatus also includes a power supply unit configured to supply input power for the controlling unit, one or more sensors configured to sense one of one or more parameters, motion of an entity, or a combination thereof, a 10 sanitization unit to supply the generated plasma-ozone to a surface of the entity for sanitization.

Description

AN APPARATUS AND A METHOD FOR PLASMA-OZONE SANITIZATION

This International Application claims priority from a Patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202041056654, filed on December 28, 2020, and titled “AN APPARATUS AND A METHOD FOR PLASMA-OZONE SANITIZATION”.

Embodiments of a present invention relate to sanitization, and more particularly, to an apparatus and a method for plasma-ozone sanitization.

BACKGROUND

In recent days, Coronavirus disease have become a major social problem, and as a preventive measure sanitization is very important aspect to stay unharmed from such viruses. Wherein sanitization is defined as a reduction of bacteria to safe levels which may be set by public health organizations to decrease the risk of infection and henceforth the disease. A very common method used for sanitizing a human or any object is by using an alcohol-based sanitizer which contains about 70% of ethanol in order to kill he viruses or the bacteria thereby stopping the spread of any such diseases. However, such alcohol-based sanitizer may cause skin allergens, skin irritation, dry skin, skin itching and many skin disorders when used regularly. Such limitations make such sanitizers hazardous to human being and environment. Also, if the containers used to store such sanitizers are not sealed properly, they are prone to combustion due to the presence of alcohol. Furthermore, with the regular usage, the containers need to be refiled time to time, which makes such a sanitization process expensive. Will all the above-described constraints, such sanitizers are less reliable and less user friendly.

Hence, there is a need for an improved apparatus and a method for plasma-ozone sanitization.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a sterilizing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a slab a first layer composed of a conducting material. The slab also includes a mid layer composed of a di-electric material. The lab also includes a second layer composed of an insulating material. The apparatus also includes a plasma generation unit operatively coupled to the slab. The plasma generation unit is configured to create a potential difference across the slab to generate plasma. The plasma reacts with the infusing air to generate ozone using composed material of the first layer and the second layer. The apparatus also includes an ignition coil electrically coupled to the slab. The ignition coil is configured to generate voltage of a pre-defined range when the sterilizing apparatus is turned on. The apparatus also includes a controlling unit electrically coupled to the ignition coil. The controlling unit includes a power amplifier sub-unit configured to amplify output voltage. The controlling unit also includes a power driver sub-unit electrically coupled to the power amplifier. The controlling unit also includes a micro controller electrically coupled to the power driver sub-unit. The micro controller is configured to control functioning of the sterilizing apparatus by performing switching operation for the sterilizing apparatus. The apparatus also includes a power supply unit electrically coupled to the controlling unit. The power supply unit is configured to supply input power for the controlling unit. The apparatus also includes one or more sensors configured to sense one of one or more parameters, motion of an entity, or a combination thereof. The apparatus also includes a sanitization unit to supply the generated plasma-ozone to a surface of the entity for sanitization.

In accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, a method for plasma-ozone sanitization is provided. The method includes sensing one of one or more parameters, motion of an entity, or a combination thereof. The method also includes turning on a sanitization apparatus to create and sanitize the entity upon sensing the motion of the entity. The method also includes creating a high potential difference between a dielectric barrier for creating plasma. The method also includes infusing oxygen onto a slab comprising the dielectric barrier and the plasma for generating ozone upon enabling fusion of oxygen molecules with the created plasma. The method also includes supplying the generated plasma-ozone to a surface of the entity for sanitization.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram representing a sterilizing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 2 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method for plasma-ozone sanitization in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a sterilizing apparatus and a method for method for plasma-ozone sanitization. As used herein, the term “ozone” also known as trioxygen is a blue gas, with a density greater than air, making it an ideal disinfectant for both air and water. It kills single and multicellular organisms with low cell specialization, i.e., bacteria, viruses or fungi. It can also be used to kill the CO VID- 19 virus which is spreading at an exponential rate in the recent days. Further described is the apparatus which produces the ozone and helps in sanitization of an entity.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram representing a sterilizing apparatus (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus (10) includes a slab (20). As used herein, the term ‘slab’ is defined as a flat piece of a pre-defined dimensions composed of a required material typically square or rectangular in shape. The slab (20) includes a first layer (30) composed of a conducting material. The slab (20) also includes a mid-layer (40) composed of a di-electric material. The slab (20) also includes a second layer (50) composed of an insulating material. In one exemplary embodiment, the slab (20) may itself behave as a mid-layer (40), above which the first layer (30) may be fabricated and below which the second layer (50) may be fabricated. In one exemplary embodiment, the insulating material may correspond to polypropylene glycol silicon dioxide. Further the polypropylene glycol silicon dioxide contains 25 parts of sodium chloride 10 parts of iodine 10 parts of chlorine 15 parts of magnesium 40 parts of deionized water.

The apparatus (10) also includes a plasma generation unit (60) operatively coupled to the slab (20). The plasma generation unit (60) is configured to create a potential difference across the slab (20) to generate plasma. In one embodiment, the plasma may be cold plasma. The plasma reacts with the infusing air to generate ozone using composed material of the first layer (30) and the second layer (50).

Furthermore, the apparatus (10) includes an ignition coil (70) electrically coupled to the slab (20). The ignition coil (70) is configured to generate voltage of a pre-defined range when the sterilizing apparatus (10) is turned on. In one embodiment, an industrial grade spark ignition Coil with DC output Voltage of 13-15KV may be used which makes it easy to generator high voltage of several thousand volts. This high voltage is given to the custom build polypropylene glycol silicon dioxide of the slab (20).

The apparatus (10) also includes a controlling unit (80) electrically coupled to the ignition coil (70). The controlling unit (80) includes a power amplifier sub-unit (90) configured to amplify output voltage. In one embodiment, the power amplifier sub-unit (90) used to amplify the output voltage of the driver and swiftly reduces the current to obtain high voltage and low current to drive the ignition coil (70).

The controlling unit (80) also includes a power driver sub-unit (100) electrically coupled to the power amplifier sub-unit (90). In one embodiment, the power driver sub-unit (100) may be similar to a switching circuit to perform high rate switching operation and amplification. In one exemplary embodiment, a series of transistors and an HexFET may be used as the power driver sub-unit (100) and the power amplifier sub-unit (90) respectively. The HexFET is capable to handle ultra-low on resistance fully avalanche rated fast switching system, the series of transistors used are built for high frequency applications handling ability with maximum voltage 30V and current with 30mA maximum. In such embodiment, the series of transistors may include transistors 9021, 9031. Parameters which may be associated to frequency may be programmed and may be fed into the series of transistors for switching and power amplification operations.

The controlling unit (80) also includes a micro controller (110) electrically coupled to the power driver sub-unit (100). The microcontroller ( 110) is configured to control functioning of the sterilizing apparatus (10) by performing switching operation for the sterilizing apparatus (10). In one exemplary embodiment, the micro controller (110) may be configured to control functioning of one or more sensors, one or more diodes such as a light emitting diode (LED), an alert generation unit such as a buzzer, or the like. The micro controller (110) may also be configured to control generation of the high frequency and timer in order to perform the cold plasma discharge operation with respect to a timer assistance. In such embodiment, the one or more sensors may include an ultrasonic sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like. In another embodiment, the buzzer may be a piezo PLA buzzer.

Furthermore, the apparatus (10) includes a power supply unit (120) electrically coupled to the controlling unit (80). The power supply unit (120) is configured to supply input power for the controlling unit (80). In one embodiment, the power supply unit (120) used may be an AC/DC Power supply is used to take in the AC voltage of 220-230Volts and convert it to DC 12 Volts and give out 2Amps and connect the same to the controlling unit (80) via a battery. In one exemplary embodiment, the battery may be a Lithium polymer battery which may help the apparatus (10) to run in device even when there is power cut.

The apparatus (10) also includes the one or more sensors (130) operatively coupled to the controlling unit (80). The one or more sensors (130) is configured to sense one of one or more parameters, motion of an entity (140), or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the one or more parameters may include temperature of the entity (140), atmospheric pressure, atmospheric temperature, or the like. In one specific embodiment, the entity (140) may be one of a human being or an object belonging to a human being. The apparatus (10) also includes a sanitization unit (150) operatively coupled to the slab (20). The sanitization unit (150) is configured to supply the generated plasma-ozone to a surface of the entity (140) for sanitization of the entity (140).

In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus (10) may include the alert generation unit operatively coupled to the controlling unit (80). The alert generation unit may be configured to generate an alert notification while the sanitization process begins and ends. In such embodiment, the alert generation unit may be the buzzer which may be programmed to generate a single buzz when the sanitization process begins and to generate at least two buzzes when the sanitization process ends.

In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus (10) may include a thin stern of exposed copper wire which may be used for equal distribution and better balance in electricity. The complete mixture is seal in a vacuumed area. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus (10) may include a turbo cooling Fan and Heat Sink which may be configured to remove the excess heat generated by Ignition Coil (70) and MOSFET.

In operation, a power adapter is pugged into the AC mains. In one embodiment, the power adapter may be an outsourced material which converts 220 ~ 240 Volts to 12VDC and 2 Amps which makes it safe for human usage. The output of the power adapter is plugged in to the sanitization apparatus (10). consequently, the voltage is enhanced to 13- 15 KVDC with drastic reduction in current which lies between 0.1mA to 2mA using the HexFET which is a fifth generation MOSFET. The output which is regulated by the series of transistors and the HexFET is then reverted back to the controlling unit (80) to encapsulate the generated desired frequency. Once the required output is obtained the output is fetched by unique combination of several sandwiched resources containing polypropylene glycol silicon dioxide which is the insulating layer (50). Further, as the one or more sensors (130) identifies the motion of the entity, the sanitization apparatus (10) is turned on and the above-mentioned process takes place with the sole output given to the polypropylene glycol silicon dioxide. The unique property of slab does not allow any voltage or frequency to penetrate through it which creates a potential difference between the conductive material and polypropylene glycol silicon dioxide. The potential difference in turn creates the cold plasma. The second way of sanitization is introduced where next second of generating cold plasma that is Ozone. Due to volatile state of plasma two molecules of oxygen(O2) is fused together to form one molecule of Ozone(O3) which is a detrimental gas for microbes. Further when the one or more sensors (130) senses the motion of the entity (140), sanitization process begins by generating plasma and Ozone. Two LEDs have been used in which Red LED indicates that device is powered up and once the Sanitization process turns on a Green LED is used. Upon completing the sanitization process, the buzzer buzzes twice indicating the user that the sanitization is completed.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method for plasma-ozone sanitization in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the method disclosed herewith in FIG. 2 is in sync with the components and their functionality and configurations as disclosed in FIG. 1.

The method (160) includes sensing one of one or more parameters, motion of an entity, or a combination thereof in step 170. In one embodiment, sensing the one or more parameters may include sensing the one or more parameters by one or more sensors.

The method (160) also includes turning on a sanitization apparatus to create and sanitize the entity upon sensing the motion of the entity in step 180. In one embodiment, sensing the motion of the entity may include sensing the motion of the entity by the one or more sensors. Furthermore, the method (160) includes creating a high potential difference between a dielectric barrier for creating plasma in step 190. The method (160) further includes infusing oxygen onto a slab comprising the dielectric barrier and the plasma for generating ozone upon enabling fusion of oxygen molecules with the created plasma in step 200. The method (160) also includes supplying the generated plasma-ozone to a surface of the entity for sanitization in step 210.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure enable the apparatus to kill all the microbes, viruses and bacteria using the generated plasma- ozone solution. The ozone is later given back to the environment, which is ecofriendly, thereby making the apparatus ecofriendly. Since the apparatus is a one-time investment, it is cost effective. Also, since the apparatus is not using any of the harmful compositions, the apparatus is more reliable and efficient. While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Claims

UWE CLAIM:

1. A sterilizing apparatus (10) comprising: a slab (20) comprising: a first layer (30) composed of a conducting material; a mid layer (40) composed of a di-electric material; and a second layer (50) composed of an insulating material, a plasma generation unit (60) operatively coupled to the slab (20), and configured to create a potential difference across the slab (20) to generate plasma, wherein the plasma reacts with the infusing air to generate ozone using composed material of the first layer (30) and the second layer (50); an ignition coil (70) electrically coupled to the slab (20), and configured to generate voltage of a pre-defined range when the sterilizing apparatus (10) is turned on; a controlling unit (80) electrically coupled to the ignition coil (70), wherein the controlling unit comprises: a power amplifier sub-unit (90) configured to amplify output voltage; a power driver sub-unit (100) electrically coupled to the power amplifier sub-unit (90); and a micro controller (110) electrically coupled to the power driver subunit (100), configured to control functioning of the sterilizing apparatus (10) by performing switching operation for the sterilizing apparatus (10); and a power supply unit (120) electrically coupled to the controlling unit (80), and configured to supply input power for the controlling unit (80); one or more sensors (130) operatively coupled to the controlling unit (80), and configured to sense one of one or more parameters, motion of an entity (140), or a combination thereof; and a sanitization unit (150) operatively coupled to the slab (20), and configured to supply the generated plasma-ozone to a surface of the entity (140) for sanitisation.

2. The sterilizing apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insulating material corresponds to polypropylene glycol silicon dioxide.

3. The sterilizing apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the entity comprises one of a human being or an object belonging to a human being.

4. The sterilizing apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least one metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) configured to perform the switching operation.

5. The sterilizing apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an alert generation unit operatively coupled to the controlling unit (80), and configured to generate an alert notification while the sanitization process begins and ends.

6. A method (160) for plasma-ozone sanitization comprising: sensing, by one or more sensors, one of one or more parameters, motion of an entity, or a combination thereof; (170) turning on a sanitization apparatus to create and sanitize the entity upon sensing the motion of the entity; (180) creating a high potential difference between a dielectric barrier for creating plasma; (190) infusing oxygen onto a slab comprising the dielectric barrier and the plasma for generating ozone upon enabling fusion of oxygen molecules with the created plasma; and (200) supplying the generated plasma-ozone to a surface of the entity for sanitisation. (210)

7. The method as (160) claimed in claim 6, comprising generating, by an alert generation unit, an alert notification while the sanitization process begins and ends;