A rake type electrostatic probe probe

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of magnetic confinement fusion boundary research technology, specifically disclosing a rake-type electrostatic probe, including a rake-type probe tip, a tip connector, and a fixing component. The fixing component has a receiving groove. Multiple tip connectors are provided, each vertically mounted on one side wall of the receiving groove. One end of each connector is placed inside the receiving groove for connection to a signal line, and the other end is used to connect to the rake-type probe tip. The multiple tip connectors are arranged in two rows along the pole direction of the rake-type electrostatic probe, with each row arranged radially along the probe. Adjacent rows of connectors are staggered. One end of the rake-type probe tip connects to a tip connector, and the other end protrudes from the side wall of the receiving groove, protruding from the fixing component. The rake-type electrostatic probe of this invention effectively reduces the probe size, minimizing its impact on plasma, improves spatial resolution, and enhances the fixing effect between components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of magnetic confinement nuclear fusion boundary research technology, specifically to a rake-type electrostatic probe. Background Technology

[0002] Boundary physics of magnetic confinement fusion devices is one of the most important topics in this field internationally. The density and temperature of the boundary plasma in a magnetic confinement fusion device span approximately two orders of magnitude, and this enormous gradient generates a large amount of free energy, thus exciting various instabilities. The physical processes within the boundary plasma, plasma walls, and plasma divertor chamber are closely intertwined; therefore, a deeper understanding of boundary physics is crucial. Electrostatic probes are widely used in boundary studies in magnetic confinement fusion and are one of the most fundamental and important plasma boundary diagnostic systems. They have made significant contributions to understanding boundary physics in magnetic confinement fusion devices, such as scraped layer transport, the interaction between the scraped layer and the first wall, and the coupling between the scraped layer and the divertor.

[0003] In ohmic or low-confinement mode plasmas, the plasma coupling between the area inside and outside the outermost closed magnetic plane is very strong. Turbulent transport and poloidal shear flow are closely interconnected inside and outside the outermost closed magnetic plane. Therefore, when studying the plasma coupling between the area inside and outside the outermost closed magnetic plane, it is necessary to know the radial profile of the poloidal shear flow. In this case, a rake-type suspended potential probe can reflect the plasma potential profile to a certain extent, thereby understanding the radial profile evolution of the poloidal shear flow. A rake-type single probe can also measure the turbulent transport inside and outside the outermost closed magnetic plane.

[0004] Furthermore, plasma filamentary structures originate near the outermost closed magnetic surface and propagate radially outward to the scraping layer region, causing large-scale transport and even directly impacting the first wall, thus damaging it. The rake-type electrostatic probe can measure not only the evolution of background turbulence over a large area at the boundary but also the size and transport evolution of the filamentary structures. The rake-type probe can provide real-time information on the radial turbulence and levitation potential changes at the plasma boundary; therefore, designing a rake-type probe according to the specific physical analysis requirements is crucial.

[0005] Currently, the measurement method of rake probes is mainly single-probe, which can be either single-probe suspension potential or single-probe ion saturation current. It is primarily used to measure the equilibrium and perturbation quantities of the suspension potential, as well as the equilibrium and perturbation quantities of the ion saturation current. Unlike multi-step electrostatic probes, rake probes have a smaller radial measurement range. This greatly solves the difficulties of repeated measurements at fixed points during multiple discharges and the insufficient radial spatial resolution of multi-step probes. This is beneficial for studying the evolution and transport of large-scale structures and reflecting the evolution of poloidal shear flow in the radial direction of the boundary.

[0006] However, there are still some problems with the current rake-type electrostatic probe: 1) It is relatively large in size, which has a greater impact on the boundary plasma and causes measurement problems; 2) Due to the limitations of the size, connection and fixation of various components inside the probe, the spatial resolution is not high enough. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a rake-type electrostatic probe that can effectively reduce the size of the probe and minimize its impact on the plasma, while also improving spatial resolution.

[0008] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0009] A rake-type electrostatic probe includes a rake-type probe tip, a tip connector, and a fixing component;

[0010] The fastener is provided with a receiving groove;

[0011] Multiple needle connectors are provided, each vertically mounted on one side wall of the receiving groove. One end of each needle connector is placed inside the receiving groove for connection to a signal line, and the other end is used for connection to a rake-type probe needle. The multiple needle connectors are arranged in two rows on the pole direction of the rake-type electrostatic probe. Each row of needle connectors is arranged radially along the rake-type electrostatic probe, and the needle connectors on adjacent rows are staggered.

[0012] The rake-type probe needles and the needle connectors are one-to-one. One end of the rake-type probe needle is connected to the needle connector, and the other end protrudes from the side wall of the receiving groove and protrudes from the fixing member.

[0013] The staggered arrangement described in this invention specifically refers to the fact that the needle connectors on adjacent rows do not have the same radial and polar orientation.

[0014] The staggered arrangement of the needle connectors on adjacent rows of the present invention can significantly increase the radial resolution; the rake-type probe needle of the present invention is fixed to the fixing member by the needle connector, and the fixing member is provided with a receiving groove for accommodating the needle connector. The side wall of the receiving groove can fix the needle connector, and the inside of the receiving groove can be used to accommodate the needle connector, which can effectively reduce the overall probe volume and reduce the impact on the plasma.

[0015] Furthermore, the fastener is a U-shaped structure, and the bottom of the U-shaped structure is provided with several first through holes for fixing the needle connector.

[0016] Furthermore, the fastener is made of boron nitride; boron nitride can act as an insulator, making each needle insulated from the others.

[0017] Furthermore, a first through hole for fixing the needle connector is provided on one side wall of the receiving groove; the connection between the rake-type probe needle and the needle connector is located in the first through hole.

[0018] Furthermore, the first through hole is a variable diameter hole with one end larger than the other, wherein the end with the smaller diameter is closer to the receiving groove; one end of the needle connector is hollow and the other end is solid, the hollow part is placed in the receiving groove for connection with the signal line; the solid part is assembled in the first through hole, and the outer diameter of the solid part is smaller than the inner diameter of the larger end of the variable diameter hole; one end of the rake-type probe needle is provided with a fixing groove, and the rake-type probe needle is connected to the needle connector by assembling the solid part in the fixing groove.

[0019] Furthermore, the solid part of the needle connector is a T-shaped structure with one end larger than the other, and the larger end of the T-shaped structure is connected to the hollow part; the smaller end of the T-shaped structure is assembled in the first through hole, and the outer diameter of the smaller end of the T-shaped structure is smaller than the inner diameter of the larger end of the variable diameter hole; the rake-type probe needle is a variable diameter body with one end larger than the other, and the larger end of the variable diameter body is provided with a fixing groove. Preferably, the inner wall of the fixing groove is tapped, that is, the fixing groove and the solid part of the needle connector are connected by threads, which improves the connection stability.

[0020] Furthermore, a fixing nut is provided on the outer wall of the solid part, and the fixing nut contacts the end face of the rake-type probe tip.

[0021] Furthermore, a support member is provided at the lower end of the fixing member, and the support member has a vertical through hole for the signal line to pass through; the lower end of the support member is connected to the base.

[0022] Furthermore, both the support and the base are made of stainless steel, and an insulating spacer is provided between the support and the base. The support and the base are connected by fixing screws.

[0023] Furthermore, it also includes a protective sleeve; the protective sleeve is disposed on the outside of the needle connector, and a second through hole corresponding to the first through hole is provided on the side wall of the protective sleeve, and the other end of the rake-type probe needle extends out of the protective sleeve through the first through hole and the second through hole in sequence.

[0024] Specifically, the protective sleeve can be made of graphite, and the protective sleeve and the needle connector can be connected by screws to improve the connection stability between the protective sleeve and the needle connector.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0026] 1. The staggered arrangement of needles on adjacent rows of the present invention can significantly increase the radial resolution, and by providing a receiving groove on the fixing member for accommodating the needle connector, the overall probe volume can be effectively reduced, thus minimizing the impact on the plasma.

[0027] 2. The fastener of the present invention has the functions of good insulation, support, fixation and position restriction. Compared with multiple small fasteners, it also has the function of impact resistance, reducing the possibility of breakage and misalignment.

[0028] 3. The design of the rake-type probe connector and the fixing nut in this invention makes the connection between the rake-type probe tip and the fixing part more secure; and the fixing groove of the rake-type probe tip and the solid part of the rake-type probe connector are connected by a nut, which enhances the fixation.

[0029] 4. The rake-type probe, probe connector, and signal line of this invention are tightly connected, which provides good signal transmission.

[0030] 5. The protective sleeve, the fixing component, and the support component of this invention are tightly connected; the protective sleeve and the fixing component are connected by screws; the base and the support component are connected by screws; thereby achieving a tight connection of the entire rake probe. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention and form part of this application, do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a front view of the rake-type electrostatic probe of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The left view;

[0034] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Top view;

[0035] Figure 4 This is an external isometric view of the rake-type electrostatic probe of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 This is an internal isometric view of the rake-type electrostatic probe of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 This is an internal cross-sectional view of the rake-type electrostatic probe of the present invention.

[0038] The attached diagram shows the markings and corresponding component names:

[0039] 1-Rake-type probe tip; 2-Tip connector; 3-Fixing nut; 4-Fixing component; 5-Support component; 6-Insulating spacer; 7-Base; 8-Fixing screw; 9-Screw spacer; 10-Protective sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the present invention are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0041] Example 1:

[0042] like Figures 1-6 As shown, a rake-type electrostatic probe includes a rake-type probe tip 1, a tip connector 2, and a fixing member 4.

[0043] The fixing member 4 is provided with a receiving groove; a specific structure of the fixing member 4 can be a U-shaped structure, the bottom of which is provided with a plurality of first through holes for fixing the needle connector 2. The fixing member 4 is preferably made of boron nitride; the fixing member 4 is a structural member that can provide support, fixation and restriction; the boron nitride can also serve as insulation, so that each rake probe needle 1 is insulated from each other.

[0044] Multiple needle connectors 2 are provided, each vertically mounted on one side wall of the receiving groove. When the fixing member 4 is a U-shaped structure, the multiple needle connectors 2 are vertically mounted at the bottom of the U-shaped structure, specifically the side wall opposite the opening end of the U-shaped structure. The needle connectors 2 pass through and are fitted into the first through hole, with one end of the needle connector 2 placed in the receiving groove for connecting to the signal line, and the other end for connecting to the rake-type probe needle 1. The multiple needle connectors 2 are arranged in two rows along the pole direction of the rake-type electrostatic probe, with each row arranged radially along the rake-type electrostatic probe. The needle connectors 2 in adjacent rows are staggered. Specifically, they can be arranged as follows: Figure 4-6 As shown in the arrangement, multiple needle connectors 2 are arranged in two rows facing the pole of the rake-type electrostatic probe.

[0045] The rake-type probe needle 1 and the needle connector 2 correspond one-to-one. One end of the rake-type probe needle 1 is connected to the needle connector 2, and the other end protrudes from the side wall of the receiving groove and protrudes from the fixing member 4. The connection between the rake-type probe needle 1 and the needle connector 2 can be achieved by tapping and threading.

[0046] In this embodiment, the staggered arrangement of the needle connectors 2 on adjacent rows can significantly increase the radial resolution. In this embodiment, the rake-type probe needle 1 is fixed to the fixing member 4 by the needle connector 2, and the fixing member 4 is provided with a receiving groove for accommodating the needle connector 2. The side wall of the receiving groove can fix the needle connector 2, and the inside of the receiving groove can be used to accommodate the needle connector 2, which can effectively reduce the overall probe volume and reduce the impact on the plasma.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the connection between the rake-type probe tip 1 and the needle connector 2 is located within a first through hole. The first through hole is a variable-diameter hole with one end larger than the other, wherein the smaller diameter end is closer to the receiving groove. One end of the needle connector 2 is hollow, and the other end is solid. The hollow part is placed within the receiving groove for connection to a signal line. The solid part is fitted into the first through hole, and the outer diameter of the solid part is smaller than the inner diameter of the larger end of the variable-diameter hole. A fixing groove is provided at one end of the rake-type probe tip 1, and the connection between the rake-type probe tip 1 and the needle connector 2 is achieved by fitting the solid part into the fixing groove.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the solid part of the needle connector 2 is a T-shaped structure with one end larger than the other, and the larger end of the T-shaped structure is connected to the hollow part; the smaller end of the T-shaped structure is assembled in the first through hole, and the outer diameter of the smaller end of the T-shaped structure is smaller than the inner diameter of the larger end of the variable diameter hole; the rake-type probe needle 1 is a variable diameter body with one end larger than the other, and the larger end of the variable diameter body is provided with a fixing groove.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, a fixing nut 3 is provided on the outer wall of the solid part, and the fixing nut 3 contacts the end face of the rake-type probe tip 1. The fixing nut 3 is a common nut used to strengthen the fixation between the tip connector 2 and the fixing member 4.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the lower end of the fixing member 4 is provided with a support member 5, and the support member 5 has a vertical through hole for the signal line to pass through; the lower end of the support member 5 is connected to the base 7. Both the support member 5 and the base 7 are made of stainless steel, and an insulating spacer 6 is provided between the support member 5 and the base 7. The support member 5 and the base 7 are connected by fixing screws 8, and the insulating spacer 6 can be made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, a protective sleeve 10 is also included; the protective sleeve 10 is disposed on the outside of the needle connector 2, and a second through hole corresponding to the first through hole is provided on the side wall of the protective sleeve 10. The other end of the rake-type probe needle 1 passes through the first through hole and the second through hole in sequence and extends out of the protective sleeve 10. The material of the protective sleeve 10 can be graphite. Preferably, the protective sleeve 10 is connected to the fixing member 4 by screws.

[0052] In a specific case:

[0053] The rake-type electrostatic probe includes a protective sleeve 10 made of graphite, multiple rake-type probe tips 1, multiple fixing nuts 3, multiple needle connectors 2, a fixing component 4 made of boron nitride, a support component 5 made of stainless steel, an insulating spacer 6 made of polytetrafluoroethylene, a base 7 made of stainless steel, multiple fixing long screws, and multiple screw spacers 9 made of polytetrafluoroethylene. The screw spacers 9 are arranged inside the base 7 on the outside of the fixing screws 8.

[0054] Protective sleeve 10 is a cuboid with a hollowed-out interior and five faces, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the protective sleeve 10 includes a top and four side walls. The long side (vertical side) of the cuboid is radially opposite to the probe. A circular hole is drilled in one of the side walls of the cuboid; this hole serves as the second through-hole. Two rows of these holes are arranged radially, with each row gradually extending outwards (downwards) along the radial direction. Each hole has the same diameter. Holes of varying sizes are located further outwards in the radial direction of the protective sleeve 10, used for connection to the fixing element 4 via screws.

[0055] The rake-type probe tip 1 is made of graphite with high electrical conductivity, machined into a cylindrical shape. The cylinder consists of two parts: a solid cylinder with its upper diameter smaller than the diameter of the second through hole on the protective sleeve 10, and the upper part of the solid cylinder protruding from the protective sleeve 10; and a hollow cylinder with a diameter larger than the solid cylinder. The larger diameter of the hollow cylinder than the second through hole on the protective sleeve 10 serves to limit the movement of the rake-type probe tip 1. The inner wall of the hollow cylinder is tapped and threaded to connect with the probe tip connector 2.

[0056] The needle connector 2 is a copper connector. One end is a solid cylinder into which the rake-type probe 1 is inserted. The middle part of the connector is a solid cylinder, larger in diameter than the solid cylinder at the end and larger in diameter than the small end of the first through hole on the side wall of the fixing member 4, used to limit the position between the connector and the fixing member 4; the solid cylinder at the end and the solid cylinder in the middle form a T-shaped structure. The other end is a hollow cylinder into which a stripped signal wire is placed. After clamping, the signal from the rake-type probe 1 is transmitted to the needle connector 2 and then to the signal wire.

[0057] The fixing nut 3 is a common nut, and the needle connector 2 is used to strengthen the fixation between the needle connector 2 and the fixing part 4.

[0058] The fixing component 4 is a one-piece structure made of boron nitride, serving to support, fix, restrict position, and provide insulation. This component is a cuboid with a small elongated groove cut out, giving the overall structure a U-shape. The elongated groove is used to place signals and accommodate the needle connector 2. A cylindrical hole (first through hole) is drilled on the opposite side of the cut-out section. The diameter of the small end of the first through hole is the same as the outer diameter of the solid cylinder at the end of the needle connector 2. The solid cylinder at the end of the needle connector 2 is inserted into the first through hole of the fixing component 4. This achieves support, fixation, and restriction of the rake-type probe needle 1. Furthermore, the position of each first through hole corresponds one-to-one with the second through hole of the protective sleeve 10. The boron nitride also provides insulation, ensuring that each rake-type probe needle 1 is mutually insulated.

[0059] The support component 5 is a rectangular parallelepiped made of stainless steel. The center of the support component 5 is a hollowed-out cylinder to facilitate the passage of signal cables. Holes are drilled and tapped on the sides of the support component 5 to allow screws to pass through the protective sleeve 10 and then through the support component 5 for securing the protective sleeve 10 to the support component 5. Elongated holes are drilled and tapped at the four corners of the bottom of the support component 5 to facilitate the use of long screws to secure the support component 5 to the base 7.

[0060] The insulating spacer 6 is a structural component made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and machined into the required shape. The insulating spacer 6 serves as insulation and connection between the support member 5 and the base 7. The cross-sectional shape of the insulating spacer 6 is consistent with the bottom of the support member 5, consisting of a hollow cylinder in the middle and four smaller hollow cylinders around it. The insulating spacer 6 is used between the support member 5 and the base 7. Its shape and thickness are easy to process, provide sufficient strength and impact resistance, and its radial position is far from the plasma, avoiding the problem of easy deformation at high temperatures.

[0061] The base 7 is a structural component made of stainless steel. The cross-sectional shape of the base 7 is the same as that of the insulating spacer 6 and the bottom of the support 5. The fixing screw 8 (long screw) passes through the base 7 from bottom to top (radially from the outside to the inside), then through the insulating spacer 6, and finally through the support 5, for fixing the three components.

[0062] In this embodiment, the polar direction specifically refers to the horizontal direction (width direction) through which the protective sleeve 10 passes through the square sidewall of the rake-type probe 1, and the radial direction specifically refers to the vertical direction (length direction) through which the protective sleeve 10 passes through the square sidewall of the rake-type probe 1.

[0063] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0064] It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., illustrated in the accompanying drawings are merely for illustrative purposes to aid those skilled in the art and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to size, without affecting the effectiveness and purpose of the invention, should still fall within the scope of the disclosed technical content. Furthermore, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and "middle" used in this specification are merely for clarity and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A rake-type electrostatic probe, characterized in that, It includes a rake-type probe tip (1), a tip connector (2), and a fixing component (4); The fastener (4) is provided with a receiving groove; Multiple needle connectors (2) are provided, and each needle connector (2) is vertically arranged on one side wall of the receiving groove. One end of each needle connector (2) is placed in the receiving groove for connection with the signal line, and the other end is used for connection with the rake probe needle (1). Multiple needle connectors (2) are arranged in two rows on the pole direction of the rake electrostatic probe. Each row of needle connectors (2) is arranged radially along the rake electrostatic probe, and the needle connectors (2) on adjacent rows are staggered. The rake-type probe needle (1) corresponds one-to-one with the needle connector (2). One end of the rake-type probe needle (1) is connected to the needle connector (2), and the other end protrudes from the side wall of the receiving groove and protrudes from the fixing member (4). A first through hole for fixing the needle connector (2) is provided on one side wall of the receiving groove; the connection between the rake-type probe needle (1) and the needle connector (2) is located in the first through hole; The first through hole is a variable diameter hole with one end larger than the other, wherein the end with the smaller diameter is close to the receiving groove; one end of the needle connector (2) is a hollow part and the other end is a solid part. The hollow part is placed in the receiving groove for connection with the signal line; the solid part is assembled in the first through hole, and the outer diameter of the solid part is smaller than the inner diameter of the larger end of the variable diameter hole; one end of the rake probe needle (1) is provided with a fixing groove, and the rake probe needle (1) is connected to the needle connector (2) by assembling the solid part in the fixing groove.

2. The rake-type electrostatic probe probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fastener (4) is a U-shaped structure, and the bottom of the U-shaped structure is provided with several first through holes for fixing the needle connector (2).

3. The rake-type electrostatic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fastener (4) is made of boron nitride.

4. The rake-type electrostatic probe probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solid part of the needle connector (2) is a T-shaped structure with one end larger than the other. The large end of the T-shaped structure is connected to the hollow part. The small end of the T-shaped structure is assembled in the first through hole. The outer diameter of the small end of the T-shaped structure is smaller than the inner diameter of the large end of the variable diameter hole. The rake-type probe needle (1) is a variable diameter body with one end larger than the other. The large end of the variable diameter body is provided with a fixing groove.

5. A rake-type electrostatic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, A fixing nut (3) is provided on the outer wall of the solid part, and the fixing nut (3) is in contact with the end face of the rake probe needle (1).

6. A rake-type electrostatic probe probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end of the fixing member (4) is provided with a support member (5), and the support member (5) is provided with a vertical through hole for the signal line to pass through; the lower end of the support member (5) is connected to the base (7).

7. A rake-type electrostatic probe according to claim 6, characterized in that, Both the support member (5) and the base (7) are made of stainless steel. An insulating spacer (6) is provided between the support member (5) and the base (7). The support member (5) and the base (7) are connected by fixing screws (8).

8. A rake-type electrostatic probe according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, It also includes a protective sleeve (10); the protective sleeve (10) is disposed on the outside of the needle connector (2), and a second through hole corresponding to the first through hole is provided on the side wall of the protective sleeve (10). The other end of the rake probe needle (1) passes through the first through hole and the second through hole in sequence and extends out of the protective sleeve (10).

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