Accelerator Power Modulator Reducing Peak Electric Fields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing accelerator systems face issues with arcing due to mismatched frequencies causing reflected microwave or RF power to combine with generated power, leading to high electric fields that can result in component breakdown and instability.

Innovation Solution

A power modulator system that includes a directional coupler to sense reflected power and adjust the output of the power source using a comparator and gain regulator to reduce the amplitude of the output power when reflected power exceeds a threshold, preventing excessive electric fields and protecting the power generator and waveguide components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If microwave or RF power is provided to the accelerator without frequency matching, then the accelerator can operate, but reflected power combines with generated power causing high electric fields and arcing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmissionVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a feedback control system where a directional coupler monitors reflected power from the accelerator and feeds this information back to a power modulator. The power modulator dynamically adjusts the output power of the microwave generator based on the reflected power level, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents arcing conditions while maintaining efficient power transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static power transmission to dynamic power control. The power modulator continuously adjusts the amplitude of the output power signal based on real-time reflected power measurements, enabling the system to adapt to changing operating conditions and prevent arcing while maintaining optimal power transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If frequency matching is not maintained, then the accelerator can still operate, but arcing may cause breakdown and instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidarcing damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful reflected power into a useful control signal. Instead of allowing reflected power to cause arcing, the directional coupler extracts this reflected power information and uses it as feedback to the power modulator, which adjusts the transmitted power to prevent arcing conditions. The harmful reflected power becomes the basis for protective control action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The directional coupler acts as an intermediary device that separates the monitoring function from the power transmission path. It samples the reflected power without disrupting the main power flow and transfers this information to the control system, enabling indirect control of the power generator output based on accelerator conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If reflected power is allowed to combine with generated power, then power transmission continues, but electric field intensity increases causing breakdown

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transmissionVSAvoidelectric field tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The power modulator implements partial action by reducing the transmitted power amplitude when reflected power exceeds a threshold, rather than completely shutting down the system. This partial reduction is sufficient to prevent arcing conditions while maintaining operational continuity, applying just enough control action to keep the electric field intensity within safe limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 solution effectively reduces peak electric fields, preventing arcing and maintaining system stability by dynamically adjusting output power based on sensed reflected power, ensuring reliable operation even during off-resonance conditions.

Implementation Method 1

sensing a power reflected from an accelerator towards a power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

reducing an output of the power source based on the sensed power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentUS8330397B2Device for reducing peak field an accelerator system

Publication Date: 2012.12.11 VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

An apparatus for regulating power in an accelerator system includes a directional coupler for sensing a power reflected from an accelerator towards a power source, and a power modulator for reducing an output of the power source based on the sensed power. A method for regulating power in an accelerator system includes sensing a power reflected from an accelerator towards a power source, and reducing an output of the power source based on the sensed power.