Super-Long CO2 Laser Discharge Tube With External Anode Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional carbon dioxide lasers face limitations in increasing output power without proportionally increasing the overall length and cost of the discharge tube, as extending the tube length is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A super-long discharge tube configuration where the anode is externally positioned around the water cooling tube, allowing the discharge tube to extend without increasing the overall laser length, by utilizing the length of the gas storage tube and eliminating the need for an internal anode chamber, thereby increasing power without external dimension expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the length of the discharge tube is increased to increase output power, then the power output is improved, but the total length and cost of the laser system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the anode outside the water cooling tube, nesting the water cooling tube within the anode structure. This allows the discharge tube to extend through the water cooling tube and utilize the full length of the gas storage tube, effectively increasing the discharge tube length without proportionally increasing the overall laser system length. The nested arrangement enables compact integration of multiple components while maximizing the active discharge region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional linear arrangement where the anode chamber occupies axial space to a configuration where the anode extends radially outward. This dimensional change allows the discharge tube to achieve greater length along the axial direction without requiring proportional increases in the overall system envelope, effectively decoupling discharge tube length from total system length.
2Power
If the length of the discharge tube is increased to increase output power, then the power output is improved, but the production, transportation, installation, and use costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the water cooling tube within the anode structure, the patent creates a compact integrated assembly that reduces the overall external dimensions of the laser system. This compact design facilitates easier manufacturing, transportation, and installation compared to a conventional linear extension approach, while still achieving the goal of increased output power through extended discharge tube length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the water cooling system and anode structure into a single integrated assembly, where the water cooling tube is positioned within the anode. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and connections required, simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes while enabling the discharge tube to utilize the full gas storage tube length for increased power output.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the anode chamber is positioned internally to maintain conventional structure, then the structural similarity to conventional lasers is maintained, but the discharge tube length is limited and power output is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the anode from an internal chamber configuration to an external structure that surrounds the water cooling tube. This dimensional reconfiguration maintains the functional equivalence to conventional anode chambers while freeing up axial space within the gas storage tube, allowing the discharge tube to extend to its full potential length and achieve higher power output.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the anode inside the discharge tube as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning the anode outside and surrounding the water cooling tube. This inverted configuration achieves the same electrical function while enabling extended discharge tube length and higher power output without compromising the essential operational characteristics of conventional CO2 lasers.
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 enables a longer discharge tube and higher power output without increasing the laser's external dimensions, optimizing the use of the gas storage tube length and reducing production and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a water cooling tube inside the gas storage tube; the discharge tube and the water cooling tube have a space therebetween configured to circulate a liquid
Implementation Method 2
the water cooling tube is connected to the exterior of the gas storage tube by a water inlet tube and a water outlet tube
Implementation Method 3
a discharge tube inside the water cooling tube, having third and fourth ends respectively comprising a first electrode and a second electrode
Implementation Method 4
a positive high-voltage laser having a super-long discharge tube
Implementation Method 5
a gas storage tube, having first and second ends respectively comprising a reflecting mirror and a light emitting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A positive high-voltage laser having a super-long discharge tube, including a gas storage tube having two ends respectively provided with a reflecting mirror and a light emitting surface; a water cooling tube in the gas storage tube; and a discharge tube inside the water cooling tube having two ends, each provided with an electrode. A liquid circulation space is between the discharge tube and the water cooling tube, and the water cooling tube extends outside the gas storage tube by water inlet and outlet tubes. A cathode is in a cathode chamber at the end of the discharge tube closest to the light emitting surface; a spiral gas return tube communicates with the cathode chamber; an anode circumscribes the outside of the water cooling tube at the other end of the discharge tube. The positive high-voltage laser can increase power with a limited length.