Compact Mode Converter Waveguide for 90-Degree RF Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation support systems face challenges in accurately positioning and orienting magnetrons due to space constraints and form factors, leading to misalignment of RF mode patterns and potential magnetron failures.
Innovation Solution
A compact mode converter waveguide assembly is introduced, comprising a single step resonant cavity twist and a mode launcher, which reorients the magnetron by 90 degrees while maintaining RF field patterns within the system's form factor, using features like a back cavity, iris, and pins to stabilize and suppress undesirable modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional waveguide configuration is used to connect the magnetron to the treatment head, then the system has sufficient space for RF mode conversion, but the system size increases and geometric accuracy deteriorates due to misalignment of RF mode patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the waveguide and mode launcher into a single integrated compact mode converter waveguide assembly. The mode launcher is positioned inside the waveguide structure, with its axis perpendicular to the waveguide axis, eliminating the need for separate external mode conversion components. This integration reduces overall system volume while maintaining proper RF mode conversion functionality and geometric accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a three-dimensional configuration by orienting the mode launcher axis perpendicular to the waveguide axis. This dimensional arrangement allows the mode conversion to occur within the volume of the waveguide itself rather than requiring additional linear space, thereby reducing system size while maintaining functional effectiveness.
2Manufacturing precision
If the magnetron is reoriented to align RF mode patterns, then geometric accuracy improves, but space constraints and form factor limitations prevent proper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the positioning conflict by changing the dimensional relationship between components. Instead of aligning components along the same axis, the mode launcher is positioned with its axis perpendicular to the waveguide axis, utilizing the third dimension within the available form factor. This allows proper RF mode alignment without requiring additional linear space that would exceed system form factor constraints.
3Volume of stationary object
If a compact mode converter is used, then system size is reduced, but undesirable RF modes may not be sufficiently suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing specific structural features at critical locations within the compact mode converter waveguide. Irises are positioned at specific locations to provide localized impedance matching and RF mode suppression. These localized features are strategically placed to suppress undesirable RF modes without requiring the entire structure to be larger, thereby maintaining compact size while ensuring RF mode stability and reliability.
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 allows for precise reorientation of the magnetron, aligning RF mode patterns without increasing system size, thereby enhancing geometric accuracy and reducing magnetron failures, thus improving radiation therapy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a resonant cavity twist coupling the waveguide to the mode launcher
Implementation Method 2
The waveguide assembly may further include an iris between the mode launcher and the waveguide
Implementation Method 3
The cylindrical inner surface of the mode launcher may include a back cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation support system for radiation therapy includes a waveguide assembly. The waveguide assembly includes a waveguide extending along a first axis, a mode launcher extending along a second axis, the second axis being different than the first axis, and a resonant cavity twist coupling the waveguide to the mode launcher.