Conical Bore Electromagnet for Beam Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnet designs struggle to create a conical magnetic field effectively, as they either compromise on magnetic field purity, conductivity, mechanical strength, or cooling efficiency, especially when attempting to generate high currents and withstand Lorentz forces.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electromagnet with a conical bore, achieved by wrapping a conductor around a conically-offset helix with varying cross-sectional area to maintain current carrying capacity, and using specially-shaped plates analogous to Bitter-disks to form a helical conductor with a variable pitch and cross-section, allowing for a more uniform current distribution and enhanced magnetic field generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conductor is wrapped around a cylindrical bore to generate magnetic field, then magnetic field strength is improved, but the magnetic field shape becomes cylindrical rather than conical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from a symmetric cylindrical bore to an asymmetric conical bore. The conical shape with varying radius along the axial direction creates the desired conical magnetic field distribution, resolving the contradiction between maintaining field strength and achieving the specific conical shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by varying the conductor cross-sectional area along the helical path. The conductor has larger cross-section at the base and smaller cross-section at the apex, creating non-uniform current density distribution that generates the conical magnetic field shape while maintaining overall field strength.
2Shape
If conductor cross-sectional area is reduced to achieve conical shape, then conical field shape is improved, but current carrying capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by continuously varying the conductor cross-sectional area along the helical path from base to apex. This gradual parameter change maintains current carrying capacity while achieving the conical shape, resolving the contradiction between shape and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor design incorporates dynamic variation in cross-sectional area rather than a static uniform shape. This dynamic geometry allows the conductor to maintain optimal current carrying capacity at each position along the helix while collectively forming the conical magnetic field shape.
3Force
If high current is passed through the conductor to generate strong magnetic field, then magnetic field strength is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cooling channels through which coolant flows to remove heat generated by high current. This hydraulic cooling system enables the conductor to carry high current for strong magnetic field generation while maintaining temperature within acceptable limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses coolant as an intermediary substance to transfer heat away from the conductor. The coolant absorbs heat from the high-current conductor and transports it to cooling regions, enabling sustained high-current operation without excessive temperature rise.
4Manufacturing precision
If conductor is designed with varying cross-section to maintain current density, then current distribution uniformity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor is segmented into multiple discrete elements rather than a single continuous piece. This segmentation allows independent shaping and positioning of each element to achieve the desired varying cross-section, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining current distribution uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor may be constructed as a composite structure combining different materials or configurations to achieve the varying cross-section. This composite approach enables complex geometry to be realized through assembly of simpler components, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
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 design enables the creation of a magnet with a conical bore that generates an unusual magnetic field, effectively deflecting beams and allowing for material analysis, while maintaining structural integrity and efficient cooling, thus overcoming the limitations of prior art in terms of magnetic field strength and current carrying capacity.
Implementation Method 1
The basic principle of an electromagnet is that a conductor must be wrapped around a central bore for one or more turns. Many turns are typically used.
Implementation Method 2
This current generates Lorentz forces and considerable heat.
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnet having a conical bore. The conical bore is created by wrapping a conductor around a conically-offset helix. The cross sectional area of the conductor can be varied in order to maintain a desired current carrying capacity along the helix. A single element can be used as the conductor. The conductor can also be created by stacking a series of specially-shaped plates analogous to prior art Bitter-disks.