Cyclotron Extraction Layout for RF Cavity Failure Operation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Cyclotrons experience frequent interruptions due to radio-frequency cavity failures, leading to complications in parameter adjustments and extended downtime, and redundant systems are costly and space-consuming.

Innovation Solution

Optimize the placement of the extraction device during cyclotron manufacturing by simulating and calculating its position based on potential radio-frequency cavity failures, ensuring minimal adjustments and continuous operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the extraction device is positioned for default operation mode, then beam extraction is optimized for normal conditions, but beam extraction fails or is reduced when radio-frequency cavities fail

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam extraction reliabilityVSAvoidextraction device positioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction device is pre-positioned during manufacturing to accommodate multiple failure modes. Beam paths are simulated in advance for various cavity failure scenarios, and the extraction device location is calculated beforehand to ensure it can extract beams even when cavities fail, eliminating the need for complex real-time repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the positional parameters of the extraction device during the design phase to optimize for reliability. By calculating the extraction device position based on simulated beam paths from multiple failure modes, the system achieves robust performance across different operational conditions without requiring complex adjustments during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If parameter adjustments are made during operation to compensate for cavity failures, then beam extraction can be maintained, but operation time is extended and downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidcyclotron downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary simulation of beam paths for various failure modes during the manufacturing phase. The extraction device position is pre-calculated to work with multiple failure scenarios, so when a cavity actually fails, no time-consuming parameter adjustments are needed - the pre-configured extraction position immediately handles the failure condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If redundant cyclotron systems are implemented to ensure continuous operation, then reliability is improved, but cost and space requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam production continuityVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both normal operation and multiple failure modes. By positioning the extraction device based on simulated beam paths from various failure scenarios, a single cyclotron system can perform the function of multiple systems - maintaining reliable beam production without requiring redundant cyclotrons, thereby reducing cost and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures reliable and efficient beam extraction with minimal downtime by optimizing the cyclotron's design to handle cavity failures, reducing the need for complex parameter adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

The electric fields are generated by radio-frequency, RF, cavities while the magnetic fields are induced within sector dipole magnets of the cyclotron

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio-frequency electric field acceleration: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The electric fields are generated by radio-frequency, RF, cavities while the magnetic fields are induced within sector dipole magnets of the cyclotron

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The accelerated particles are then extracted from the cyclotron by at least one extraction device like an electrostatic deflector and/or a magnetic device, e.g. an electric septum together with an extraction (electro-)magnet associated with an extraction channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic deflection: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 4

The accelerated particles are then extracted from the cyclotron by at least one extraction device like an electrostatic deflector and/or a magnetic device, e.g. an electric septum together with an extraction (electro-)magnet associated with an extraction channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field extraction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4676169A1A method of manufacturing a cyclotron, a cyclotron and a method of operating a cyclotron
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 TRANSMUTEX SA
  • EP4676169A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4676169A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4676169A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method of manufacturing a cyclotron (10) for producing a beam (18) of accelerated particles comprises the following steps: A cyclotron set-up is defined, the cyclotron set-up including a number of sectors (12) having an RF cavity (14, 16) of the cyclotron (10), an arrangement of the sectors (12) relative to each other and a cavity type for each of the sectors (12) selected from the group comprising acceleration cavities and flattop cavities. Then, a beam path in the cyclotron (10) is determined for a default operation mode and at least one beam path in the cyclotron (10) is determined for a cavity failure mode in which the radio-frequency cavity (14, 16) of one or more of the sectors (12) is not operational. A position of an extraction device (20) of the cyclotron (10) within the sectors (12) is calculated based on the determined beam paths, and the extraction device (20) is placed at the calculated position. Further, a cyclotron (10) and a method for operating a cyclotron (10) is described.