Microwave Cyclotron-Resonance Plasma Thruster Without Complex Grid Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) thrusters require complex grid systems and semiconductor generators, and are inefficient due to limitations in magnetic field generation by permanent magnets, making them unsuitable for simple plasma generation in vacuum environments.
Innovation Solution
A microwave cyclotron resonance plasma thruster using a permanent magnet stack, coaxial electrode assembly, and semiconductor-based design with a single ionization and acceleration zone, where a static magnetic field and radial electric field create the ECR effect for efficient plasma generation without a complex grid system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If permanent magnets are used to generate magnetic field in ECR thrusters, then magnetic field generation is simplified, but the achievable magnetic field strength is limited which reduces plasma generation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines permanent magnets with electromagnetic coils to create a hybrid magnetic field generation system. The permanent magnets provide a base magnetic field while the coils enhance and modulate it, achieving both structural simplification and high field strength for efficient plasma generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field generation system uses composite architecture combining permanent magnet materials with electromagnetic coil structures, leveraging the advantages of both approaches to achieve simplified design without compromising magnetic field strength or plasma generation efficiency.
2Reliability
If complex grid systems are used in ECR thrusters, then plasma generation and ion acceleration can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex multi-grid system from traditional ECR thrusters, replacing it with a simplified electrode configuration that maintains plasma generation capability through the optimized permanent magnet field and microwave coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical grid system is replaced with an electromagnetic field-based plasma generation approach using permanent magnets and microwave radiation, eliminating the need for complex physical grid structures while maintaining reliable plasma generation.
3Productivity
If traveling wave tubes are used for microwave generation, then plasma can be generated for space thrusters, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the microwave generation approach from traditional traveling wave tubes to a configuration that uses permanent magnets to create electron cyclotron resonance conditions, allowing efficient plasma generation with a simpler, more compact microwave generation system suitable for space applications.
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 thruster achieves efficient plasma generation and thrust with minimal energy input, utilizing semiconductor technology for a compact, robust, and easy-to-control plasma source suitable for space applications.
Implementation Method 1
In the ionization zone, an axial static magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet stack
Implementation Method 2
resonance condition being fulfilled between the microwave and electron cyclotron frequency (ECR effect)
Implementation Method 3
a microwave field is formed or can be formed between the outer coaxial conductor potential and the inner coaxial conductor potential
Implementation Method 4
the acceleration zone is formed spatially between anode and cathode
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave-cyclotron-resonance plasma thruster including a permanent-magnet stack, a coaxial electrode array, an anode and a cathode, wherein: the permanent-magnet stack includes at least one permanent magnet, the at least one permanent magnet being annular and having a magnetisation in the axial direction; the coaxial electrode array has an inner coaxial conductor and an outer coaxial conductor; and the thruster is semiconductor-based and cylindrical, the inner cross-sectional surface area being circular or elliptical or circular-like. Also, an operating method for operating the microwave-cyclotron-resonance plasma thruster.