Electron-Beam Device Dome-Shaped Cathode Housing Arcing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electron beam devices used for surface sterilization face challenges in managing high electrical field strengths, which can lead to arcing and unpredictable beam profiles due to the design of cathode housings and control grids, affecting the controllability and predictability of electron emission.
Innovation Solution
A sealed electron-beam device with an elongate body and a cathode housing featuring a dome-shaped cap at the distal end to minimize high field strengths, along with a semi-annular shell and a control grid with variable electrical potential to control electron emission, and a suspension system to maintain the cathode housing, reducing the risk of arcing and enhancing beam profile control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cathode housing designs with sharp edges and corners are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but high electrical field strengths are generated leading to arcing and unpredictable beam profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The cathode housing is designed with a dome-shaped cap at the distal end and a semi-annular shell with bent-in free edges, creating continuously curved surfaces without sharp edges or corners. This curvature eliminates concentrated electrical field strengths that cause arcing, ensuring predictable beam profiles while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard forming processes.
2Reliability
If the distal end of the cathode housing is left open or with sharp edges, then manufacturing is easier, but high field strengths cause arcing and reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The dome-shaped cap with continuously curved surfaces eliminates sharp edges at the distal end, preventing arc formation. The semi-annular shell's bent-in free edges similarly eliminate sharp corners. These curved geometries can be manufactured using standard forming and joining processes, balancing reliability with ease of manufacture.
3Productivity
If control grid is held at fixed potential, then operation is simpler, but electron emission cannot be controlled, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The control grid is designed with multiple openings and is electrically connected to a power supply, allowing its potential to be dynamically adjusted. This enables precise control over electron emission from the filament through the grid openings to the anode, optimizing productivity while maintaining operational simplicity through automated potential control.
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 effectively reduces the occurrence of high-field strengths and anomalies, resulting in a more controllable and predictable electron beam profile, improving the performance and reliability of the electron beam device for surface sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
one or more filaments extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the filaments are configured for generation of electrons
Implementation Method 2
the distal end comprises a dome-shaped cap for covering components arranged in the end and for minimizing high field strengths
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 3
AI summary
In order to improve the performance of an electron-beam device, the ends of the cathode housing (112) is provided with dome-shaped structures (118).