Electron Multiplier Device for Capacitive Storage Current Amplification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Capacitive electrical energy storage systems, such as those using super-capacitors, are ineffective in delivering continuous electric currents of significant durations, typically limited to short periods due to charge distribution challenges between capacitors.

Innovation Solution

An electron multiplier device incorporating a rhodium block with a channel and a variable magnetic field is integrated into the capacitive storage system, amplifying the electrical current transferred between capacitors, enabling continuous operation and extended duration energy delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If very high capacity capacitors (super-capacitors) are used for storing electrical energy, then the lifespan is improved (greater than lithium batteries), but the ability to deliver electric current for significant durations (order of a day or more) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelifespanVSAvoidduration of current delivery
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple capacitors into a capacitive storage system where energy can be transferred between them. By merging the functionality of multiple capacitors with charge transfer capability, the system achieves both long lifespan (inherent to capacitors) and extended duration current delivery through coordinated operation of multiple units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic charge transfer between capacitors using controlled switches. The system dynamically redistributes electrical charges between capacitors based on their charge states, enabling the system to adapt and maintain current delivery capability over extended periods while preserving the long lifespan advantage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If controlled switches and transfer capacitors are used to maintain uniform charge distribution, then charge balance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge distribution uniformityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the capacitive storage system into multiple independent capacitor units with individual charge states. By dividing the system into manageable segments, charge distribution can be monitored and adjusted locally between units, maintaining uniformity without requiring complex centralized control of the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses transfer capacitors as intermediary elements between storage capacitors. These intermediary components facilitate charge transfer and balance between capacitors, simplifying the control architecture by providing a dedicated mechanism for charge redistribution rather than requiring direct complex control between all capacitor pairs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If conventional electron multiplier tubes are used, then current amplification is achieved (up to milliampere level), but the ability to deliver ampere-level currents deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent amplification capabilityVSAvoiddeliverable current intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional electron multiplier tubes (which rely on vacuum tube mechanics and high voltage acceleration) with a solid-state rhodium block device operating at low voltages. This substitution enables current amplification at the ampere level by using a different physical mechanism (magnetic field interaction with rhodium) that does not suffer from the current limitations of vacuum tube technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent fundamentally changes the operating parameters of electron multiplication: operating voltage (from hundreds of volts down to 10-24 volts), current level (from milliampere to ampere), and physical state (from vacuum tube to solid block). These parameter changes enable the device to deliver high current intensities while maintaining amplification capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 electron multiplier device amplifies input electrical current by up to three times, allowing the capacitive storage system to deliver electric currents of the order of an ampere for durations of a day or more, effectively addressing the limitations of existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

a source magnetic field configured to generate, in the channel, a magnetic field, variable over time, directed parallel to the average line of the channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction with rhodium: Magnetic Amplifier

Data Source

PatentEP3769387B1Electron multiplication device and a system for capacitively storing the generated electric energy
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 AMIMER ENERGIE SPA
  • EP3769387B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3769387B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3769387B1 patent drawingFigure 6~10

AI summary

The invention concerns an electron multiplier device (10) capable of delivering an electrical current of several amperes. This device comprises: - a rhodium block (11) through which a channel (12) passes; - an input conductor (16) connected to an input opening (14) of the channel; - an output conductor (17) connected to an output opening (15) of the channel; and - a magnetic field source (18) for generating a time-varying magnetic field in the channel, parallel to the channel.The invention also relates to a capacitive storage system comprising two capacitive storage assemblies and an electron multiplier device for multiplying an electric charge during its transfer from the first storage assembly to the second storage assembly.