Hall Effect Ion Ejection Device Azimuth-Independent Magnetic Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plasma thrusters are unsuitable for small applications due to their large size, high cost, and requirement for heavy electric generators and bulky magnetic circuits, which also necessitate shielding to prevent anode breakdown.
Innovation Solution
A Hall effect ion ejection device with a magnetic field independent of azimuth, utilizing soft ferrites for the magnetic circuit and porous ceramics for gas diffusion, eliminating the need for shielding and optimizing the magnetic field for efficient ionization and propulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional plasma thrusters use electric generators and magnetic circuits to create magnetic fields, then ion ejection speed is achieved, but weight and size of the device increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric generators and magnetic circuits with a Hall effect-based system. Instead of using mechanical/electromagnetic systems to generate magnetic fields, the invention uses a magnetic field generated by permanent magnets or magnetic materials, and utilizes the Hall effect to generate electric fields directly from the magnetic field and plasma flow. This substitution eliminates heavy generators and reduces overall thruster weight while maintaining ion ejection speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by using the Hall effect to operate at lower magnetic field strengths compared to conventional thrusters. By utilizing the Hall parameter (ratio of Hall current to total current) and optimizing the magnetic field strength, the system achieves efficient ion acceleration without requiring the high magnetic fields and corresponding heavy equipment of conventional designs.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional plasma thrusters use heavy magnetic circuits, then magnetic field is generated for plasma confinement, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex magnetic circuits with a simplified magnetic field generation system using permanent magnets or magnetic materials arranged to create the necessary field geometry. The Hall effect inherently provides plasma confinement through the interaction of magnetic and electric fields, eliminating the need for complex active magnetic circuit control systems while maintaining stable plasma confinement.
Solution Approach 2:
The Hall effect system is self-regulating in terms of plasma confinement. The electric field generated by the Hall effect automatically adjusts to confine plasma based on the magnetic field configuration and plasma flow conditions, without requiring external control systems or complex magnetic circuit adjustments. The system self-adapts to maintain stable operation.
3Force
If conventional plasma thrusters use high current consumption designs, then thrust is generated, but power consumption and generator mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the Hall parameter (ratio of Hall current to total current) to maximize thrust efficiency. By operating at optimal Hall parameters and adjusting magnetic field strength, the system achieves high thrust with lower total current consumption compared to conventional designs. The electric field generated by the Hall effect accelerates ions more efficiently, reducing the power required for a given thrust level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates localized regions of enhanced electric field strength where ion acceleration occurs most efficiently. By optimizing the magnetic field geometry and using the Hall effect to generate concentrated electric fields in specific regions of the discharge channel, the system achieves high thrust with reduced overall power consumption, as energy is focused where it is most needed for ion acceleration.
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 provides a compact, cost-effective plasma thruster with enhanced ionization efficiency and reduced power consumption, suitable for small-scale applications like satellite propulsion and industrial treatments.
Implementation Method 1
A part of these electrons is trapped in the annular channel by the interpolar magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The collisions between electrons and gaseous molecules contribute to ionizing the gas introduced into the annular channel through the anode
Implementation Method 3
The ions ejected downstream under the effect of the electric field create thrust from the motor directed upstream
Implementation Method 4
Hall effect ion ejection device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The invention relates to a Hall-effect ion ejection device that comprises a longitudinal axis (00') substantially parallel to the ion ejection direction, and comprises at least: a main ionisation and acceleration annular channel (21), the annular channel (21) being open at its end; an anode (26) extending inside the channel (21); a cathode (30) extending outside the channel (21) at the outlet thereof; a magnetic circuit (4) for generating a magnetic field in a portion of the annular channel (21), said circuit including at least an annular inner wall (22), an annular outer wall (23) and a bottom (8) connecting the inner (22) and outer (23) annular walls and defining the downstream portion of the magnetic circuit (4); characterised in that the magnetic circuit (4) is arranged so as to create at the outlet of the annular channel (21) a magnetic field independent from the azimuth.