Hard-Tube Pulse Generator Control for Interlaced Amplitude Pulses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hard-tube type pulse generators are limited in producing interlaced amplitude pulses, as they typically only utilize a small fraction of stored energy per switching event, and line-type pulse generators are not fully satisfactory for this purpose.

Innovation Solution

A hard-tube type pulse generator with controlled energy replenishment and non-productive energy withdrawal methods, such as using dummy loads or disabling parts of an RF particle accelerator, to create a series of interlaced amplitude electric pulses with varying amplitudes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hard-tube type pulse generator uses only a small fraction of stored energy per switching event to produce rectangular-shaped output pulses, then the output waveform quality is maintained, but the ability to produce interlaced amplitude pulses is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput waveform qualityVSAvoidinterlaced amplitude pulse production capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the energy withdrawal fraction variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the fraction of stored energy withdrawn from the capacitor in each switching event, enabling different pulse amplitudes. This is achieved through controllable switches that can be positioned at different points in the capacitor discharge cycle, allowing the generator to produce interlaced amplitude pulses while maintaining rectangular waveform quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If line-type pulse generators are used to produce interlaced amplitude pulses, then pulse amplitude variation is achieved, but the solution is not wholly satisfactory for hard-tube type applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepulse amplitude variation capabilityVSAvoidsuitability for hard-tube type applications

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the capacitor discharge process into controllable segments. Multiple switches are used to segment the energy withdrawal process, allowing different portions of the stored energy to be extracted at different times. This segmentation enables the hard-tube type pulse generator to produce varying pulse amplitudes similar to line-type generators, while maintaining the reliability and characteristics required for hard-tube applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If more energy is withdrawn from the energy-storage unit per switching event, then interlaced amplitude pulses can be produced, but the rectangular shape of the output waveform deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterlaced amplitude pulse capabilityVSAvoidoutput waveform rectangular shape

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the capacitor to different voltage levels before each switching event. This preliminary preparation allows the system to withdraw different fractions of energy without compromising the rectangular waveform shape. The control system prepares the energy-storage unit in advance, ensuring that each pulse can have the desired amplitude while maintaining the characteristic rectangular shape required for hard-tube applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach allows for the flexible and scalable production of interlaced amplitude pulses, effectively utilizing a hard-tube type pulse generator as part of an interlaced multi-energy radiation source, accommodating a wide range of configurations and applications.

Implementation Method 1

at least one energy-storage unit each comprising at least one energy-storing capacitor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9960754B2Method and apparatus for interlaced amplitude pulsing using a hard-tube type pulse generator

Publication Date: 2018.05.01 VAREX IMAGING CORP

AI summary

These various embodiments serve to facilitate interlaced amplitude pulsing using a hard-tube type pulse generator having at least one energy-storage unit each comprising at least one energy-storing capacitor. Generally speaking, this comprises controlling an amount of energy withdrawn from the energy-storage unit and provided to an output load to form productive electric pulses by controlling at least one of: (1) energy replenishment; and (2) non-productive energy withdrawal of the energy-storage unit, to thereby achieve a series of productive interlaced amplitude electric pulses.