LINAC Flexible Leads for Thermal Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard linear accelerator (LINAC) systems are over-constrained due to large, stiff coil ends, leading to potential failures from thermal expansion and high Q-factor, which limits their flexibility and performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a LINAC assembly with a coil resonator and drift tubes coupled by flexible leads, allowing for increased mechanical freedom and reducing the risk of over-constrained conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If large, stiff coil ends are used to connect drift tubes, then structural strength and electrical connection are improved, but mechanical flexibility and reliability under thermal expansion are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidmechanical flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies flexible leads instead of rigid mechanical connections to couple drift tubes to the coil resonator. These flexible leads maintain electrical connectivity while accommodating thermal expansion and mechanical movements, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and mechanical flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical rigid connection system with an electrical connection system using flexible leads. This substitution eliminates the mechanical constraints and over-constrained conditions while maintaining the necessary electrical connectivity for RF power transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If rigid coil ends are used, then electrical connection stability is improved, but susceptibility to thermal expansion damage and over-constraint failures is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidthermal expansion damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Flexible leads are used to provide both electrical stability and thermal accommodation. The flexibility allows the connection to expand and contract with temperature changes without causing damage, while maintaining reliable electrical contact for RF power transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the connection from rigid to flexible, allowing the system to adapt to thermal expansion parameters. This parameter change enables the electrical connection to remain stable while accommodating thermal and mechanical variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If over-constrained rigid connections are used, then structural integrity is improved, but system flexibility and performance under varying conditions are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidsystem flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the over-constrained mechanical connection system with a flexible electrical connection system. This substitution maintains structural integrity through proper support of the drift tubes while providing the necessary flexibility for operation under varying thermal and mechanical conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Flexible leads are employed to provide the necessary system flexibility while maintaining electrical integrity. These leads allow the system to operate efficiently under varying conditions without the constraints of rigid mechanical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS12279359B2Linear accelerator assembly including flexible high-voltage connection

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 APPLIED MATERIALS INC

AI summary

Embodiments herein are directed to a linear accelerator assembly for an ion implanter. In some embodiments, a LINAC may include a coil resonator and a plurality of drift tubes coupled to the coil resonator by a set of flexible leads.