Liquid Metal Ion Source with Electromagnetic Feed to the Emitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid metal ion sources (LMIS) face failures due to insufficient passive forces transporting liquid metal to the emitter's tip or edge, especially after pausing ion emission or when substrates impede flow, leading to the inability to form a Taylor cone and extract ions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating advancing means within the reservoir to create an electromagnetic field that exerts a force on the liquid metal towards the emitter, using alternating electromagnetic fields or Lorentz forces to ensure reliable liquid metal supply without the need for external pressures or moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive forces (capillary effects, adhesion effects) are used to transport liquid metal to the emitter tip, then the system complexity is reduced and reliability is improved, but under certain conditions (after pausing ion emission or when substrates impede flow) these forces become insufficient to maintain liquid metal supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical/physical forces (capillary effects, adhesion effects) with an electromagnetic field-based active transport mechanism. The advancing means generates electromagnetic fields that exert forces on the liquid metal to ensure continuous supply to the emitter tip, eliminating reliance on insufficient passive forces while avoiding complex mechanical pressure systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the power source and the liquid metal. The advancing means creates electromagnetic fields that mediate the force transmission to the liquid metal, enabling controlled transport without direct mechanical contact or complex pressure reservoirs.
2Reliability
If external forces (pressure reservoirs, mechanical pumps, pistons) are applied to pressurize the reservoir and ensure liquid metal flow, then liquid metal supply is improved, but safety hazards increase and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure systems (pumps, pistons, pressure reservoirs) with an electromagnetic field-based advancing means. This substitution eliminates the safety hazards associated with high pressure while maintaining reliable liquid metal supply through electromagnetic forces acting on the conductive liquid metal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter used for liquid metal transport from mechanical pressure to electromagnetic field strength. By controlling the electromagnetic field parameters (frequency, amplitude, distribution), the system achieves reliable liquid metal supply without the harmful effects of high pressure.
3Productivity
If the emitter projections are made sharp-tipped or sharp-edged to concentrate the electric field for ion extraction, then ion extraction efficiency is improved, but the formation of Taylor cones becomes more critical and sensitive to liquid metal supply interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by ensuring continuous liquid metal supply to the emitter tip through the electromagnetic advancing means before ion emission is needed. This prevents interruptions in Taylor cone formation and maintains reliable operation of the sharp-tipped emitter projections.
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 prevents failures in LMIS by ensuring consistent liquid metal supply to the emitter, enhancing reliability and safety by avoiding hazardous pressures, and allowing for efficient and controlled ion emission.
Implementation Method 1
the reservoir is provided with advancing means for creating an electromagnetic field within the liquid metal in the reservoir to exert a force on the liquid metal in a direction towards the emitter
Implementation Method 2
using alternating electromagnetic fields or Lorentz forces to ensure reliable liquid metal supply
Implementation Method 3
Applying the electric field to such a sharp tip or edge causes the formation of a so-called Taylor cone on top of the tip or edge of the emitter's projection; neutral atoms of liquid metal at the apex of the Taylor cone evaporate from the surface, due to field emission negative electrons tunnel back to the surface changing the formerly neutral atoms to positively charged ions
Implementation Method 4
an extractor supported with respect to the reservoir and facing the emitter for extracting and accelerating the ions from the emitter
Implementation Method 5
the liquid metal is heated to its liquid state in the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid metal ion source, in particular an ion thruster for propulsion of a spacecraft, comprises a reservoir for the liquid metal, an emitter penetrating a front wall of the reservoir for drawing liquid metal from the reservoir and emitting ions of the liquid metal, and an extractor supported with respect to the reservoir and facing the emitter for extracting and accelerating the ions from the emitter, wherein the reservoir is provided with advancing means for creating an electromagnetic field within the liquid metal in the reservoir to exert a force on the liquid metal in a direction towards the emitter.