Magnetic Element Axis Alignment via Wire Resonance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the magnetic-field axis of magnetic elements in charged-particle beam transport systems are either slow, require close inspection, or have limited observation rates, making them inefficient for alignment with the beam axis.
Innovation Solution
A method involving transmitting an alternating current at the fundamental resonant frequency of a wire placed near the magnetic element, detecting vibrations using orthogonal transducers, and adjusting the position to minimize these vibrations, allowing for real-time alignment of the magnetic-field axis with the beam axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a current pulse is sent along a wire stretched along the putative axis while the magnetic element is energized, then the magnetic-field axis can be determined by monitoring wire deflection, but the method requires high-voltage pulses, close inspection of the wire, and has a limited observation rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by driving the wire at its fundamental resonant frequency using an alternating current. The Lorentz force from the interaction between the alternating current and the magnetic field causes the wire to vibrate when misaligned with the magnetic-field axis. This vibration can be detected and used to determine the magnetic-field axis orientation, enabling rapid alignment without requiring high-voltage pulses or close visual inspection.
2Measurement precision
If a swept frequency alternating current is used in the wire with photodetector detection of harmonic vibrational modes, then the spatial distribution of the transverse magnetic field can be reconstructed, but the process requires many minutes to complete the frequency scans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by using a continuous alternating current at a fixed frequency (the fundamental resonant frequency of the wire) rather than performing swept frequency scans. This periodic excitation allows the system to continuously monitor the magnetic-field axis alignment in real-time, reducing the alignment process from many minutes to a much shorter duration while still providing sufficient measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips the time-consuming frequency scanning process by directly exciting the wire at its fundamental resonant frequency. This approach rushes through the alignment process by focusing measurement energy on the most sensitive frequency mode, thereby achieving rapid alignment without sacrificing the ability to determine the magnetic-field axis orientation.
3Ease of operation
If the mechanical axis of the magnetic element is aligned with the beam axis, then alignment may be accomplished intuitively, but the magnetic and mechanical axes of the magnetic element may not be aligned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the vibration signal from the wire as an indicator of misalignment between the mechanical axis and the magnetic-field axis. When the wire is driven at its resonant frequency, any transverse magnetic field component causes detectable vibration. The alignment process uses this vibration feedback to iteratively adjust the magnetic element's position until the vibration is minimized, ensuring that the magnetic-field axis is precisely aligned with the beam axis rather than relying on mechanical alignment alone.
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 enables rapid and accurate alignment of the magnetic-field axis with the beam axis, reducing the time required for alignment and improving the efficiency of the charged-particle beam transport system.
Implementation Method 1
The method includes transmitting an alternating current along a wire placed along a given axis relative to a magnetic element producing a magnetic field having an axis... detecting a vibration of the wire thereby indicating that a transverse component of the magnetic field is coupled with the alternating current
Implementation Method 2
The wire may be stretched such that the wire has an audible fundamental frequency. The alternating current, then, may be transmitted at a frequency substantially equal to the fundamental resonant frequency of the wire
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided that includes transmitting an alternating current along a wire placed along a given axis relative to a magnetic element producing a magnetic field having an axis. The wire may be stretched such that the wire has an audible fundamental frequency. Additionally or alternatively, the alternating current may be a continuous alternating current. The method also includes in at least one instance, detecting a vibration of the wire thereby indicating that a transverse component of the magnetic field is coupled with the alternating current. And in the respective instance(s), the method includes adjusting a position of the wire or magnetic element to at least reduce the vibration of the wire thereby indicating increased alignment of the given axis and magnetic-field axis.