Microwave Resonator Spark Gap Array for Higher Ignition Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microwave generators with single spark gaps suffer from severe electrode erosion and limited service life due to narrowly defined electrode spacing, which restricts their operational stability and output.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a series-connected spark gap configuration, where multiple spark gaps are arranged in a serial arrangement, allowing for a more even distribution of voltage and increased electrode spacing, thereby reducing erosion and enhancing operational stability and output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single spark gap with narrowly defined electrode spacing is used, then the breakdown voltage is well-defined, but electrode erosion is severe and service life is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single spark gap is divided into multiple spark gaps arranged in parallel. Each spark gap has its own electrode pair with narrowly defined spacing, while the parallel arrangement distributes the electrical stress across multiple paths, reducing erosion at any single location and extending overall service life.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If electrode spacing is increased to reduce erosion, then electrode service life improves, but breakdown voltage control becomes less precise
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large spark gap, the system uses multiple smaller spark gaps in parallel. Each small gap maintains narrowly defined electrode spacing for precise breakdown voltage control, while the parallel configuration effectively increases the overall electrode spacing and distributes erosion across multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple spark gaps are combined in parallel to achieve the desired performance. The parallel combination maintains the precise breakdown characteristics of individual small gaps while providing the erosion resistance equivalent to larger spacing.
3Device complexity
If a single spark gap is used, then the structure is simple, but output and operational stability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single spark gap structure is segmented into multiple parallel spark gaps. This segmentation increases the total current handling capacity and microwave output while maintaining relatively simple individual gap structures. The parallel arrangement provides operational stability through redundancy and balanced voltage distribution.
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 configuration significantly increases the service life of the spark gap electrodes and enhances the microwave generator's output by allowing higher ignition voltages and field strengths, leading to improved performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a spark gap that breaks through when a high voltage is applied to emit microwaves
Implementation Method 2
the breakdown of the spark gap can also be brought about in a targeted manner by a suitable trigger mechanism
Implementation Method 3
this capacitance forms an oscillating circuit with the physical properties of the switch plasma in the spark gap
Implementation Method 4
the energy stored in the resonator oscillating circuit is wholly or partially discharged via an emitter device coupled to the resonator, i. H. Antenna radiated into the vicinity of the microwave generator
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6A~6D
AI summary
A microwave generator (10) with a resonator (12) is described, the resonator having two opposing resonator electrodes (14, 16) which are equipped with a spark gap device (26) that breaks down when an ignition voltage (Uz) is applied. To realize a microwave generator (10) with increased power, in which the resonator (12) can be operated at higher ignition voltages (Uz) or field strengths, it is proposed that the spark gap device (26) has at least two spark gaps (24a, 24b, ..., 24i) connected in series.