Microwave Window Assembly With Constant-Thickness Oblique Tube Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Assembling tubes with oblique planar cross sections of non-constant thickness leads to asymmetry and catastrophic failure due to thermal-mechanical stresses, especially in microwave-frequency power-transmission windows above 30 mm diameter, causing issues with sealing and deformation.
Innovation Solution
A microwave-frequency power-transmission window assembly comprising tubes with constant thickness oblique planar cross sections, an optical plate, extension tube, centering rings, and external housing, designed to minimize thermal-mechanical stresses through precise machining and brazing, ensuring flexibility and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If tubes are cut at an oblique angle to create a power-transmission window, then the window can transmit microwave frequency power, but the wall thickness becomes non-constant leading to thermal-mechanical stress and catastrophic failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific geometric configuration at the oblique cut ends of the tubes. The ends are shaped with a conical or frustoconical profile that compensates for the oblique cut, ensuring that the effective wall thickness remains constant throughout the brazing land area. This local geometric modification allows the assembly to maintain uniform thermal expansion characteristics while still achieving the required microwave transmission function through the oblique orientation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the oblique cut is made to achieve the required angle for microwave transmission, then power transmission is enabled, but the varying thickness causes stress concentrations and assembly failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the tube ends. Specifically, the radius and thickness parameters are varied along the length of the oblique end to create a profile that maintains constant effective thickness. This parametric adjustment allows the structure to accommodate the oblique cut angle required for microwave transmission while preventing stress concentrations that would otherwise lead to joint failure.
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 assembly effectively reduces thermal-mechanical stresses, maintaining flexibility and sealing integrity, suitable for high-power microwave transmission with minimal energy loss and ultrahigh vacuum sealing.
Implementation Method 1
a microwave-frequency power-transmission window comprising two tubes each having two parallel oblique planar cross sections
Implementation Method 2
the stresses associated with the difference in expansion and the necks or brazed joints that are very thick in places lead to catastrophic failure of the assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave-frequency power-transmission window assembly includes a microwave-frequency power-transmission window comprising: two tubes each having two parallel oblique planar cross sections, one oblique planar cross section being non-perpendicular to the central axis of the tube and being of constant thickness in the oblique planar cross section; and an optical plate assembled between the two respective ends of the two tubes positioned facing one another; a tubular extension element extending the microwave-frequency power-transmission window; two centring rings that centre the microwave-frequency power-transmission window in the tubular extension element; and an external housing equipped with two transparent portions positioned at the ends of the microwave-frequency power-transmission window tubular extension element.