Movable Cathode Emission Regions for Flexible Electromagnetic Wave Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic wave generation devices lack operating flexibility and compactness, as they are not suitable for varying frequencies over a wide spectrum or emitting high-power waves of long duration due to the risk of short circuits between the anode and cathode, limiting their use in miniaturized transmission equipment.
Innovation Solution
A cathode design with movable emission regions and a coaxial configuration of cathodes and an anode, allowing for adjustable emission zones and resonant cavities to manage electric fields and reduce the risk of short circuits, enabling flexible frequency operation and high-power wave generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple generation devices are used to achieve wide frequency range and high-power pulse transmission, then operating flexibility and power output are improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cathode is divided into multiple independent emission regions (first emission regions and second emission regions) that can be selectively activated. Each emission region can be independently controlled to emit electrons, allowing the device to operate in different modes (continuous wave or pulsed) and at different power levels by selecting which regions are active, thereby achieving operating flexibility without requiring multiple separate generation devices
Solution Approach 2:
The second emission regions are made movable relative to the first emission regions, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the emission pattern. This mobility enables the cathode to adapt its emission characteristics in real-time, providing versatility in wave generation modes while maintaining a single integrated device structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple generation devices are used to achieve wide frequency range and high-power pulse transmission, then operating flexibility and power output are improved, but compactness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple emission regions with different functions (first emission regions for continuous operation, second emission regions for pulsed operation) are merged into a single integrated cathode structure. This consolidation allows the device to perform multiple functions (continuous wave and pulsed wave generation) within one compact unit, eliminating the need for separate generation devices and achieving compactness while maintaining operating flexibility
3Device complexity
If emission regions are kept at fixed positions to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but operating flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The second emission regions are designed to be movable relative to the first emission regions, enabling dynamic reconfiguration of the emission pattern. This mobility allows the device to adapt its emission characteristics for different operating modes (continuous wave or pulsed wave) and frequency ranges, providing operating flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
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 design enhances the compactness and operating flexibility of electromagnetic wave generation devices, allowing for both low-power continuous waves and high-power short pulses, suitable for miniaturized transmission equipment like microwave weapons.
Implementation Method 1
each emission region being adapted to emit electrons when subjected to an electric field of intensity greater than a threshold value
Implementation Method 2
the anode has a plurality of resonant cavities and each first emission region of the first cathode is disposed substantially in line with one of said resonant cavities
Data Source
AI summary
The cathode (18) has a set of emission areas (42A, 42B) electrically connected to each other, so that the areas are at same electric potential. Each emission area is adapted to emit electrons when the areas are subjected to electric field with intensity greater than a threshold value. One of the emission areas is movable with respect to another emission area between a deployed position, in which the former emission area is away from the latter emission area, and a retracted position, in which the former emission area is adjacent to the latter emission area. An independent claim is also included for a device for generating electromagnetic waves.