Plasma Antenna Coupling Device for Low Frequency Power Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radio antennas are impractical for low frequency domains due to their large size and immobility, and existing plasma antennas suffer from inefficient power transfer between the plasma column and the electric power generator.

Innovation Solution

A coupling device comprising two conductive electrodes with coaxial holes connected to a DC high voltage source and a power signal generator, paired with a laser that focuses its beam along the axis of the electrodes to create a plasma column for efficient power transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional metal antennas are used for low frequency communication, then communication capability is achieved, but antenna size becomes extremely large and mobility is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidantenna size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the antenna from solid metal to plasma (ionized gas). This parameter change allows the antenna to achieve low frequency communication capability without requiring physically large dimensions, as the plasma column can be formed in a compact space while maintaining the electrical properties needed for low frequency operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical metal antenna structure with a plasma-based system. Instead of using physical metal conductors that require large dimensions for low frequency operation, the invention uses ionized plasma sustained by electrical discharge, which can achieve the same electromagnetic radiation properties in a much more compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Length of moving object

If existing plasma antennas are used, then antenna size is reduced, but power transfer efficiency between generator and plasma column deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna sizeVSAvoidpower transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a coupling device as an intermediary between the power generator and the plasma column. This coupling device includes a resonant circuit that matches the impedance between the generator and plasma, acting as a mediator to maximize power transfer efficiency. The coupling device transforms the electrical energy from the generator into a form that efficiently couples to the plasma column, minimizing energy losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters (impedance, frequency, voltage) through the coupling device to optimize power transfer. The resonant circuit in the coupling device adjusts the electrical parameters to match between the generator and plasma column, transforming the energy transfer conditions to achieve maximum efficiency while maintaining compact antenna dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If plasma antennas are used for low frequency operation, then mobility is improved, but power transfer efficiency to the plasma column deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemobilityVSAvoidpower transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device serves as a mobile intermediary that can be positioned close to the plasma column regardless of the system's mobility requirements. This intermediary maintains efficient power transfer even when the antenna is moved or repositioned, as the coupling device adapts to maintain optimal electrical connection and impedance matching between the generator and plasma column.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables efficient power transfer between the generator and the plasma column, allowing the plasma antenna to operate effectively at very low frequencies with improved power injection and reduced size and mobility constraints.

Implementation Method 1

a pulsed laser source, means for focusing the laser beam at different points to ionize a column of air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

ionize a column of air and means for coupling a signal to the base of the ionized air column

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 3

the electrodes being connected on the one hand to a DC high voltage source and on the other hand to a power signal generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric Field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP1982347B1Device for coupling between a plasma antenna and a power signal generator
Publication Date: 2009.09.30 THALES SA
  • EP1982347B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1982347B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1982347B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for coupling between a plasma column functioning as an antenna and a power signal electrical generator, associated with a laser, and this device is characterized in that it comprises at least two conducting electrodes (1, 2) each drilled with a hole (3, 4), these holes being coaxial, the electrodes being connected on the one hand to a high DC voltage source (8) and on the other hand to an AC power signal source (13), the laser (lasers) being disposed in such a way that its (their) beam arrives along the axis (5) of said holes of the electrodes.