Plasma Generating Nozzle Impedance Control Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plasma producing systems face difficulties in achieving optimum plasma ignition due to the need for precise adjustment of nozzle impedance, which affects the threshold intensity of microwave energy required for plasma ignition.
Innovation Solution
A plasma generating system with a nozzle featuring a housing, a rod-shaped conductor, and an impedance controlling structure that allows for adjustable impedance by moving a dielectric tube within the nozzle, optimizing the delivery of microwave energy to excite gas into plasma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional fixed-impedance nozzles are used, then the structure is simple, but the microwave energy delivery efficiency is insufficient due to inability to achieve optimum impedance matching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the nozzle impedance adjustable rather than fixed. The impedance controlling structure includes a movable conductor that can be positioned at different locations within the nozzle to dynamically adjust the impedance value, enabling optimal impedance matching for maximum microwave energy delivery efficiency while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through a single movable component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by varying the impedance parameter of the nozzle through mechanical adjustment. By changing the position of the conductor within the nozzle, the impedance value is adjusted to achieve optimal matching with the microwave source, thereby improving energy delivery efficiency without requiring complete redesign of the nozzle structure.
2Power
If the nozzle impedance is not optimized, then the device operation is simple, but the threshold intensity of microwave energy for plasma ignition is high
Solution Approach 1:
The movable conductor mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of impedance to optimize plasma ignition conditions. The operator can position the conductor to achieve the desired impedance value, thereby reducing the threshold microwave energy intensity required for plasma ignition while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive mechanical adjustment.
3Reliability
If fixed nozzle geometry is used, then manufacturing is simple, but plasma ignition condition optimization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a movable conductor within the nozzle structure that can be adjusted to different positions to optimize plasma ignition conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability improves plasma ignition reliability by enabling impedance optimization without requiring complex manufacturing processes, as the basic nozzle geometry remains simple with only the conductor position being variable.
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 solution enables maximum microwave energy delivery to the nozzle, facilitating efficient plasma ignition and operation by adjusting the nozzle impedance to its optimum value, ensuring consistent plasma generation.
Implementation Method 1
a rod-shaped conductor disposed in the space and operative to transmit microwave energy along a surface thereof
Implementation Method 2
the microwave energy excites gas flowing through the space
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a plasma generating system that includes: a microwave generator for generating microwave energy; a power supply connected to the microwave generator for providing power thereto; a microwave cavity; a waveguide operatively connected to the microwave cavity for transmitting microwave energy thereto; an isolator for dissipating microwave energy reflected from the microwave cavity; and at least one nozzle coupled to the microwave cavity. The nozzle includes: a housing having a generally cylindrical space formed therein, the space forming a gas flow passageway; a rod-shaped conductor disposed in the space and operative to transmit microwave energy along a surface thereof so that the microwave energy excites gas flowing through the space; and an impedance controlling structure which adjusts the impedance of the nozzle.