3 dB Directional Coupler for Multi-Accelerator RF Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF electron accelerators used in radiation treatment and inspection systems are limited by their ability to irradiate objects from only one direction, leading to low usage efficiency of electron beam power and insufficient data generation for multi-planar inspection, and require multiple generators and control systems, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A radiation system utilizing a single RF generator and power supply with a 3 dB directional coupler to distribute RF electromagnetic power to multiple RF electron accelerators, allowing for independent energy adjustment and orientation for multi-directional irradiation and imaging in multiple planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ferrite insulators or circulators are employed to uncouple RF generators and accelerating sections, then the RF generators can be isolated from the accelerating sections, but power is lost and the cost of the RF electron accelerators increases
Solution Approach 1:
A 3 dB directional coupler is introduced as an intermediary device between the RF generator and the accelerating sections. This coupler distributes RF power to multiple accelerating sections while providing isolation and uncoupling functionality, eliminating the need for ferrite insulators or circulators that cause power loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two or more RF electron accelerators are employed to irradiate objects from two or more directions, then multi-directional irradiation is achieved, but the system complexity and cost significantly increase due to requiring multiple RF generators, power supplies, and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple accelerating sections are combined and connected to a single RF generator through a 3 dB directional coupler. This merging approach allows multi-directional irradiation capability while sharing common RF power generation and control systems, significantly reducing system complexity compared to using separate RF generators for each accelerator.
Solution Approach 2:
A single RF generator is designed to serve multiple accelerating sections simultaneously through the directional coupler. This multi-functionality allows one RF generator to provide power to multiple accelerators that can irradiate objects from different directions, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated RF generators.
3Device complexity
If a single RF generator is used to power multiple RF electron accelerators, then system cost and complexity are reduced, but the RF power must be distributed and divided among multiple accelerators
Solution Approach 1:
The 3 dB directional coupler serves as an intermediary that automatically distributes RF power from a single generator to multiple accelerating sections. The coupler provides equal power division and isolation, simplifying the power distribution control while maintaining ease of operation.
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 enhances the penetration depth and efficiency of irradiation, enabling treatment of thicker objects and generation of multiple views in inspection systems while reducing costs by eliminating the need for multiple generators and control systems.
Implementation Method 1
a 3 dB directional coupler connected between the RF generator and RF electron accelerators. The 3 dB directional coupler divides RF electromagnetic power received from the RF generator into portions for delivery to respective RF electron accelerators
Implementation Method 2
Electrical fields are, generally, created by power in the form of RF electromagnetic radiation generated by RF generators of the RF electron accelerators
Implementation Method 3
The electrical fields are, generally, created by power in the form of RF electromagnetic radiation generated by RF generators of the RF electron accelerators
Data Source
AI summary
Radiation systems, including apparatuses and methods, for providing multiple independent RF electron accelerators with RF power from a single RF generator. The radiation systems may be employed in radiation treatment systems for treating subject objects by irradiating them from different directions and in inspection systems for producing images of the contents of a container or other volume in multiple planes using RF electron accelerators that receive RF electromagnetic power from a single RF generator. The radiation systems include RF drive subsystems each having a 3 dB directional coupler connected between an RF generator and RF electron accelerators. Each 3 dB directional coupler divides RF electromagnetic power received from the RF generator into equal or unequal portions for delivery to respective RF electron accelerators.