RF Transformer Resonant Frequency Adjustment via Shorting Winding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF transformers for mass spectrometry face challenges in efficiently changing the resonant frequency of high voltage resonant tanks due to difficulties with high voltage and current handling, power losses, and the need for high RF quality factors, especially when using magnetic-core based transformers.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a primary side with a main winding and a shorting winding, where the shorting winding is adjustable to change the resonant frequency by switching between shorted and non-shorted states, avoiding additional power losses and maintaining a high quality factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional frequency-setting capacitive or inductive reactances are connected in parallel with the secondary winding to change resonant frequency, then the resonant frequency can be adjusted, but power losses increase and quality factor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The primary winding is divided into a main winding and a shorting winding that can be independently controlled. By segmenting the winding function, the patent enables frequency adjustment through selective shorting without adding external reactive components, thereby avoiding the power losses associated with traditional frequency-setting reactances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the frequency adjustment function from external parallel reactances and integrates it into the transformer structure itself through the shorting winding. This eliminates the need for separate frequency-setting components that would introduce additional power losses and reduce quality factor
2Ease of manufacture
If magnetic-core based transformers are used to achieve compactness and low production costs, then device size and manufacturing cost are reduced, but power losses increase and temperature dependency of resonant frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control capability through the switching arrangement that can selectively short the shorting winding. This dynamic adjustment allows the transformer to operate at different resonant frequencies while maintaining high efficiency, overcoming the static limitations and high losses of traditional magnetic-core transformers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by enabling continuous adjustment of the resonant frequency through the controlled shorting of the shorting winding. This parameter change capability allows optimization of operating conditions to minimize power losses while maintaining the benefits of magnetic-core construction
3Device complexity
If a single RF transformer with fixed parameters is used, then the power supply structure remains simple and power consumption is low, but the ability to cover wide mass ranges is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed-parameter transformer into a dynamic system with adjustable resonant frequency through the controlled shorting mechanism. This dynamic capability enables a single transformer to cover wide mass ranges by adjusting operating frequency, eliminating the need for multiple transformers while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the single transformer universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions across different mass ranges through frequency adjustment. The shorting winding and switching arrangement allow one transformer to replace what would traditionally require multiple fixed-frequency transformers, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity
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 approach allows for controlled adjustment of the resonant frequency without adding extra components, reducing power losses and maintaining a high quality factor, making it simpler and cost-effective to construct.
Implementation Method 1
a first winding (250) on the secondary side inductively coupled to the at least one main winding (210) of the primary side
Implementation Method 2
the resonant frequency of the tank circuit is changed by adjusting between the first and second states
Data Source
AI summary
An RF transformer for supplying power as part of a tank circuit, comprising: a primary side, having at least one main winding and at least one shorting winding, the at least one main winding being configured to receive an RF input; a secondary side, having a first winding inductively coupled to the at least one main winding of the primary side and a second winding inductively coupled to the at least one shorting winding of the primary side; and a switching arrangement, adjustable between a first state in which the at least one shorting winding of the primary side is shorted and a second state in which the at least one shorting winding of the primary side is not shorted, such that the resonant frequency of the tank circuit is changed by adjusting between the first and second states.