Rotating Target Beam Density Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for adjusting and measuring electron or ion beam energy distribution are imprecise, relying on operator skill and visual adjustments, which can lead to variations in beam current density and quality, affecting weld penetration and surface quality in applications like electron beam welding.

Innovation Solution

A device with a rotating target featuring regularly spaced holes, including a marker hole, and a Faraday cage for measuring current density, allowing for precise analysis of beam profiles without tomographic reconstruction, enabling determination of beam parameters like width and power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional visual adjustment methods are used by operators, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision and manufacturing precision deteriorate due to operator dependency and visual estimation limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam energy distribution measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual adjustment methods with an automated measurement system using a rotating target and Faraday cage. The mechanical rotation of the target with holes substitutes for operator visual estimation, providing objective, precise measurement of beam energy distribution through electrical current detection rather than subjective visual assessment.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system is self-regulating through the rotating target mechanism. The target automatically scans through different angles, and the Faraday cage continuously measures current density at each position. The system self-corrects for beam position variations and automatically generates the energy distribution profile without requiring operator intervention or judgment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If a rotating target with multiple holes is used for beam analysis, then measurement precision improves through comprehensive sampling, but device complexity increases due to the rotating mechanism and multiple measurement components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent density distribution measurement precisionVSAvoidrotating target mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single rotating target assembly. The target integrates multiple holes at different positions and angles, allowing one rotating component to perform what would otherwise require multiple separate measurement devices. The Faraday cage serves as a universal detector for all angular positions, consolidating the measurement system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamic rotation of the target to achieve comprehensive beam analysis. Rather than using multiple static detectors, a single rotating target dynamically samples the beam at various angles and positions. This dynamic approach reduces the number of physical components needed while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If the beam is kept stationary during analysis, then measurement precision improves by eliminating scanning artifacts, but productivity decreases due to extended measurement time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent density profile accuracyVSAvoidbeam analysis speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic rotation of the target at a controlled speed to scan through different beam positions. This periodic motion allows the system to rapidly collect data from multiple angles in sequence, achieving comprehensive measurement coverage much faster than stationary point-by-point analysis would permit, while maintaining accuracy through the systematic sampling approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 solution provides a precise and reproducible method for analyzing beam current density and power distribution, improving beam control and consistency, thereby enhancing weld quality and reducing operator dependency.

Implementation Method 1

the means for measuring the current density of the fraction comprise at least one Faraday cage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFaraday cage effect: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP2463686B1Device and method for analysing the density of a beam of charged particles
Publication Date: 2018.04.04 TECHMETA ENG SAS
  • EP2463686B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2463686B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2463686B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The device (1) has a motorized moving target (2) positioned to project an incident beam (F) of charged particles during analysis of current density in the beam. A tapered hole (7) traverses the moving target and is formed so that the hole passes through a section of the beam along a path when the moving target moves, and only a fraction of the incident beam passes through the moving target via the hole. A measuring unit i.e. Faraday cage (8), measures the current density of the fraction of the incident beam. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for analyzing current density in an incident beam of charged particles (2) a method for determining wear of an electrode of a charged particle beam generator (3) a method for determining an alignment flaw of an electrode of a charged particle beam generator (4) a method for determining an optimal focus of an incident beam of charged particles.