Segmented Plasma Antenna Structure for Even Voltage Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna structures in plasma induction systems face challenges with durability and stability due to increased electric power and frequency requirements, leading to ion losses and damage to the discharging tube, especially as the system scale and plasma density increase.
Innovation Solution
The proposed antenna structure comprises n unit antennas with varying radii of curvature and angular arrangements, connected through inter-turn and inter-layer capacitors, to distribute voltage evenly and reduce ion losses, enhancing durability and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high electric power and frequency are applied to increase plasma density and system scale, then plasma density and system scale are improved, but antenna structure durability and system stability deteriorate due to ion losses and discharging tube damage
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is divided into multiple antenna units (first antenna unit, second antenna unit, third antenna unit, etc.) arranged around the discharging tube. Each unit operates independently with controlled voltage application, preventing excessive voltage concentration on any single section and reducing ion losses that cause durability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
Different voltage levels are applied to different antenna units based on their position and function. The patent applies relatively weak voltage to antenna units adjacent to the outer wall of the discharging tube while maintaining appropriate voltage on other units, optimizing plasma induction while protecting vulnerable areas from excessive stress.
2Productivity
If high electric power is applied to the antenna structure, then plasma induction efficiency is improved, but voltage applied to antenna adjacent to outer wall increases causing ion losses and tube damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements differential voltage control where antenna units at different positions receive different voltage levels. Specifically, antenna units adjacent to the outer wall of the discharging tube receive relatively weak voltage to prevent ion losses and tube damage, while other antenna units maintain higher voltage for efficient plasma induction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a voltage control mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the power source and the antenna units. This control system selectively applies appropriate voltage levels to different antenna units based on their position and operational requirements, optimizing both efficiency and protection.
3Device complexity
If conventional antenna structure is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but durability and stability deteriorate under increased power conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is segmented into multiple independent antenna units that can be individually controlled. This segmentation allows for optimized voltage distribution and localized protection strategies, improving durability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that wraps around the discharging tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple antenna units serve dual functions: they collectively provide comprehensive plasma induction coverage while individually enabling selective voltage control for protection. This multi-functionality allows the same structural elements to serve both performance and durability requirements.
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 new design minimizes ion losses and prevents damage to the discharging tube, improving the overall durability, efficiency, and stability of the plasma induction system while reducing manufacturing costs and auxiliary gas usage.
Implementation Method 1
An inductively coupled discharge is generally generated by applying electric power to an antenna structure
Implementation Method 2
The antenna units may be connected to each other through capacitors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, An antenna structure disposed around a side perimeter of a discharging tube providing a space in which a plasma is generated may be provided. The antenna structure comprises n unit antennas, each of n unit antennas comprises: a first arc section, having a first radius of curvature, a second arc section, having a second radius of curvature, and an arc connecting section connecting the first arc section and the second arc section, and m-th unit antenna and (m+1)-th unit antenna adjacent to each other are disposed so that an angle formed by an arc connecting section of the m-th unit antenna and an arc connecting section of the (m+1)-th unit antenna in basis of the center of the discharging tube is 360/n degree.