Self-Supporting Electrode Assembly for Discharge Lamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric discharge lamps face challenges in improving the construction of corona discharge devices to enhance the generation of electromagnetic radiation while maintaining a non-arcing discharge.
Innovation Solution
The electrode assembly features a self-supporting structure with a central electrode and peripheral electrodes arranged in a configuration where at least one electrode is in compression and another in tension, allowing for a uniform electric field and preventing arcing, with the electrodes being inserted into a hollow envelope and sealed to create a discharge lamp capable of generating corona discharge and emitting electromagnetic radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a highly curved negative electrode is used to create a high intensity electric field for corona discharge, then electromagnetic radiation emission is improved, but the risk of arcing between electrodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is segmented into multiple functional components: a support structure with first and second supports, multiple negative electrodes arranged in series, and insulating members. This segmentation allows the high voltage to be distributed across multiple electrode segments, maintaining the high intensity electric field needed for corona discharge while preventing arcing through the insulating members and series configuration
Solution Approach 2:
Insulating members are introduced as intermediary elements between adjacent negative electrodes and between electrodes and the support structure. These insulating members mediate the electric field distribution, allowing high voltage application while preventing direct arcing paths, thus enabling both high electromagnetic radiation emission and discharge stability
2Illumination intensity
If multiple electrodes are added to improve electromagnetic radiation generation, then the radiation output increases, but the structural complexity and difficulty of assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple negative electrodes are merged into a single series-connected assembly with common support structures. The first and second supports serve multiple electrodes simultaneously, and the insulating members provide universal support and isolation functions. This merging reduces the number of independent structural components needed compared to having separate support structures for each electrode
Solution Approach 2:
The support structures and insulating members serve multiple functions: mechanical support for multiple electrodes, electrical insulation between electrodes, and structural framework for the entire assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components for each electrode, simplifying the overall device complexity while enabling multiple electrodes for enhanced radiation generation
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 enables efficient generation of electromagnetic radiation by maintaining a uniform electric field and preventing arcing, resulting in a stable and effective discharge lamp that can emit ultraviolet or visible light depending on the envelope material used.
Implementation Method 1
Applying a high negative voltage to the highly curved negative electrode creates a high intensity electric field around the negative electrode, which provides emission of free electrons. Near the negative electrode, the high field accelerates free electrons to an energy level sufficient to cause excimer formation.
Implementation Method 2
In one application, the excimers emit electromagnetic radiation such as light upon decay of the excimers. For example, certain noble gas containing excimers will emit ultraviolet light upon decay.
Implementation Method 3
By configuring the electric field to accelerate electrons to at least the energy required to form excimers in one portion of the field, while keeping the field strength in at least one region of the field below that required to substantially ionize the gas, an arc will not form between the negative electrode and the counter electrode. Such a non-arcing discharge is referred to as a corona discharge.
Data Source
AI summary
A discharge lamp comprises an electrode assembly structured to induce tension in certain of the component electrodes and compression in others of the component electrodes. The balancing tensile and compressive forces cause the electrode assembly to be a unitary, self-supporting structure, which can be inserted into a prefabricated envelope and in which the forces are induced independently of interaction with the envelope. The electrodes in tension may be relatively thin wires and the electrodes in compression may be relatively thicker rods. The electrode assembly may include concentric arrangements of electrodes, with a plurality of rod counter-electrodes spaced circumferentially around a thin wire electrode, or a plurality of thin wire electrodes spaced circumferentially around a central rod counter-electrode. In other embodiments, a counter-electrode may have a flat, polished surface facing one or more electrodes overlying the surface. Dummy electrodes may equalize bending loads on the counter-electrode.