Single Arc Tube Microwave Light Source for Uniform Radiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacturing process for microwave excitation light-source devices with a concentrically double structure is complex and costly due to the hermetic sealing of inner and outer tubes, hindering cost reduction.

Innovation Solution

A microwave excitation light-source device with a single arc tube configuration, where the arc tube extends along the axis direction between a center and annular conductor, allowing for uniform light radiation without the need for a double tube structure, and featuring a support unit with electrical connections for microwave application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a concentrically double structure is adopted to efficiently utilize microwaves, then microwave utilization efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to hermetic sealing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrowave utilization efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the inner and outer tube structures into a single integrated arc tube configuration. The generator fills the entire internal space of the arc tube, eliminating the need for hermetic sealing between inner and outer tubes while maintaining efficient microwave utilization through the optimized single-chamber structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Use of energy by moving object

If a concentrically double structure is adopted to efficiently utilize microwaves, then microwave utilization efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to complex hermetic sealing processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrowave utilization efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If a single tube structure is used to simplify manufacturing, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but microwave utilization efficiency and light radiation uniformity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidmicrowave utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by optimizing the spatial distribution of the generator within the single arc tube. The generator is configured to fill the entire internal space with its rotating blades positioned at specific intervals, creating localized microwave generation zones that ensure uniform energy distribution and efficient microwave utilization throughout the luminescent material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a curved, arc-shaped tube configuration that optimizes the spatial arrangement for microwave propagation and uniform light radiation. The arc structure allows for better distribution of microwave energy and more uniform light output compared to straight tube configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 device achieves efficient and uniform light radiation along the axis direction at a lower cost, simplifying the manufacturing process and improving utilization efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a microwave generation source 7 that generates microwaves; a center conductor 2 extending in an axis direction; an annular conductor 3 having light transparency and disposed concentrically with respect to the center conductor 2; an arc tube 4 in which a luminescent material is enclosed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave excitation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the luminescent material is enclosed, said arc tube being disposed so as to extend along the axis direction in an annular space created between the center conductor 2 and the annular conductor 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLuminescence: Luminescence

Data Source

PatentUS12354866B2Microwave excitation light-source device

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A microwave excitation light-source device includes: a center conductor extending in an axis direction; an annular conductor having light transparency and disposed concentrically with respect to the center conductor; and an arc tube in which a luminescent material is enclosed, the arc tube being disposed so as to extend along the axis direction in an annular space created between the center conductor and the annular conductor; wherein, with respect to the arc tube, in a plane that is perpendicular to the axis direction, a single closed curve drawn along a tube wall of the arc tube intersects zero or even number of times, every line drawn from the center conductor toward the annular conductor.