Compact Particle Accelerator Using TEM Cavity and Superconducting Magnet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional equipment for producing energetic charged particles, such as ions and protons, requires high investment costs and large facilities, limiting mobility and efficiency in applications like medicine, nuclear energy, and research.

Innovation Solution

A compact particle accelerator system using a transverse electromagnetic mode (TEM) cavity with a superconducting electro-magnet and a rod-shaped conductor to accelerate charged particles via radio frequency waves, allowing for efficient energy transfer and cyclotron resonance, enabling the production of high-energy particles in a compact and cost-effective manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional equipment is used to produce energetic charged particles, then reliable particle production is achieved, but high investment cost and large facility requirements result

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle production reliabilityVSAvoidfacility size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The conventional large-scale particle accelerator system is segmented into a compact linear accelerator module that can be integrated within existing MRI scanner facilities. The accelerator uses a series of drift tubes and accelerating cavities arranged in a compact linear configuration, allowing particle production without requiring separate large facility space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines multiple functions into a single integrated platform: the MRI scanner's superconducting magnet serves dual purposes for both medical imaging and particle acceleration, the facility space serves both clinical and research functions, and the infrastructure supports both diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional equipment is used to produce energetic charged particles, then reliable particle production is achieved, but high investment cost results

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle production reliabilityVSAvoidinvestment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The accelerator system is merged with the existing MRI scanner infrastructure, combining the superconducting magnet, control systems, and facility space into an integrated hybrid system that eliminates the need for separate particle therapy facilities and reduces overall investment requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by moving object

If conventional equipment is used to produce energetic charged particles, then sufficient particle energy is achieved, but equipment mobility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle energyVSAvoidequipment mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The accelerator is designed as a compact modular system that can be installed in existing MRI facilities throughout the hospital network, allowing different centers to offer particle therapy services using their existing infrastructure rather than requiring a single large centralized facility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system effectively accelerates charged particles to desired energy levels, achieving high efficiency and compactness, suitable for various applications including medical imaging and nuclear physics, while reducing the need for large facilities.

Implementation Method 1

the electro-magnet is configured to perform at least one of maintaining a cyclotron resonance condition or preventing the one or more streams of charged particles from contacting an inner wall of the TEM cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCyclotron resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

a rod-shape conductor disposed longitudinally within the TEM cavity configured to accelerate the one or more streams of charged particles into one or more streams of accelerated charged particles by applying electromagnetic radiations in TEM mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10492287B2Apparatus and method for isotope production based on a charged particle accelerator

Publication Date: 2019.11.26 OMEGA P R&D INC

AI summary

Apparatuses and methods for accelerating charged particles including a charged particle source configured to provide charged particles, an accelerator including: a cavity having one or more inlets and one or more outlets, an electro-magnet substantially surrounding at least a portion of the cavity, a conductor disposed longitudinally within the cavity configured to accelerate the charged particles entering the cavity through the one or more inlets via a radio frequency wave applied to the cavity, wherein the radio frequency wave operates in transverse electromagnetic mode, and a target configured to receive the accelerated charged particles via the one or more outlets.