Variable-Cavity Microwave Generator for Efficient Pulse Emission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microwave wave generators suffer from low efficiency, poor coupling with targets, and inability to emit electromagnetic waves over long durations, making them unsuitable for high-power applications and pulse emission.

Innovation Solution

A microwave wave generator design featuring a cathode and anode configuration with a specific geometry and magnetic field, allowing for efficient electron emission and energy coupling, along with a method to control electromagnetic wave generation and extraction, enabling high-power and efficient pulse emission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If known microwave generators are used, then electromagnetic waves can be generated, but the efficiency is low and coupling with target is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeneration efficiencyVSAvoidcoupling with target
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the magnetic field strength to optimize electron trajectory and resonance conditions in real-time, enabling the generator to adapt to different operating conditions and maintain high efficiency and coupling across varying parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent systematically varies multiple parameters including magnetic field strength, cathode-anode spacing, and cavity geometry to achieve optimal resonance conditions and maximize both generation efficiency and target coupling effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of moving object

If known microwave generators operate continuously, then wave emission is sustained, but the start-up time is slow and pulse emission is not enabled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewave emission durationVSAvoidstart-up time
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic pulsing of the magnetic field and electrical power supply to the cathode, enabling rapid start-up and stop of electron emission. This periodic control allows the generator to emit electromagnetic waves in controlled pulses rather than continuous operation, dramatically reducing start-up time while maintaining sustained emission during active periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary magnetic field configuration and cathode heating before electron emission begins, pre-conditioning the system to achieve immediate resonance and wave generation when powered, thereby minimizing start-up delay

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Power

If high power is required for electromagnetic weapons, then generator output must be increased, but efficiency and coupling deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegenerator output powerVSAvoidgeneration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the relationship between magnetic field strength, electrical field configuration, and cavity dimensions to maintain resonance conditions even at high power levels. By dynamically adjusting these parameters together, the system achieves high output power while preserving generation efficiency through sustained resonant coupling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic feedback control that monitors output power and adjusts magnetic field strength and cavity conditions in real-time, allowing the system to operate efficiently across a wide power range and maintain optimal coupling to the target regardless of power level

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances efficiency by up to 25 times, improves coupling with targets, and allows for compact design with reduced ionizing radiation, enabling effective high-power microwave generation and pulse emission.

Implementation Method 1

the cathode being adapted to emit electrons inside the cavity when the tube is supplied with electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermionic emission: Thermionic Emission

Implementation Method 2

a voltage source for establishing a potential difference between the cathode and the anode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical potential difference: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP2743962B1Microwave generator and related method for generating waves
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 THALES SA
  • EP2743962B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2743962B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2743962B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a microwave wave generator (10), comprising a microwave wave generation tube extending along a longitudinal axis (L), comprising: - a cathode (18) extending along the axis ( L), - an anode (26) extending along the axis (L) and radially surrounding the cathode (18), - a cavity (28) delimited by the cathode (18) and the anode (26), and - a voltage source to establish a potential difference between the cathode (18) and the anode (26), the cathode (18) being adapted to emit electrons inside the cavity (28) when the tube is supplied with electrical energy, the generator (10) being characterized in that the section of the cavity (28) transversely to the axis (L) varies along the axis (L).