Multifunctional tooling for superconducting magnet gap filling tests

Abstract

This invention discloses a multifunctional fixture for gap-filling tests in superconducting magnets, belonging to the technical field of magnetic confinement fusion devices. The main frame defines an openable and closable sealed space and includes an observation section. Inlet and outlet valves are connected to the inlet and outlet on opposite sides of the main frame, respectively. The gap-filling verification module has multiple parallel and spaced-apart filling grooves on its surface. This module is placed in the sealed space during gap-filling verification tests, with the extension directions of the filling grooves intersecting the direction from the inlet to the outlet. A thermal shock testing module is placed in the sealed space during thermal shock tests. This invention integrates multiple testing functions, including resin sample preparation, thermal shock testing, and gap-filling verification, significantly reducing costs and space requirements. It also allows for rapid switching of test types according to experimental needs, greatly improving experimental efficiency and shortening the development cycle of superconducting magnets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of magnetic confinement nuclear fusion devices, and more specifically to a multifunctional tooling for filling gaps in superconducting magnets. Background Technology

[0002] In the research and development and production of superconducting magnets, the gap filling process is of paramount importance, and the various tests related to it are key links to ensure the reliability of the process.

[0003] Currently, experiments on gap filling in superconducting magnets often require different experimental fixtures to complete different types of experiments. For example, special molding fixtures are needed to make resin-filled sample blocks, and there are also dedicated equipment for gap filling verification.

[0004] This decentralized configuration of experimental fixtures presents numerous problems. On the one hand, the research, development, manufacturing, and maintenance costs of various specialized fixtures are high, consuming significant resources. On the other hand, frequent changes to different fixtures for testing are cumbersome, greatly reducing testing efficiency, extending the development cycle of superconducting magnets, and hindering the rapid optimization of gap-filling processes, making it difficult to meet the demands of the rapid development of superconducting magnet technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in related technologies. To this end, one objective of this invention is to propose a multifunctional tooling for gap-filling tests in superconducting magnets, integrating multiple testing functions such as resin sample preparation, thermal shock testing, and gap-filling verification. This significantly reduces R&D, manufacturing, and maintenance costs, while also minimizing space requirements. Furthermore, it allows for rapid switching of test types according to testing needs, greatly improving testing efficiency and shortening the R&D cycle of superconducting magnets.

[0006] A multifunctional tooling for superconducting magnet gap filling tests according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0007] The main frame defines an openable and closable enclosed space. The main frame has an inlet and an outlet communicating with the enclosed space on opposite sides. The main frame also has an observation section.

[0008] An inlet valve and an outlet valve; the inlet valve and the outlet valve are respectively connected to the inlet and the outlet.

[0009] A gap filling verification module is provided with a plurality of parallel and spaced filling grooves on its surface. The gap filling verification module is used to be placed in the sealed space during the gap filling verification test, and the extension direction of the plurality of filling grooves intersects with the direction from the inlet to the outlet.

[0010] A thermal shock testing module, which is used to be placed in the sealed space during a thermal shock test.

[0011] The multifunctional tooling for superconducting magnet gap filling tests according to embodiments of the present invention can be used for resin sample preparation tests, thermal shock tests, and gap filling verification tests.

[0012] The resin sample preparation test is as follows: without placing the gap filling verification module and the thermal shock test module in the sealed space, the prepared resin material is injected into the sealed space through the inlet valve and heated and cured. After the resin is completely cured, the tooling is disassembled, the prepared resin sample is taken out, and subsequent performance tests and analyses are performed.

[0013] Thermal shock test: The thermal shock test module is assembled into the main frame. The prepared resin material is injected into the sealed space through the inlet valve and heated to cure. After the resin is completely cured, a thermal shock test is performed. The cured resin in the sealed space is cooled from room temperature to the lower limit temperature and then heated back to room temperature. The cured filling resin in the sealed space is observed through the observation section to see if there are visible cracks before and after the thermal shock test. Then, the presence of fine cracks is observed by pigment penetration.

[0014] The gap filling verification test is as follows: The gap filling verification module is assembled into the sealed space of the main frame, and the prepared resin material is injected into the sealed space through the inlet valve. At the same time, the outlet valve is connected to the data monitoring and acquisition system to record the filling pressure, flow rate and state changes of the resin during the filling process, thereby verifying the feasibility and effectiveness of the gap filling process.

[0015] The multifunctional fixture for gap filling tests in superconducting magnets according to embodiments of the present invention has the following advantages: Depending on different test requirements, the main frame can be configured without the gap filling verification module and the thermal shock test module in a confined space, or with either the gap filling verification module or the thermal shock test module. This integrates multiple test functions such as resin sample preparation, gap filling verification, and thermal shock testing into one unit, eliminating the need for separate dedicated fixtures. This significantly reduces R&D, manufacturing, and maintenance costs, while also minimizing space requirements. Different functional modules can be quickly replaced, allowing operators to rapidly switch test types according to test needs, avoiding the time wasted by frequent fixture changes, greatly improving test efficiency, and shortening the R&D cycle of superconducting magnets.

[0016] In some embodiments, the main frame includes a bottom plate, side plates, a transparent plate, and a top plate. The side plates and the observation section are arranged between the top plate and the bottom plate, which are arranged vertically, to form the enclosed space. The top plate is detachably fixed to the side plates and the transparent plate, and the transparent plate forms the observation section.

[0017] In some embodiments, the side panel includes a left side panel, a right side panel, and a rear side panel; the left side panel and the right side panel are spaced apart from each other horizontally, and the transparent panel and the rear side panel are spaced apart front to back; the connection between the left side panel, the right side panel, the rear side panel, and the bottom plate is welding, and the connection between the transparent panel and the left side panel, the right side panel, and the bottom plate is plugging; the inlet is disposed on the left side panel and the outlet is disposed on the right side panel, or the inlet is disposed on the right side panel and the outlet is disposed on the left side panel.

[0018] In some embodiments, the main frame further includes a front upper crossbeam, the left and right ends of which are welded and fixed to the front ends of the top edges of the left side plate and the right side plate, respectively; the top of the left side plate, the right side plate, the rear side plate, and the front upper crossbeam are respectively provided with threaded holes, and the top plate is provided with mounting holes corresponding to the threaded holes; the main frame further includes a mounting threaded component, which is fixed in the corresponding mounting hole and the threaded hole.

[0019] In some embodiments, the left side plate is provided with a left assembly slot, the right side plate is provided with a right assembly slot, the bottom plate is provided with a lower assembly slot, and the top plate is provided with an upper assembly slot. The left, right, bottom, and top edges of the transparent plate are respectively inserted into the left assembly slot, the right assembly slot, the lower assembly slot, and the upper assembly slot; the transparent plate is located on the front side of the front upper crossbeam.

[0020] In some embodiments, the top plate is provided with an installation handle.

[0021] In some embodiments, the gap filling verification module is made of a corrosion-resistant alloy material.

[0022] In some embodiments, the thermal shock test module includes a stainless steel body and an insulating layer covering the surface of the stainless steel body.

[0023] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the side plate is provided with a vertically extending guide groove; the gap filling verification module is provided with a first guide structure that cooperates with the guide groove; and the thermal shock test module is provided with a second guide structure that cooperates with the guide groove.

[0024] In some embodiments, there are two guide grooves; correspondingly, the first guide structure includes two first guide posts, which cooperate with the two guide grooves; the second guide structure includes two second guide posts, which cooperate with the two guide grooves.

[0025] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the multifunctional tooling assembly for superconducting magnet gap filling tests according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the main frame of the multifunctional tooling for superconducting magnet gap filling test according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a diagram of the lower main frame of a multifunctional tooling for filling gaps in superconducting magnets according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 This is an installation diagram of the transparent plate and lower main frame of the multifunctional tooling for superconducting magnet gap filling test according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the thermal shock test module of a multifunctional tooling for superconducting magnet gap filling tests according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a multifunctional tooling fixture for fabricating resin sample blocks for superconducting magnet gap filling tests, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a multifunctional tooling thermal shock test fixture for superconducting magnet gap filling test according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a multifunctional tooling gap filling verification test tooling for superconducting magnet gap filling test according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure Labels

[0035] Main frame 1; base plate 11; lower assembly slot 111; left side plate 12; left assembly slot 121; right side plate 13; right assembly slot 131; rear side plate 14; guide slot 141; transparent plate 15; front upper crossbeam 16; top plate 17; upper assembly slot 171; mounting handle 172; positioning protrusion 173; mounting threaded part 18; gap filling verification module 2; first guide structure 21; filling slot 22; thermal shock test module 3; second guide structure 31; stainless steel body 32; insulation layer 33; inlet valve 4; outlet valve 5. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0037] The following combination Figures 1 to 8 This invention describes a multifunctional tooling for filling gaps in superconducting magnets, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the multifunctional fixture for superconducting magnet gap filling test according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main frame 1, an inlet valve 4, an outlet valve 5, a gap filling verification module 2, and a thermal shock test module 3.

[0039] The main frame 1 defines a sealed space that can be opened and closed. On opposite sides of the main frame 1 are inlets and outlets communicating with the sealed space. The inlets are used to inject prepared resin material into the sealed space. An observation section is provided on the main frame 1 to facilitate observation of the experiment.

[0040] Inlet valve 4 and outlet valve 5 are connected to the inlet and outlet respectively.

[0041] The gap filling verification module 2 has multiple parallel and spaced filling grooves 22 on its surface. The gap filling verification module 2 is used to place in a closed space during the gap filling verification test, and the extension direction of the multiple filling grooves 22 intersects the direction from the inlet to the outlet, for example, perpendicularly. The shape of the gap filling verification module 2, the width and depth of the filling grooves 22 can be designed according to the test requirements.

[0042] The thermal shock test module 3 is used to place the thermal shock test module in a sealed space during the thermal shock test. The shape of the thermal shock test module 3 can be designed according to the test requirements.

[0043] The multifunctional tooling for superconducting magnet gap filling tests according to embodiments of the present invention can be used for resin sample preparation tests, thermal shock tests, and gap filling verification tests.

[0044] Among them, such as Figure 6 As shown, the resin sample preparation test is as follows: without placing the gap filling verification module 2 and the thermal shock test module 3 in the sealed space, the prepared resin material is injected into the sealed space through the inlet valve 4 and heated and cured. After the resin is completely cured, the tooling is disassembled, the prepared resin sample is taken out, and subsequent performance tests and analyses are carried out.

[0045] Specifically, the injection temperature is heated to 45℃, and the prepared resin material is injected into the sealed space through inlet valve 4. After the resin is filled, inlet valve 4 is closed. The curing temperature is adjusted to 75℃ to allow the resin to fully cure. After the resin has fully cured and cooled, the mold cavity is disassembled, and the prepared resin sample is taken out. The resin sample is tested for properties such as density and hardness. The test results show that the sample performance meets the expected standards, proving that this module can effectively produce high-quality filled resin samples.

[0046] like Figure 7 As shown, thermal shock test: The thermal shock test module 3 is assembled into the main frame 1. The prepared resin material is injected into the sealed space through the inlet valve 4 and heated and cured. After the resin is completely cured, the thermal shock test is carried out. The cured resin in the sealed space is cooled from room temperature to the lower limit temperature and then heated back to room temperature. The observation section is used to observe whether there are visible cracks in the cured filling resin in the sealed space before and after the thermal shock test. Then, the presence of fine cracks is observed by pigment penetration.

[0047] Specifically, the thermal shock test module 3 is assembled into the sealed space of the main frame 1. The injection temperature is heated to 45°C, and the prepared resin material is injected into the sealed space through the inlet valve 4. After the resin is filled, the inlet valve 4 is closed. The curing temperature is adjusted to 75°C to allow the resin to fully cure. After the resin is fully cured, the temperature is lowered from room temperature to 77K and then raised to 300K. The cured filling resin in the sealed space is observed through the observation section to see if there are any visible cracks before and after the thermal shock test. Then, pigment penetration is used to observe whether there are any fine cracks in the cured filling resin.

[0048] like Figure 8 As shown, the gap filling verification test is as follows: the gap filling verification module 2 is assembled into the sealed space of the main frame 1, the prepared resin material is injected into the sealed space from the inlet valve 4, and at the same time the outlet valve 5 is connected to the data monitoring and acquisition system to record the filling pressure, flow rate and state changes of the resin during the filling process, to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the gap filling process.

[0049] Specifically, the gap filling verification module 2 is assembled into the sealed space of the main frame 1, the injection temperature is heated to 45°C, and the prepared resin material is injected into the main frame 1 through the inlet valve 4. At the same time, the outlet valve 5 is connected to the data monitoring and acquisition system to record the filling pressure, flow rate and state changes of the resin during the filling process. During the test, the uniformity of the cured filling resin filling the filling groove 22 of the gap filling verification module 2 is observed through the observation section, and whether there are air bubbles and voids.

[0050] The multifunctional fixture for gap filling tests in superconducting magnets according to embodiments of the present invention has the following advantages: Depending on different test requirements, the main frame 1 can be configured without the gap filling verification module 2 and the thermal shock test module 3 in a confined space, or with either the gap filling verification module 2 or the thermal shock test module 3. This integrates multiple test functions such as resin sample preparation, gap filling verification, and thermal shock testing into one unit, eliminating the need for separate dedicated fixtures. This significantly reduces R&D, manufacturing, and maintenance costs, while also minimizing space requirements. Different functional modules can be quickly replaced, allowing operators to rapidly switch test types according to test needs, avoiding the time wasted by frequent fixture changes, greatly improving test efficiency, and shortening the R&D cycle of superconducting magnets.

[0051] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the main frame 1 includes a base plate 11, side plates, a transparent plate 15, and a top plate 17. The side plates and transparent plate 15 are arranged between the top plate 17 and the base plate 11, forming a sealed space. The top plate 17 is detachably fixed to the side plates and transparent plate 15, facilitating the opening and closing of the sealed space. The transparent plate 15 forms an observation section. Therefore, the main frame 1 has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, and is convenient for experimental operation and observation.

[0052] In some embodiments, the side panels include a left side panel 12, a right side panel 13, and a rear side panel 14; the left side panel 12 and the right side panel 13 are spaced apart from each other horizontally, and the transparent panel 15 and the rear side panel 14 are spaced apart front to back; the left side panel 12, the right side panel 13, the rear side panel 14, and the bottom panel 11 are all made of stainless steel, and the connection between the left side panel 12, the right side panel 13, the rear side panel 14, and the bottom panel 11 is welded; the transparent panel 15 is made of transparent acrylic material, and the connection between the transparent panel 15 and the left side panel 12, the right side panel 13, and the bottom panel 11 is plugged in; the inlet is located on the left side panel 12 and the outlet is located on the right side panel 13, or the inlet is located on the right side panel 13 and the outlet is located on the left side panel 12. Therefore, the main frame 1 has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, and is convenient for experimental operation and observation.

[0053] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 4As shown, the main frame 1 also includes a front upper crossbeam 16, which is made of stainless steel. The left and right ends of the front upper crossbeam 16 are welded and fixed to the front ends of the top edges of the left side plate 12 and the right side plate 13, respectively. Thus, the bottom plate 11, the left side plate 12, the right side plate 13, the rear side plate 14, and the front upper crossbeam 16 constitute the lower main frame. The top of the left side plate 12, the right side plate 13, the rear side plate 14, and the front upper crossbeam 16 are respectively provided with threaded holes, and the top plate 17 is provided with mounting holes corresponding to the threaded holes. The main frame 1 also includes a mounting threaded component 18, which is fixed in the corresponding mounting holes and threaded holes. By fixing the front upper crossbeam 16 between the front ends of the top edges of the left side plate 12 and the right side plate 13, the lower main frame structure becomes more stable, and at the same time, it can more stably support and fix the top plate 17.

[0054] In some embodiments, the left side plate 12 is provided with a left mounting groove 121, the right side plate 13 is provided with a right mounting groove 131, the bottom plate 11 is provided with a lower mounting groove 111, and the top plate 17 is provided with an upper mounting groove 171. The left, right, bottom, and top edges of the transparent plate 15 are respectively inserted into the left mounting groove 121, right mounting groove 131, lower mounting groove 111, and upper mounting groove 171. Since the material of the transparent plate 15 is different from that of the side plate, bottom plate 11, and top plate 17, it cannot be welded. By inserting the left, right, bottom, and top edges of the transparent plate 15 into the left mounting groove 121, right mounting groove 131, lower mounting groove 111, and upper mounting groove 171 respectively, it is convenient to install and fix the transparent plate 15. At the same time, it can also prevent the resin material injected into the sealed space from seeping out from the gap between the transparent plate 15 and the left side plate 12, right side plate 13, bottom plate 11, and top plate 17. The transparent panel 15 is located on the front side of the upper crossbeam 16, making assembly convenient.

[0055] In some embodiments, the top plate 17 is provided with an installation handle 172 to facilitate the handling of the top plate 17.

[0056] In some embodiments, the top plate 17 is provided with a downwardly protruding positioning protrusion 173, which is adapted to abut against the inner surfaces of the left side plate 12, right side plate 13, rear side plate 14, and front upper crossbeam 16, respectively. By providing the positioning protrusion 173 on the top plate 17, the top plate 17 can be easily and quickly placed on the top of the lower frame structure formed by the side plates, bottom plate 11, and front upper crossbeam 16, and the mounting holes and threaded holes can be aligned one-to-one.

[0057] In some embodiments, the gap filling verification module 2 is made of a corrosion-resistant alloy material. Since the thermal shock test module 3 comes into contact with the resin material during thermal shock testing and is used repeatedly, the thermal shock test module 3 made of a corrosion-resistant alloy material has good corrosion resistance, which improves the service life of the gap filling verification module 2.

[0058] The shape of the gap filling verification module 2 can be designed according to the experimental requirements, or it can be designed by imitating the actual structural components of the actual superconducting magnet. For example, the gap filling verification module 2 can be a cuboid shape, with multiple filling slots 22 distributed on the top, left and right sides of the gap filling verification module 2, but it is not limited to this.

[0059] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the thermal shock test module 3 includes a stainless steel body 32 and an insulating layer 33 covering the surface of the stainless steel body 32. The thermal shock test module 3 can be designed according to test requirements, and can be designed by imitating the actual structural components of a superconducting magnet. For example, a superconducting magnet has a trapezoidal cross-section with the top and sides connected by a transition arc, and is made of stainless steel and insulating material, with the stainless steel surface covered by the insulating material. Therefore, the thermal shock test module 3 can be designed as a trapezoid with a transition arc and a structure where the stainless steel body 32 is covered by the insulating layer 33. However, it is not limited to this design.

[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the inner surface of the side panel is provided with a vertically extending guide groove 141. Specifically, the rear side panel 14 is provided with a guide groove 141; the gap filling verification module 2 is provided with a first guide structure 21 that cooperates with the guide groove 141; the thermal shock test module 3 is provided with a second guide structure 31 that cooperates with the guide groove 141. Thus, assembly and disassembly are convenient.

[0061] In some embodiments, there are two guide grooves 141; correspondingly, the first guide structure 21 includes two first guide posts, which cooperate with the two guide grooves 141; the second guide structure 31 includes two second guide posts, which cooperate with the two guide grooves 141. Thus, the first guide structure 21 and the second guide structure 31 are simple and easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0062] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multifunctional tooling for filling gaps in superconducting magnets, characterized in that, include: The main frame defines an openable and closable enclosed space. The main frame has an inlet and an outlet communicating with the enclosed space on opposite sides. The main frame also has an observation section. An inlet valve and an outlet valve; the inlet valve and the outlet valve are respectively connected to the inlet and the outlet. A gap filling verification module is provided with a plurality of parallel and spaced filling grooves on its surface. The gap filling verification module is used to be placed in the sealed space during the gap filling verification test, and the extension direction of the plurality of filling grooves intersects with the direction from the inlet to the outlet. A thermal shock testing module, which is used to be placed in the sealed space during a thermal shock test; The main frame includes a bottom plate, side plates, a transparent plate, and a top plate. The side plates and the observation section are arranged between the top plate and the bottom plate, which are arranged vertically, to form the enclosed space. The top plate is detachably fixed to the side plates and the transparent plate, and the transparent plate forms the observation section. The inner surface of the side plate is provided with a vertically extending guide groove; the gap filling verification module is provided with a first guide structure that cooperates with the guide groove; the thermal shock test module is provided with a second guide structure that cooperates with the guide groove.

2. The multifunctional tooling for filling gaps in superconducting magnets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side panel includes a left side panel, a right side panel, and a rear side panel; the left side panel and the right side panel are spaced apart from each other horizontally, and the transparent panel and the rear side panel are spaced apart front to back; the connection between the left side panel, the right side panel, the rear side panel, and the bottom plate is welded, and the connection between the transparent panel and the left side panel, the right side panel, and the bottom plate is plugged in; the inlet is located on the left side panel and the outlet is located on the right side panel, or the inlet is located on the right side panel and the outlet is located on the left side panel.

3. The multifunctional tooling for superconducting magnet gap filling tests according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main frame also includes a front upper crossbeam, the left and right ends of which are welded and fixed to the front ends of the top edges of the left side plate and the right side plate, respectively; the top of the left side plate, the right side plate, the rear side plate and the front upper crossbeam are respectively provided with threaded holes, and the top plate is provided with mounting holes corresponding to the threaded holes; the main frame also includes a mounting threaded component, which is fixed in the corresponding mounting hole and the threaded hole.

4. The multifunctional tooling for filling gaps in superconducting magnets according to claim 3, characterized in that, The left side plate is provided with a left assembly slot, the right side plate is provided with a right assembly slot, the bottom plate is provided with a lower assembly slot, and the top plate is provided with an upper assembly slot. The left, right, bottom, and top edges of the transparent plate are respectively inserted into the left assembly slot, the right assembly slot, the lower assembly slot, and the upper assembly slot; the transparent plate is located on the front side of the front upper crossbeam.

5. The multifunctional tooling for filling gaps in superconducting magnets according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The top plate is equipped with an installation handle.

6. The multifunctional tooling for filling gaps in superconducting magnets according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The gap filling verification module is made of corrosion-resistant alloy material.

7. The multifunctional tooling for filling gaps in superconducting magnets according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The thermal shock test module includes a stainless steel body and an insulating layer covering the surface of the stainless steel body.

8. The multifunctional tooling for filling gaps in superconducting magnets according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two guide grooves; correspondingly, the first guide structure includes two first guide posts, which cooperate with the two guide grooves; the second guide structure includes two second guide posts, which cooperate with the two guide grooves.

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