Connecting Device for Particle Accelerators With Spring-Based Electrical Link

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Solution Overview

Problem

Generic connecting devices in synchrotrons and particle accelerators face challenges in compensating for thermal displacements and changes in length while maintaining minimal deflection of electrically charged particle beams, as existing solutions do not adequately ensure continuous electrical conductivity and constant cross-sectional area within the line cavity during relative flange movements.

Innovation Solution

A connecting device featuring a line element with annular or helical springs, movably mounted within or on connection elements, and surrounded by a bellows, which maintains a constant cross-sectional area and ensures optimal electrical conductivity even with longitudinal and transverse displacements, using a bellows for flange connection and allowing for torsional movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the flanges are connected with a bellows to allow relative displacement, then the device can compensate for thermal displacements and changes in length, but the electrical conductivity between flanges may be interrupted or compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompensation for thermal displacementsVSAvoidelectrical conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The line element is designed with movable mounting in the connection elements, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and maintain electrical contact despite relative flange movements. The line element can move axially and radially within the connection elements, ensuring continuous electrical conductivity while accommodating thermal displacements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The line element serves as an intermediary component between the first and second flanges, providing a flexible electrical connection path. Through the movable mounting and spring elements, the line element mediates the electrical connection while allowing mechanical displacement, thus maintaining both conductivity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the flanges are rigidly connected to ensure electrical conductivity, then reliable electrical connection is maintained, but the device cannot compensate for thermal displacements and changes in length

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidcompensation for thermal displacements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between flanges is made dynamic through the movable mounting of the line element and the inclusion of annular or helical springs. These elements allow the connection to adapt to thermal displacements while maintaining electrical contact, transforming a rigid connection into a flexible but reliable electrical pathway.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connection parameters are optimized through the movable mounting arrangement, which allows the line element to change its position and orientation in response to thermal variations. This parameter adjustment ensures continuous electrical conductivity while accommodating dimensional changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the line cavity cross-sectional area changes during flange displacement, then the connecting device can accommodate movement, but the electrically charged particle beams are deflected or negatively influenced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflange displacement accommodationVSAvoidparticle beam deflection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The line element is designed with specific local qualities - the movable mounting allows displacement accommodation at the connection points while the central line cavity maintains a constant cross-sectional area. This localized differentiation enables movement compensation without affecting the particle beam passage quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting device is segmented into distinct functional zones: the connection elements with movable mounting for electrical connection and displacement accommodation, and the line cavity section with constant cross-section for particle beam transmission. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its function independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If the line element is rigidly mounted in connection elements, then electrical conductivity is ensured, but the device cannot accommodate relative flange movements without disrupting the line cavity geometry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidflange movement accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The line element's mounting is changed from rigid to dynamic through movable mounting in the connection elements. This allows the line element to move with the flanges while maintaining electrical contact, accommodating relative movements without compromising conductivity or line cavity geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The annular or helical springs in the connection elements provide beforehand cushioning for the line element, allowing it to move smoothly during flange displacement. This pre-configured flexibility ensures continuous electrical contact while accommodating movements that would otherwise disrupt the rigid connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 effectively compensates for thermal and other displacements without deflecting or negatively influencing the electrically charged particle beams, ensuring continuous electrical conductivity and maintaining the line cavity's cross-sectional area, thus stabilizing the particle beam passage.

Implementation Method 1

the line element having at least one annular spring or at least has or consists of a coil spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

such connecting devices serve to compensate for thermally or otherwise caused displacements and changes in length

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP4188040A1Connecting device
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 VAT HOLDING AG
  • EP4188040A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4188040A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4188040A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Connecting device (1) for a conduit system for conveying charged particles, wherein the connecting device (1) comprises a first flange (2) and a second flange (4) and a bellows (6), wherein the first flange (2) and the second flange (4) are connected to each other by means of the bellows (6), and the first flange (2) and the second flange (4) are movable relative to each other in a longitudinal direction (7) and in at least one transverse direction (8) angled thereto to compensate for displacements in the conduit system, wherein a conduit element (10) is arranged within the bellows (6) which electrically connects the flanges (2, 4) to each other, wherein the conduit element (10) is movably mounted in or on connection elements (13, 14) of the two flanges (2, 4) and/or wherein the conduit element (10) comprises or consists of at least one ring spring (15) or at least one helical spring (16).