Flexible Mounting Band Support for Superconducting Coil Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support structures for superconducting coils are inadequate in minimizing mass and material consumption while providing reliable support for thin, flexible coils that are subjected to axial loading and require uniform mechanical support to prevent deformation.
Innovation Solution
A flexible mounting band attached to the radially outer surface of the coil, extending axially and providing continuous or near-continuous support around the coil's circumference, with multiple attachment points to a stiff support structure to avoid stress concentrations and mechanical point loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rigid support structures are used, then mechanical strength and stability are improved, but mass and material consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible mounting band made of thin-walled cylindrical structure that provides mechanical support while minimizing mass. The band wraps around the coil assembly and attaches to the support structure, distributing loads continuously rather than through discrete rigid supports. This flexible film approach maintains structural integrity while dramatically reducing the mass of the support system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting band utilizes composite construction combining thin-walled cylindrical geometry with strategic reinforcement ribs. This composite structure provides the necessary mechanical strength to handle axial forces and thermal expansion while keeping the overall mass minimal. The reinforcement ribs are positioned to provide structural support only where needed, avoiding unnecessary material in other regions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid coil formers are used, then coil stability is improved, but mass and cooling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rigid coil formers, the patent uses a flexible mounting band that conforms to the coil assembly. This flexible band provides stability by distributing mechanical loads uniformly around the coil circumference, preventing deformation during operation. The flexibility allows the band to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction without imposing rigid constraints that would increase cold mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting band is designed to be dynamically adaptable rather than statically rigid. It can flex and deform elastically in response to thermal expansion, axial forces, and coil movement during operation. This dynamic behavior maintains coil stability while avoiding the need for heavy rigid formers that would increase cold mass and complicate cooling requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If discrete mounting points are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but coil deformation increases due to point loading
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible mounting band provides continuous support around the entire circumference of the coil assembly, eliminating discrete mounting points that would create stress concentrations. The band wraps continuously around the coil, distributing mechanical loads uniformly along its length. This continuous support prevents localized deformation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a single integrated band structure rather than multiple discrete mounts.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin-walled flexible band naturally distributes loads through its continuous structure, preventing point loading effects. The flexibility of the thin film allows it to conform to the coil shape and distribute stresses uniformly, preventing deformation at mounting locations while maintaining ease of manufacture through a simple wrap-around construction.
4Force
If heavy support structures are used, then axial force resistance is improved, but transport costs and material consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible mounting band resists axial forces through its continuous wrap-around structure and elastic properties rather than through heavy rigid supports. The band can accommodate axial compression and tension forces while maintaining its structural integrity, eliminating the need for material-intensive rigid support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite construction of the mounting band with strategic reinforcement provides high axial force resistance relative to its low mass. The reinforcement ribs are positioned to handle compressive and tensile loads efficiently, allowing the band to resist axial forces while consuming minimal material compared to conventional heavy support structures.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly of supported superconducting coils may include support structure including a flexible mounting band attached to a surface of a coil and which extends axially beyond the radially outer surface of the coil. The flexible mounting band may be attached to a support structure at multiple locations. The coil may be attached to one or more other coils by the flexible mounting band.