Conical Annular Support for Superconducting Magnet Shield Coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods struggle to efficiently and cost-effectively support shield coils in superconducting magnets, particularly in lightweight designs requiring fast cooldown times, without causing deformation or stress concentrations due to electromagnetic loading.
Innovation Solution
The use of conical annular supports attached to both the main magnet assembly and shield coils, providing continuous circumferential support that minimizes deformation and stress concentrations, while maintaining structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional support methods are used for shield coils, then structural support is provided, but deformation and stress concentrations occur due to electromagnetic loading
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from conventional discrete point supports to a continuous annular support that spans the radial dimension between inner and outer coils. This dimensional change provides support along the entire circumference of the shield coil, distributing electromagnetic loads uniformly and preventing localized deformation while maintaining coil positioning accuracy.
2Weight of moving object
If lightweight structures are used to reduce cold-mass, then cooldown time is reduced, but inherent stiffness decreases causing excessive distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure utilizes composite construction combining thin-walled annular forms with strategic reinforcement elements. This allows the overall structure to remain lightweight for fast cooldown while providing sufficient local stiffness to prevent excessive distortion under electromagnetic loading. The composite approach enables optimization of both weight and stiffness properties simultaneously.
3Loss of time
If thin coils are used to minimize cold-mass, then cooldown time is reduced, but the coils become more susceptible to deformation under load
Solution Approach 1:
The thin shield coil is mediated by the continuous annular support structure that spans between the inner main coil and outer shield coil. This intermediary support distributes mechanical loads along the entire circumference of the thin coil, preventing stress concentrations that would cause deformation. The annular support acts as a force-distributing element that protects the thin coil while maintaining the lightweight design.
4Device complexity
If discrete point supports are used for shield coils, then structure is simpler, but concentrated mechanical loading causes coil deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous annular support is segmented into discrete structural elements arranged circumferentially around the shield coil. This segmentation provides continuous support coverage while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. The segmented structure distributes loads uniformly around the entire circumference, preventing concentrated loading at discrete points and maintaining coil uniformity without requiring overly complex continuous structures.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A superconducting magnet assembly comprising an main magnet assembly (10) comprising at least one annular coil (12) arranged about an axis, and at least one shield coil (16), of greater diameter than the main magnet assembly (10), arranged about the axis. At least one support (20; 60) is provided, attached to the shield coil (16) and to the main magnet assembly (10).