Cryogenic Dewar Passive Stabilization and Vapor Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic storage systems face issues with liquid or gas evaporation and spillage during transportation due to tilting or overturning of dewars, leading to inefficiencies and reduced storage duration.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic storage system featuring a polymeric enclosure that allows the dewar to freely rotate and stabilize passively, with a spherical design and center of gravity placement to maintain an upright position, combined with a vapor plug and electronic monitoring for temperature and orientation, reducing evaporation and spillage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the dewar is designed with an opening to allow gas escape during cryogenic storage, then pressure buildup is prevented, but liquid or gas evaporation and spillage occurs during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
A valve mechanism serves as an intermediary between the sealed dewar interior and the external environment. The valve controls gas release pressure while preventing liquid or gas spillage during transportation, resolving the contradiction between pressure control and substance loss prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the opening mechanism - remaining closed during transportation to prevent spillage, and opening selectively during storage to control gas escape. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by adapting the opening state to different operational phases
2Stability of the object's composition
If the dewar is fixed in position within the enclosure, then stability is maintained, but the dewar cannot rotate freely to stabilize passively and maintain upright position during tilting or overturning
Solution Approach 1:
The dewar is designed with dynamic freedom to rotate on a pivot point rather than being fixed. This allows the dewar to actively respond to tilting forces by rotating to maintain an upright position, resolving the contradiction between stability and passive stabilization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism combines the functions of support and rotation control into a single structure. The pivot point provides both structural support for stability and enables rotational movement for passive stabilization, resolving the contradiction between fixed position and rotation freedom
3Ease of operation
If the dewar is allowed to rotate freely within the enclosure, then passive stabilization and upright position maintenance is improved, but friction and impact during rotation may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is designed with cushioning elements that anticipate and absorb impact forces during dewar rotation. This beforehand cushioning reduces the actual impact forces experienced during rotation, resolving the contradiction between rotation freedom and impact reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism acts as an intermediary between the dewar and the enclosure walls. It mediates the rotational motion by providing a controlled axis of rotation with minimal friction, reducing both friction and impact forces during the stabilization process
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 system effectively minimizes evaporation and spillage by maintaining the dewar upright, extending storage duration and improving access, while reducing friction and impact protection.
Implementation Method 1
a spherical dewar configured to freely rotate and stabilize passively within the enclosure
Implementation Method 2
The dewar may be a double-walled metal or glass flask that has a vacuum between the walls. This provides thermal insulation between the walls.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, apparatus, and device, for a cryogenic storage system that stores and/or transports a liquid or gas at a temperature below ambient temperature. The cryogenic storage system has an enclosure assembly. The cryogenic storage system has a dewar that is positioned within the enclosure assembly. The enclosure assembly may comprise be configured to provide little to no friction between the dewar and the enclosure assembly. The enclosure assembly may be configured for shock absorption and/or vibration damping for the dewar during transferring of the cryogenic storage system.