Cryocooled Sample Housing Layout for Vibration Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for low-temperature microscopy face challenges in isolating cryocooled samples from vibration and maintaining a steady sample temperature, as previous solutions have not provided a reliable method for vibration isolation while maintaining temperature stability.

Innovation Solution

A modular system with a cryocooled sample housing and optics bench configuration, using spring-damping supports and flexible thermal links made of oxygen annealed copper, which separates the cryocooler and sample housing, allowing for optical access from multiple angles and temperature control, and reduces thermal fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the cryocooler is directly connected to the sample housing, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the sample is subjected to vibrations from the cryocooler

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidvibration

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces flexible thermal straps as an intermediary component between the cryocooler and sample housing. These straps provide thermal coupling for efficient cooling while mechanically isolating the sample from vibrations generated by the cryocooler, thus resolving the contradiction between cooling efficiency and vibration reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into separate modules: the cryocooler unit and the sample housing unit, connected by flexible thermal straps. This segmentation allows the cooling function to be separated from the sample mounting function, enabling independent optimization of thermal performance and vibration isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the cryocooler and sample housing are integrated into a single unit, then the structural complexity is reduced, but the ability to isolate vibrations is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidvibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible thermal straps serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide thermal coupling for efficient heat transfer, mechanical flexibility to accommodate misalignment, and vibration isolation to protect the sample. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If rigid thermal links are used to connect the cryocooler to the sample, then the heat removal capacity is maximized, but the thermal fluctuations from the cryocooler are transmitted to the sample

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat removal capacityVSAvoidtemperature stability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible thermal straps with a thin-film structure that provides high thermal conductivity for effective heat removal while the flexible nature of the straps dampens and isolates thermal fluctuations and mechanical vibrations from reaching the sample, thus maintaining temperature stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Temperature

If the sample is mounted close to the cryocooler axis, then the thermal coupling is improved, but the optical access is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal couplingVSAvoidoptical access

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the sample mounting position from the cryocooler axis to an off-axis location. This dimensional change in positioning allows optical access from multiple directions (top, bottom, sides) while the flexible thermal straps maintain effective thermal coupling between the cryocooler and sample despite the increased distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 isolates the sample from cryocooler vibrations, maintains low temperature stability, and allows for temperature control from 4 Kelvin to 300 Kelvin without turning off the cryocooler, while reducing thermal fluctuations and maintaining high heat removal capacity.

Implementation Method 1

spring-damping supports and connected to the sample chamber by highly conductive small cross-section flexible thermal straps

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring-damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

highly conductive small cross-section flexible thermal straps

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a small diameter flexible bellows which is opposed by a second bellows opposite the cryocooler so there is no net force on the cryocooler assembly resulting from the pressure differential caused by the hermetic sealing bellows under vacuum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS8746008B1Low vibration cryocooled system for low temperature microscopy and spectroscopy applications

Publication Date: 2014.06.10 MONTANA INSTRUMENTS CORP

AI summary

A vertical support rigidly mounted to a planar base positions and supports a cryocooler expander unit off axis and away from a sample to be examined. The sample support is likewise rigidly mounted to the planar base with a rigidly mounted sample housing therein. The cryocooler expander unit is suspended in the vertical support by spring dampening bearings. A pair of opposing flexible vacuum bellows connects the cryocooler expander unit to the sample housing and vertical support. This configuration isolates the sample from vibration. Flexible thermal links associated with an predictive electronic closed loop control sequence maintains sample temperature.