Cryocooler and method for operating cryocooler

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-system cryocoolers face performance deterioration when the pressure switching valves of multiple cryocoolers operate synchronously, and existing solutions require an inverter to achieve asynchronous operation.

Innovation Solution

A cryocooler system comprising a compressor, multiple cold heads connected in parallel, a pressure sensor, and a controller that acquires individual pressure waveform data from each cold head to operate them asynchronously.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple cryocoolers operate simultaneously with synchronized valve timing, then system coordination is simplified, but refrigerating performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem coordinationVSAvoidrefrigerating performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by operating multiple cryocoolers with different cycle frequencies. The controller adjusts the operation cycles of each cryocooler so that their pressure switching valve operations are asynchronous, creating non-coincident periodic actions that maintain good refrigerating performance while avoiding synchronous valve timing conflicts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If an inverter is added to each cryocooler to achieve asynchronous operation, then refrigerating performance is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefrigerating performanceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a single controller to perform multiple functions: it controls the compressors of multiple cryocoolers, monitors pressure waveforms from multiple sensors, determines operation timing for multiple units, and adjusts cycle frequencies to achieve asynchronous operation. This eliminates the need for individual inverters in each cryocooler, reducing device complexity while maintaining refrigerating performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a central controller as an intermediary that coordinates between multiple cryocoolers. This controller receives pressure waveform data from multiple pressure sensors, analyzes the data to determine optimal operation timing, and controls the compressors to achieve asynchronous operation. The intermediary controller simplifies the overall system by centralizing control functions rather than requiring complex inversion mechanisms in each individual cryocooler.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If pressure switching valves operate simultaneously, then system synchronization is maintained, but harmful pressure fluctuations increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem synchronizationVSAvoidpressure fluctuations
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic action with different periods for each cryocooler to avoid simultaneous valve operations. By adjusting the operation cycles so that pressure switching valves open and close at different times within their respective periodic cycles, the system maintains stable operation while preventing harmful pressure fluctuations that would occur with synchronized valve timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4361527B1Cryocooler and method for operating cryocooler
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 SUMITOMO HEAVY IND LTD
  • EP4361527B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4361527B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4361527B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided a new technology which can operate a plurality of cold heads (14) at the same time asynchronously. A cryocooler 10 includes: a compressor 12; a plurality of cold heads 14 connected in parallel to the compressor 12; a pressure sensor 48 that measures a pressure of a working gas on a supply side from the compressor 12 to the plurality of cold heads 14 or on a collection side from the plurality of cold heads 14 to the compressor 12; and a controller 50 that acquires individual pressure waveform data measured by the pressure sensor 48 when the cold heads 14 are individually operated for each of the plurality of cold heads 14, and operates the plurality of cold heads 14 at the same time asynchronously based on the individual pressure waveform data.