Device for examining an atmosphere and use of the device
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for examining the atmosphere, such as those with cooling circuits or tempering gas systems, are complex and maintenance-intensive, making them poorly suited for field use in climate research.
Innovation Solution
A device with a cryocooler thermally coupled to the atmosphere analysis chamber provides efficient and low-maintenance cooling, using a Gifford-McMahon, pulse tube, or Stirling cryocooler, and featuring thermally conductive connections and a vacuum-insulated outer chamber for improved cooling performance and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooling circuit with cooling liquid circulation is used to cool the atmosphere analysis chamber, then cooling performance is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cooling function from the complex cooling circuit system and implements it through a cryocooler that is directly integrated with the atmosphere analysis chamber. The cryocooler is thermally coupled to the chamber wall, eliminating the need for separate cooling lines and heat exchangers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effective cooling performance
Solution Approach 2:
The cryocooler is merged with the atmosphere analysis chamber structure, where the cold head of the cryocooler is thermally coupled to a portion of the chamber wall. This integration combines the cooling function with the chamber structure itself, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system
2Temperature
If a cooling circuit with multiple components is used, then cooling capability is provided, but maintenance intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex cooling circuit components (cooling liquid lines, heat exchangers, cooling units) and replaces them with a self-contained cryocooler system that is thermally coupled to the atmosphere analysis chamber. This extraction eliminates multiple potential failure points and reduces maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The cryocooler is designed as a self-contained unit that provides cooling without requiring external cooling circuits or tempering gas systems. The integrated design allows the system to serve itself, reducing the need for external maintenance and intervention
3Device complexity
If a cryocooler is used instead of a cooling circuit, then device complexity is reduced and maintenance is minimized, but cooling performance must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The cryocooler's cold head is thermally coupled to a specific portion of the atmosphere analysis chamber wall, providing localized cooling where it is most needed. This targeted approach maintains effective cooling performance while using a simpler, more compact system compared to full-circuit cooling
4Temperature
If thermal insulation is improved by adding an outer chamber, then temperature control is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where an outer chamber surrounds the atmosphere analysis chamber. The cryocooler is positioned within the outer chamber, and the chamber walls provide thermal insulation. This nested arrangement enhances temperature control by isolating the cooling system from the external environment while integrating multiple functions within a compact structure
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 cryocooler enables reliable, space-saving, and low-maintenance cooling with high performance and extended operating temperature range, down to below -200°C, enhancing the device's effectiveness for atmospheric analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a cryocooler which is thermally coupled to the atmosphere analysis chamber for cooling the atmosphere analysis chamber
Implementation Method 2
The outer chamber can, for example, be arranged in a ring around the atmosphere analysis chamber
Implementation Method 3
The outer chamber is under negative pressure, in particular a vacuum
Implementation Method 4
The one or more thermally conductive compounds are preferably located within the outer chamber
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (52, 92) for examining an atmosphere, comprising an atmosphere analysis chamber (54) and a cryocooler (70), which is thermally coupled to the atmosphere analysis chamber (54) in order to cool the atmosphere analysis chamber (54). The invention further relates to the use of the device (52, 92) to examine an atmosphere, in particular the composition of an atmosphere.