Cryocooler and cryocooler pipe system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cryocoolers face reliability issues in maintaining operational continuity due to potential malfunctions or misoperations in the electric signal supply system for three-port switching valves, leading to inadequate refrigerant gas supply from standby compressors when the main compressor stops abnormally.
Innovation Solution
A cryocooler configuration with two compressors, where a high pressure line and low pressure line are equipped with check valves to ensure spontaneous switching and continuous operation without relying on electrical control, allowing refrigerant gas to flow between compressors and the cold head via merging and diverting portions, ensuring continuous cooling even when the main compressor fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a three-port switching valve with electric signal control is used to switch between main compressor and standby compressor, then the switching operation can be controlled, but the reliability of switching is not guaranteed due to possible malfunction or misoperation in the electric signal supply system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrically controlled three-port switching valve with a mechanical check valve system. The check valves automatically direct refrigerant flow based on pressure differential without requiring electric signals. When the main compressor stops, the pressure change automatically causes the check valves to switch the refrigerant path to the standby compressor, eliminating reliance on electric control systems and their associated failure modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve system performs automatic switching based on the inherent pressure differential created by compressor operation. The system uses its own operational state (pressure changes) to trigger the switching action, requiring no external control signals or additional energy input for the switching function itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a three-port switching valve is used to connect standby compressor to cryocooler, then switching capability is provided, but refrigerant gas supply may be interrupted when switching fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrically controlled three-port switching valve with a mechanical check valve system. The check valves automatically direct refrigerant flow based on pressure differential without requiring electric signals. When the main compressor stops, the pressure change automatically causes the check valves to switch the refrigerant path to the standby compressor, eliminating reliance on electric control systems and their associated failure modes.
3Reliability
If two compressors are provided for one cryocooler with a three-port switching valve, then operational continuity can be improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex electrically controlled three-port switching valve from the system. Instead, it uses simple check valves that are inherently part of the refrigerant distribution manifold, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the dual-compressor redundancy for operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the switching function into the existing refrigerant distribution manifold by incorporating check valves directly into the manifold structure. This eliminates the need for a separate three-port switching valve component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational continuity through dual-compressor capability.
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
This configuration ensures reliable operation of the cryocooler by allowing automatic switching between compressors, maintaining the desired cooling temperature and reducing manufacturing costs through the use of general-purpose check valves.
Implementation Method 1
a first check valve and a second check valve... a third check valve and a fourth check valve
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a cryocooler including a first compressor, a second compressor, a cold head that has a high pressure port and a low pressure port, a high pressure line that is configured such that a refrigerant gas is able to flow from the first compressor and the second compressor to the high pressure port of the cold head via a merging portion, the high pressure line including a first high pressure sub-line and a second high pressure sub-line, and a low pressure line that is configured such that the refrigerant gas is able to flow from the low pressure port of the cold head to the first compressor and the second compressor via a diverting portion, the low pressure line including a first low pressure sub-line and a second low pressure sub-line.