Cryocooler Mass Isolation Assembly for Vibration Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryocoolers used in variable temperature analytical instruments often experience vibrations that can significantly impact sample analysis, as existing technologies fail to effectively isolate mechanical responses and reduce vibrations effectively.
Innovation Solution
The cryocooler assemblies incorporate a first mass and a second mass with an assembly allowing movement between them, utilizing spring and damper assemblies to suspend and engage the masses, creating a low pass filter effect that purposefully mismatches resonance frequencies and attenuates vibrations through pressure differentials and sealing structures like O-rings, thereby reducing mechanical energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cryocooler is used to vary temperature in analytical instruments, then temperature control capability is improved, but vibrations are generated that impact sample analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The cryocooler assembly is divided into separate mass components (first mass and second mass) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the system to isolate vibrational movements in one mass from the sample analysis environment, reducing the harmful effects of vibrations while maintaining temperature control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
An assembly is introduced as an intermediary between the first mass and second mass, allowing controlled movement and interaction between them. This intermediary structure enables the system to accommodate mechanical responses and vibrations in the first mass while maintaining stable thermal contact with the second mass, thereby reducing vibration transmission to the sample.
2Power
If mechanical responses are generated in the cryocooler, then cooling function is maintained, but mechanical energy transfers to the sample causing analysis errors
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful mechanical energy and vibrations are extracted or isolated from the main cooling system by allowing the first mass to move independently. The assembly between the masses enables the mechanical responses to be contained and dissipated separately, preventing this mechanical energy from transferring to the sample while the cooling function continues to operate effectively.
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 effectively reduces vibrations, ensuring stable temperature variations and improving the accuracy of sample analysis by minimizing mechanical energy transfer to the sample, thus enhancing the performance of cryocooler systems in analytical instruments.
Implementation Method 1
The assembly can include a spring and damper assembly
Implementation Method 2
The assembly can include a spring and damper assembly
Implementation Method 3
pressure differential between an interior and an exterior of the chamber can suspend the chamber
Implementation Method 4
sealing structures like O-rings
Data Source
AI summary
Cryocooler assemblies are provided that can include: a first mass configured to generate mechanical responses; a second mass operably engaged with the first mass; and an assembly between the first and second mass, the assembly configured to allow movement of the first mass in relation to the second mass. Methods for isolating mechanical responses within a cryocooler assembly are provided. The methods can include: generating a mechanical response about a first mass within a cryocooler assembly; suspending the first mass in relation to a second mass of the assembly; and operatively engaging the second mass as a cold source for the cryocooler assembly.