Cryocooler Assemblies and Methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryocoolers used in variable temperature analytical instruments often experience vibrations that can significantly impact sample analysis, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed.
Innovation Solution
A cryocooler assembly and method that includes a first mass operatively engaged with a pumphouse to generate mechanical responses, a second mass suspended relative to the first mass, and an assembly allowing movement between the masses to reduce vibrations, along with thermally conductive masses engaged with a cryofluid to provide a cold source, utilizing spring and damper assemblies to attenuate vibrations and maintain thermal engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cryocooler is used to cool samples to low Kelvin temperatures, then cooling 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, second mass, third mass) that are independently suspended from each other. This segmentation allows each mass to be isolated and controlled separately, enabling vibration reduction while maintaining cooling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Spring and damper assemblies are introduced as intermediary elements between the masses and the housing. These intermediaries absorb and dampen mechanical vibrations generated by the cryocooler, preventing them from transmitting to the sample analysis apparatus while allowing the cooling function to operate effectively.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If masses are suspended to reduce vibrations, then vibration isolation is improved, but thermal engagement may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal engagement function is extracted from the mechanical suspension system. Thermally conductive masses are specifically engaged with the cryofluid to provide cold sources, while separate spring and damper assemblies handle the vibration isolation. This separation ensures that vibration reduction does not compromise thermal engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly uses composite structures combining materials with different properties - spring and damper materials for vibration isolation, and thermally conductive materials for heat transfer. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of vibration isolation and thermal engagement.
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 solution effectively reduces vibrations and maintains thermal control, enhancing the accuracy of sample analysis by isolating mechanical responses and providing stable cold sources within the cryocooler assembly.
Implementation Method 1
spring and damper assemblies to attenuate vibrations
Implementation Method 2
spring and damper assemblies to attenuate vibrations
Implementation Method 3
thermally conductive masses thermally engaged with the cryofluid
Data Source
AI summary
Cryocooler assemblies are provided that can include: a first mass operatively engaged with a pumphouse 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.Assemblies can include a coldhead operatively engaged with a chamber configured to retain cryofluid; and a first thermally conductive mass thermally engaged with the cryofluid.Methods can include: generating a mechanical response about a first mass within a cryocooler assembly operatively engaged with a pumphouse; suspending the second mass in relation to the first mass of the assembly; and operatively engaging the second mass as a cold source for a sample chamber.Additional methods can include operatively engaging at least cryofluid of a cryocooler with one or more thermally conductive masses.