Cryocooler and cryogenic system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryocooler systems lack an automatic mechanism to disconnect from an object to be cooled when the cooling capacity degrades, potentially leading to inefficient cooling and potential damage due to continued heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
A cryocooler system with a refrigerant gas chamber that, when the cooling capacity degrades, automatically moves the cooling stages away from the object to be cooled by increasing pressure, using a check valve and purge line to disconnect and reconnect as needed, eliminating the need for dedicated detectors or drive mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cryocooler continues to cool the object when cooling capacity degrades, then the thermal coupling is maintained, but the cooling efficiency decreases and potential damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the degraded cooling capacity itself as the trigger mechanism for disconnection. When the cryocooler fails to maintain proper cooling, the temperature rise causes thermal expansion or phase change in the thermal switch material, which automatically breaks the thermal coupling without requiring external detection or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection and actuation systems with a passive thermal switch that responds directly to temperature changes. The thermal switch uses material properties (thermal expansion, phase change) to automatically open or close thermal pathways based on the cooling status, eliminating the need for sensors, relays, and powered actuators.
2Reliability
If a thermal switch with power supply detection relay and raising and lowering device is used, then the cryocooler can be disconnected when not operated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal switch system is self-actuating based on thermal conditions. The material properties of the thermal switch (such as phase change materials or materials with high thermal expansion coefficients) cause automatic structural changes in response to temperature variations, eliminating the need for power supply detection relays, motors, or other active components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of automatic disconnection from the complex system of detectors and drive mechanisms, isolating it into a simple passive thermal switch component that responds directly to thermal conditions without requiring additional subsystems.
3Productivity
If the cooling stage remains in contact with the object to be cooled, then continuous cooling is maintained, but heat transfer continues during power failures or degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal switch provides automatic feedback-based control of the thermal coupling. When the cooling stage temperature rises above a threshold (indicating cooling failure or power loss), the thermal switch material undergoes a transformation that breaks the thermal pathway, automatically disconnecting the heat transfer path without external control.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal switch is designed to preemptively break the thermal coupling when temperature rises indicate cooling failure. This preliminary protective action prevents unwanted heat transfer from continuing during power failures or degradation before damage can occur to the cooled object.
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
Enables automatic disconnection and reconnection of the cryocooler, preventing further heat transfer and maintaining cooling efficiency, even in unforeseen situations like power failures, thereby protecting the object and extending its operational lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
movable in a detachment direction by raising a pressure of the refrigerant gas chamber
Implementation Method 2
a cooling stage cooling an object to be cooled disposed inside the vacuum container and movable from a cooling position in contact with the object to be cooled
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a cryocooler configured to be mountable on a vacuum container to cool a liquid refrigerant container. The cryocooler includes an attachment flange forming a refrigerant gas chamber between a mounting port of the vacuum container and the attachment flange when the cryocooler is mounted on the mounting port, and movable in a detachment direction by raising a pressure of the refrigerant gas chamber, and a cooling stage cooling an object to be cooled disposed inside the vacuum container and movable from a cooling position in contact with the object to be cooled to a non-cooling position separated from the object to be cooled in response to a movement of the attachment flange in the detachment direction. The refrigerant gas chamber is connected to the liquid refrigerant container.