Cryogen Delivery Support for Nm-Scale Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic cooling systems introduce vibrations that interfere with precise measurements due to fluid circulation and recycling, particularly at the nm-scale, which conventional dampening techniques fail to effectively mitigate.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system with a conduit supported by a clamp and weight configuration that dampens nm-scale vibrations, combined with mass dampeners and vibration-isolated components to reduce vibrations by over 99% before reaching the sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cryogen is circulated and recycled through the measurement system, then cooling efficiency is improved, but vibrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the vibration source (cryogen circulation system) from the measurement system. By using a separate cryogen delivery system that does not require circulation pumps or complex recycling infrastructure within the measurement chamber, the harmful vibrations are eliminated while cooling efficiency is maintained through direct cryogen application to the sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vibration isolation elements (flexible bellows, vibration isolation elements) as intermediaries between the cryogen delivery components and the measurement system. These intermediaries allow thermal coupling for efficient cooling while providing mechanical decoupling to prevent vibration transmission to the sample.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional vibration dampening techniques are used, then larger scale vibrations are reduced, but nm-scale vibrations remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies specialized vibration isolation design specifically at critical locations where nm-scale precision is required. By focusing vibration dampening efforts at the sample mounting point and cryogen delivery interface rather than throughout the entire system, the patent achieves nm-scale vibration reduction without requiring complex system-wide dampening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cryogen delivery system into isolated vibration zones. The sample chamber is mechanically separated from the cryogen delivery components using flexible bellows and vibration isolation elements, creating distinct vibration environments that allow precise control of vibrations at the measurement location.
3Productivity
If active components (pumps, compressors) are added for cryogen recycling, then cryogen circulation is improved, but vibration sources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes active circulation components (pumps, compressors) from the measurement system entirely. Instead of recycling cryogen through active circulation, the system uses passive cryogen delivery methods where liquid cryogen is introduced directly to the sample, allowing the cryogen to evaporate and be vented without requiring vibration-generating active components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs passive cryogen delivery where the cryogen system serves itself without external active components. Liquid cryogen is delivered through gravity or pressure differential, and the evaporation process naturally manages the cryogen without requiring pumps or compressors, thereby eliminating vibration sources while maintaining productivity.
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 system significantly reduces nm-scale vibrations by over 99%, ensuring precise measurements in vibration-sensitive environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first weight for dampening vibrations in the conduit, wherein the support dampens nm-scale vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system. The system includes a conduit configured to carry a cryogenic fluid to a cooling target and a support supporting the conduit. The support includes a first clamp for clamping the conduit in place and a first weight for dampening vibrations in the conduit, wherein the support dampens nm-scale vibrations.