Cryogenic Analytical Systems and Methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic analytical systems face inefficiencies in controlling cryogenic fluid flow, leading to reduced cooling power and increased temperature due to large cryogenic valves and thermal communication with warmer components, which complicates rapid cooling and warming processes.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a pressure control component operably engaged with the cryogenic fluid source to regulate the pressure of the cryogenic fluid, allowing for variable mass flow rates and temperature control through a cryogenic fluid thermal conduit, enabling rapid cooling and warming by adjusting the pressure within the cryogenic fluid source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cryogenic valves are used to control cryogenic fluid flow, then flow control is achieved, but device size increases and cooling power is reduced due to thermal communication with warmer components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow control function from traditional cryogenic valves and relocates it to a pressure control component positioned remotely from the cold stage. This separates the thermal management function (maintaining low temperature) from the flow control function, eliminating the need for large thermal-mass valves at the cold end and preserving cooling power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressure as an intermediary parameter to control cryogenic fluid flow. Instead of directly controlling flow rate at the cold stage, a pressure control component regulates the pressure of cryogenic fluid in the storage dewar, which indirectly controls the flow rate through the thermal conduit. This intermediary approach allows flow control without thermal communication between the control mechanism and the cold stage.
2Speed
If higher flow rates of cryogenic fluid are used, then cooling power increases for rapid cooldown, but warmup time increases due to residual fluid and heat capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of cryogenic fluid flow by varying the pressure setting of the pressure control component. During cooldown, higher pressure differential drives faster flow rates for rapid cooling. During warmup, lower pressure differential reduces flow rates, allowing faster temperature increase. This dynamic adjustment of flow rates based on operational phase resolves the trade-off between cooldown speed and warmup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the cryogenic fluid system by controlling pressure rather than flow rate directly. By adjusting the pressure of cryogenic fluid in the storage dewar, the system can rapidly transition between high flow rates (for cooldown) and low flow rates (for warmup), optimizing both cooldown and warmup performance without the inertia associated with traditional valve-based flow control.
3Ease of operation
If pressure control component is used to regulate cryogenic fluid pressure, then flow rate control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control component serves multiple functions: it controls the pressure of cryogenic fluid in the storage dewar, regulates the flow rate through the thermal conduit, and can be positioned remotely from the cold stage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate flow control valves at the cold end, simplifying the overall system design despite the addition of the pressure control component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cryogenic valve system (with moving parts, seals, and thermal mass) with a pressure control component that operates on the cryogenic fluid pressure. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical flow control mechanisms from the cold stage and replaces them with a simpler pressure regulation approach, reducing device complexity overall.
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 approach enhances cooling power and efficiency by allowing precise temperature regulation of analysis components, achieving faster cooldown and warmup times while minimizing heat input, thus overcoming the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure control component operably engaged with the cryofluid source
Implementation Method 2
Cryogenic fluids, including liquid and/or gaseous helium or nitrogen, are commonly used as sources to remove heat from a component to thereby reduce the temperature of the component
Implementation Method 3
By controlling the rate at which the cryogenic fluid is delivered to the analysis component, one can affect it's rate of cooling
Data Source
AI summary
Cryogenic analytical systems are provided that can include: a cryogenic fluid source; one or more analysis components; at least one cryogenic thermal conduit operably coupled between the cryogenic fluid source and the one or more analysis components; and a pressure control component operably engaged with the cryofluid source. Methods for performing cryogenic analysis are provided. The methods can include adjusting the pressure of cryofluid within a cryogenic fluid source to configure one or more analysis components with a cryogenic temperature. Methods for configuring a cryogenic analytical system to perform cryogenic analysis are also provided. The methods can include: increasing the pressure within a cryogenic fluid source to rapidly cool one or more analysis components to a first temperature; and decreasing the pressure within the cryogenic fluid source to reduce the first temperature of the one or more analysis components.