Testing environment for cryogenic chamber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cryogenic cooling systems face challenges in minimizing vibration, especially in ultra-high vacuum environments where precise temperature control and low vibration are crucial for applications like quantum computing, MRI, and MEG.

Innovation Solution

A cryogenic cooling system with a closed circuit helium cooling system and a thermal braiding system that includes an inner cooling ring and an outer ring, along with low thermal conductivity legs, to maintain the experimental payload at a specific temperature range while reducing vibration through a vibration gap between the cryocooler and the payload.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a cryogenic cooling system is used to maintain low temperatures, then temperature control is improved, but vibration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidvibration
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a vibration isolation platform as an intermediary component between the cryogenic cooling system and the experimental payload. This platform absorbs and dampens vibrations generated by the cooling system before they can affect the payload, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining low temperatures and minimizing vibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent separates the vibration source (cryogenic cooling system) from the sensitive component (experimental payload) by placing the cooling system on an isolated platform. This extraction of the harmful vibration source from the payload's immediate environment allows temperature control to be maintained without transmitting harmful vibrations to the experiment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Use of energy by moving object

If thermal conductivity is increased to improve heat transfer, then cooling efficiency is improved, but temperature stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different thermal conductivity properties to different parts of the system. The cryogenic cooling system uses high thermal conductivity materials for efficient heat removal, while the payload mounting structure uses low thermal conductivity materials to maintain temperature stability. This localized differentiation of thermal properties resolves the contradiction between cooling efficiency and temperature stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If vibration isolation is enhanced to reduce vibrations, then payload stability is improved, but thermal coupling deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration reductionVSAvoidthermal coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration isolation platform serves as a thermal intermediary that maintains adequate thermal coupling between the cryogenic cooling system and the payload while simultaneously providing vibration isolation. The platform's material properties and design allow it to conduct necessary heat while dampening mechanical vibrations, thus resolving the contradiction between vibration reduction and thermal coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively maintains the payload at cryogenic temperatures with reduced vibration, enabling precise control for applications such as quantum computing, MRI, and MEG by using a closed circuit helium cooling system and thermal braiding to manage heat transfer and minimize vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

the closed circuit cooling system conducts heats away from the experimental payload

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

one or more thermal braids configured to transfer heat between the cryocooler and the experimental payload

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

The cryogenic system defines a vibration gap between the cryocooler and the experimental payload

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration isolation: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3901543A1Testing environment for cryogenic chamber
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 QUANTINUUM LLC
  • EP3901543A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3901543A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3901543A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An experimental payload and cryogenic system are provided. An experimental payload including a cryogenic chamber is provided. The cryogenic chamber includes an action chamber configured to be cryogenically cooled to an action temperature. The cryogenic chamber also includes an inner cooling ring cooled via an internal braiding system. The inner cooling ring is configured to operate at a first temperature. The cryogenic chamber further includes an outer ring in communication with the inner cooling ring. The outer ring is configured to absorb heat from the experimental payload. The outer ring defines a second temperature that is greater than the first temperature. The cryogenic chamber also includes a plurality of legs operably coupled to the cryogenic chamber at a top end of each leg. The legs are characterized by a low thermal conductivity and the experimental payload is configured to be attached to a base of a cryocooler.