Cryogenic cooling apparatus and connecting structure for superconducting device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic cooling apparatuses face challenges in maintaining a stable cryogenic state without releasing the vacuum state when sensors, such as temperature sensors, need to be repaired or exchanged, as this process disrupts the entire system and allows external air and moisture to enter.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic cooling apparatus with a sensor port and purge port configuration that allows for the quick separation and installation of sensors without releasing the vacuum state of the entire system, using inert gas or sound pressure to prevent external contamination and facilitate maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the temperature sensor is installed on the surface of the refrigerant container to measure temperature, then the temperature measurement function is achieved, but when the sensor needs repair or replacement, the entire vacuum state must be released, causing system disruption and contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum container is segmented into multiple sealed compartments, with each compartment containing a specific sensor. This allows individual sensor maintenance without affecting the entire vacuum system. The sensor ports provide access to specific compartments while maintaining vacuum integrity in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor ports serve as intermediary structures that allow sensor installation and removal without direct breach of the vacuum seal. The purge ports act as intermediaries to introduce inert gas for pressure equalization during sensor maintenance, preventing direct exposure of the vacuum interior to atmospheric conditions.
2Ease of repair
If the vacuum state is released to repair or exchange the temperature sensor, then the sensor can be accessed for maintenance, but external air and moisture enter the system, requiring complete re-vacuumization
Solution Approach 1:
Inert gas is introduced through purge ports to create an inert atmosphere in the sensor port region during maintenance operations. This prevents atmospheric air and moisture from entering the vacuum container interior, allowing sensor removal and installation without contamination of the vacuum environment.
Solution Approach 2:
Inert gas is introduced through purge ports before sensor removal to equalize pressure and prevent vacuum collapse. This preliminary action prepares the system for safe sensor maintenance while maintaining vacuum integrity in the main container.
3Reliability
If the entire vacuum system is re-vacuumized after sensor maintenance, then the vacuum state is restored, but the time and effort required are proportional to the system size
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is divided into isolated compartments with individual vacuum seals. Only the specific compartment requiring sensor maintenance needs to be re-vacuumized, rather than the entire system. This dramatically reduces re-vacuumization time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor maintenance function is extracted from the main vacuum system through dedicated sensor ports and compartments. This allows sensor replacement without disrupting the main vacuum environment, eliminating the need for complete system re-vacuumization.
4Measurement precision
If direct temperature measurement of the refrigerant is attempted, then accurate temperature data is obtained, but thermal invasion through connection wires occurs and installation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant container surface serves as an intermediary medium for temperature measurement. Instead of directly inserting sensors into the refrigerant (which would cause thermal conduction through wires), the sensor measures the container surface temperature, which thermally couples to the refrigerant temperature without requiring direct refrigerant-sensor contact.
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 rapid and efficient maintenance of sensors within the cryogenic cooling apparatus without compromising the vacuum state, maintaining the superconductivity condition and reducing the time and costs associated with system re-vacuumization.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum container (2400) covering the refrigerant container (2300) to vacuum insulate the refrigerant container (2300)
Implementation Method 2
a purge port configured to supply an inert gas into the sensor port or apply sound pressure into the sensor port
Implementation Method 3
a purge port configured to supply an inert gas into the sensor port or apply sound pressure into the sensor port
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cryogenic cooling apparatus capable of stably maintaining a cryogenic condition by repairing or exchanging a sensor such as a temperature sensor of the cryogenic cooling apparatus without releasing vacuum states of the cryogenic cooling apparatus and a system connected thereto, when the sensor needs to be repaired or exchanged.