Thermalization of a cryogenic flex cable using a thermally conductive cladding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic flex cables in dilution refrigerators experience inadequate thermalization to intermediate temperature plates, leading to excessive heat flow to lower temperature stages due to poor thermal conductivity of dielectric and high thermal conductivity of signal wires.
Innovation Solution
A thermally conductive cladding is added to the flex cable, extending along its length to enhance thermalization to the intermediate plate temperature, increasing the heat transfer surface area and minimizing heat flow to the lower temperature stage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional flex cable is used without thermally conductive cladding, then the cable structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the thermalization to the intermediate plate is inadequate and excessive heat flows to the lower temperature stage
Solution Approach 1:
A thermally conductive cladding layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the flex cable and the intermediate plate. This cladding acts as a thermal mediator that enhances heat transfer from the cable to the intermediate plate, effectively reducing the heat load to the lower temperature stage without fundamentally changing the cable's core structure
Solution Approach 2:
The solution employs composite material construction by combining the conventional flex cable with an additional thermally conductive cladding layer. This composite structure leverages the electrical insulation properties of the cable while adding the thermal conduction capabilities of the cladding material, achieving both electrical and thermal performance requirements
2Temperature
If the thermally conductive cladding is extended longer along the cable, then the thermalization effectiveness is improved, but the amount of material and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically varies the cladding length parameter to optimize thermalization performance. By changing this geometric parameter and evaluating its effect on heat transfer, the optimal cladding length is determined to achieve sufficient thermalization without excessive material usage or device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cladding is extended beyond the immediate attachment point to provide sufficient thermalization, but the extension is controlled to avoid excessive length. This partial extension approach ensures adequate thermal contact with the intermediate plate while minimizing unnecessary material consumption and structural complexity
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 thermally conductive cladding effectively thermalizes the flex cable to the intermediate plate temperature, reducing heat flow to the low temperature stage and improving the overall performance of the dilution refrigerator.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally conductive cladding connected to an outer surface of the cable and extended a first length from the attachment toward the second plate
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a cable passing from a first plate to a second plate via an intermediate plate, an attachment coupling the cable to the intermediate plate, and a conductive cladding connected to an outer surface of the cable and extended a first length from the attachment toward the second plate. The total length of the thermally conductive cladding is larger than the total length of the attachment, and the cable is thermally connected to the first plate, the second plate, and the intermediate plate.