Flexible Cryogenic Link Layout for Thermal Expansion and Buckling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cryogenic links face challenges due to thermal expansion and contraction, which can lead to unwanted wear and potential buckling or fracturing when installed in a straight line configuration.

Innovation Solution

The cryogenic link comprises a core and a cryostat with a flexible sleeve and spacing means to maintain a spacing between the core and the flexible sleeve during expansion and contraction. The flexible sleeve is fixed to external structures at multiple points, allowing the link to be installed with slack between fixed points, and is arranged in a series of bends, such as a sinusoidal shape, to accommodate thermal changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the cryogenic link is installed in a straight line configuration, then the installation is simple and direct, but thermal expansion and contraction cause unwanted wear and potential buckling or fracturing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidresistance to thermal stress damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cryogenic link is configured in a curved or bent geometry rather than a straight line. This curvature allows the link to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction by flexing at the bends, preventing buckling and fracturing while maintaining a compact installation footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The cryogenic link incorporates flexible sections or joints that allow dynamic movement and adjustment during thermal cycling. This dynamic capability enables the link to expand and contract without generating excessive stress, preventing wear and structural damage while maintaining connection integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the cryogenic link is made flexible to accommodate expansion and contraction, then thermal stress is reduced, but the structural integrity and current transfer capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to thermal stress damageVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cryogenic link is divided into multiple sections including rigid segments for structural integrity and flexible joints or bellows for accommodating thermal movement. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function while maintaining overall strength and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cryogenic link employs composite construction combining materials with different thermal expansion coefficients and mechanical properties. This allows the structure to maintain rigidity where needed while incorporating flexible elements that can accommodate thermal cycling without compromising overall strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If the cryogenic link is installed with slack between fixed points, then buckling is prevented during expansion, but the installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of bucklingVSAvoidinstallation configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cryogenic link is pre-configured in a curved shape that naturally provides the necessary slack and flexibility. This curved geometry allows thermal expansion without buckling while maintaining a relatively simple installation process, as the curvature is built into the link itself rather than requiring complex external support structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 configuration reduces wear on the cable during installation and operation by allowing the core and cryostat to expand and contract together while maintaining separation, and prevents buckling by providing slack and a flexible geometry.

Implementation Method 1

a cryostat configured to maintain a temperature of the core at a cryogenic temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

Cryogenic links may contract when their temperature is reduced to cryogenic temperature and may expand when their temperature is increased above the cryogenic temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP4495960A1A cryogenic link

Publication Date: 2025.01.22 EUROPEAN ORGANIZATION FOR NUCLEAR RESEARCH

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AI summary

There is provided a cryogenic link and a method of installing a cryogenic link. The cryogenic link comprises: a core and a cryostat. The cryostat comprises a flexible sleeve around the core and is configured to maintain a temperature of the core at a cryogenic temperature. The cryostat further comprises spacing means configured to maintain a spacing between the core and the flexible sleeve during expansion and contraction of the core. The flexible sleeve is suitable for fixing to an external structure at a plurality of fixed points, where each of the plurality of fixed points is separated by a distance, and a length of the cryogenic link between at least one pair of fixed points is greater than the distance between that pair of fixed points.