Cryostat Inner Vessel Suspension With Reduced Fastener Count
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryostat suspension systems require a large number of components, increasing costs and maintenance requirements due to the use of multiple clevis fasteners to suspend the helium vessel within the vacuum vessel.
Innovation Solution
A simplified suspension system utilizing a coupling mechanism, fixation body, and pin configuration that secures the strap to the coupling mechanism via a channel and ledge system, reducing the number of components needed by engaging the pin inside the channel to prevent removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple clevis fasteners with multiple components (clevis, stud, spool, pins, nuts) are used to secure straps to vessels, then the suspension system achieves reliable structural integrity, but the number of components increases significantly, increasing cost and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate fastener components (clevis, stud, spool, pins, nuts) into a single integrated U-shaped bracket component. The bracket includes a U-shaped body with openings at both ends, allowing the strap to be secured directly without requiring multiple separate fastening elements. This merging of components maintains the structural integrity function while dramatically reducing part count.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped bracket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the mounting structure and the fastening mechanism. The bracket's U-shape provides structural support while its openings enable the strap to be threaded and secured, eliminating the need for separate clevis and fastener components. This multi-functionality reduces complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple clevis fasteners are used to suspend the helium vessel within the vacuum vessel, then adequate suspension and positioning are achieved, but the cost and maintenance requirements increase due to the large number of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastener components into a single U-shaped bracket that can be manufactured as one piece. This reduces manufacturing complexity, material costs, and assembly requirements while maintaining the suspension stability needed to hold the helium vessel securely within the vacuum vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components (studs, spools, nuts) from the fastening system, retaining only the essential U-shaped bracket structure. This simplification reduces manufacturing costs and maintenance requirements while preserving the core suspension function.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension system for a cryostat includes a coupling mechanism, a fixation body, and a pin. The coupling mechanism is joined to an outer vessel and coupled with a strap. The fixation body is joined to an inner vessel. The fixation body extends between a front side that faces the coupling mechanism and an opposite receiving side with an interior channel extending from the receiving side to the front side. The channel defines a front opening in the front side and a rear opening in the receiving side. The pin is loaded into the fixation body through the rear opening in the receiving side of the fixation body with the strap looped around the pin and extending through the front opening to the coupling mechanism. The pin secures the coupling mechanism to the fixation body via the strap by engaging the fixation body inside the channel.