Cylindrical Magnet Support Structure Shear Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern superconducting magnet designs without an enveloping cryogen vessel face challenges in supporting the magnet structure effectively, as conventional support arrangements are costly, complex, and prone to causing flexure due to heat and mechanical loads, especially when no enveloping cryogen vessel is used.
Innovation Solution
A support structure comprising multiple cradle-shaped elements made of glass-reinforced-plastic (GRP) and carbon-fibre-reinforced-plastic (CFRP) materials, with tailored stiffness and thermal intercept features, that minimizes heat flow and mechanical stress by distributing loads as shear forces and accommodating differential thermal expansion, thereby reducing the need for costly interface features on the vacuum vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rigid support structures are used to hold the superconducting magnet, then the magnet structure is mechanically supported, but the magnet structure experiences flexure and mechanical stress due to concentrated loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane structure that conforms to the outer surface of the superconducting magnet, distributing mechanical loads across a large contact area rather than concentrating them at discrete support points. This flexible membrane acts as a load-spreading element that prevents localized stress concentrations while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate flexible membrane as a mediator between the rigid support structure and the superconducting magnet. This membrane translates concentrated support forces into distributed pressure, preventing direct transmission of mechanical stress to the magnet while maintaining the necessary structural support.
2Reliability
If load isolating structures are used to protect the magnet from concentrated loads, then the magnet is protected from mechanical stress, but the support arrangement becomes expensive and complicated with high parts count
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated flexible membrane structure that simultaneously provides load distribution, thermal isolation, and mechanical support. This merged structure eliminates the need for separate load isolating components, reducing parts count and assembly complexity while maintaining protection against concentrated loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane serves multiple functions: it acts as a load-distributing support, a thermal barrier, and a mechanical coupling element. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized components, simplifying the overall support arrangement.
3Strength
If multiple tension suspension elements are used to support the magnet, then the magnet is securely suspended, but costly interface features are required on the vacuum vessel and magnet structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the suspension function from discrete tension elements with complex interfaces and consolidates it into a continuous flexible membrane structure. This membrane can be简单地 attached to the vacuum vessel wall without requiring elaborate interface features, while still providing secure suspension through its distributed contact and flexibility.
4Device complexity
If a single tubular suspension element is used to replace multiple tension elements, then the number of interface features is reduced, but the structure requires relatively strong connection points and remains difficult to interface without an enveloping cryogen vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane structure replaces the rigid tubular suspension element, allowing for distributed attachment points rather than requiring strong concentrated connection points. The membrane's flexibility enables it to accommodate variations in the magnet structure geometry without needing robust interface features.
5Device complexity
If the superconducting magnet structure is directly affected by heat loads from the support arrangement, then the support structure can be simpler, but the magnet experiences thermal stress and potential performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane acts as a thermal intermediary between the warmer vacuum vessel and the cryogenic magnet structure. It provides thermal isolation while maintaining mechanical coupling, preventing direct heat transfer pathways that would occur with rigid support structures in direct 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
The support structure effectively reduces mechanical and thermal stresses on the superconducting magnet, simplifies the vacuum vessel design, and minimizes material costs by distributing loads tangentially, ensuring robust and flexible support without causing flexure, thus maintaining the homogeneity of the magnetic field.
Implementation Method 1
made of glass-reinforced-plastic (GRP) and carbon-fibre-reinforced-plastic (CFRP) materials, with tailored stiffness and thermal intercept features, that minimizes heat flow
Implementation Method 2
minimizes mechanical stress by distributing loads as shear forces
Implementation Method 3
accommodating differential thermal expansion
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly having a cylindrical structure supported by a support structure having at least one support element, the support structure being cradle shaped, such that vertical and horizontal loads are taken largely as shear forces by respective interface surfaces which are substantially parallel to the direction of the respective load, and vertical loads are taken in a direction substantially tangential to the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical structure.