Deformable Thermal Connector for Cryogenic Detection Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetic radiation detection systems face challenges in mechanical-thermal performance due to rigid and thermally insulating cold fingers, which restrict material choices and dimensions, and introduce thermal expansion issues affecting optical axis alignment.
Innovation Solution
A deformable thermal connector is used to attach the cooler to the side wall of the cryostat, thermally connecting it to the cold table and cold screen, allowing for improved mechanical flexibility and reduced thermal resistance, thereby relaxing constraints on the thermally insulating support and enhancing cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a rigid and thermally insulating cold finger is used to support the cold table, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but mechanical flexibility and material choices are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into two separate components: a thermally insulating support for mechanical support and a deformable thermal connector for thermal connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the insulating support can be made from materials with excellent thermal insulation properties while the thermal connector provides the necessary thermal conductivity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A deformable thermal connector is introduced as an intermediary element between the cooler and the cold table. This connector serves as a mediator that provides both thermal conductivity and mechanical flexibility, resolving the contradiction between thermal insulation requirements and mechanical adaptability.
2Reliability
If a closed cold finger is used to improve tightness, then sealing performance is improved, but thermal resistance between cooler and detection circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The functions of sealing and thermal conduction are separated into different components. The thermally insulating support provides the sealing function while the deformable thermal connector provides the thermal conduction path, eliminating the need for a closed cold finger structure and reducing thermal resistance.
3Loss of energy
If the cold finger is highly thermally insulating on its side wall, then heat losses to cryostat are reduced, but mechanical strength and stiffness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into a thermally insulating support that provides mechanical strength and stiffness while minimizing thermal conduction, and a separate deformable thermal connector that provides the necessary thermal connection. This allows the insulating support to be optimized for mechanical properties without compromising thermal insulation.
4Temperature
If multiple cold fingers are used to cool different components, then cooling coverage is improved, but differential expansion and optical axis shifting occur
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable thermal connector acts as a compliant intermediary that accommodates differential thermal expansion between components at different temperatures. Its deformable nature allows it to absorb expansion differences without transmitting stress that would cause optical axis shifting, while still providing effective thermal conduction.
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 mechanical stress, improves thermal efficiency, and allows for more flexible material choices, enhancing the detection system's mechanical strength and thermal insulation while maintaining precise optical axis alignment, even under temperature changes and sudden movements.
Implementation Method 1
The cooler is thermally connected to the cold table and/or to the cold screen by a thermal connector... thermally connecting it to the cold table and cold screen
Implementation Method 2
a thermally insulating support (4) which supports the cold table (3)... thermally insulating support and enhancing cooling efficiency
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Disclosed is an electromagnetic radiation detection system (1) that comprises a detection circuit (2) for detecting electromagnetic radiation and supplying a representative electrical signal. A cold table (3) supports the detection circuit (2). A thermally insulating support (4) supports the cold table (3). The system further comprises an enclosure (7) defining a closed volume provided with a bottom, a top and a side wall connecting the bottom and the top. The thermally insulating support (4) mechanically connects the cold table (3) with the bottom of the enclosure (7). A cooler (8) is mechanically connected to the enclosure (7) and configured to cool the detection circuit (2). The cooler (8) is mechanically fastened onto the side wall of the enclosure (7) and thermally connected to the detection circuit (2) by means of a thermal connector (9) connecting the cooler (8) and the cold table (3) and the cold screen (5).