Flexible Cryogenic Cooling Interface to Reduce Vibration and Heat Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic cooling systems face limitations in transferring low temperatures over long distances due to vibration transmission, heat loss, and lack of flexibility, particularly when using closed cycle systems with extension rods, and open cycle systems that require frequent dewar replacement and are inefficient in maintaining very low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A flexible cold fluid discharge interface comprising concentric annular hoses with multi-layer insulation and annular vacuum segments, allowing for efficient transfer of cold fluid through a flexible supply line and return flow, with a rigid Stinger tip for repositionable thermal connectivity, reducing counter-flow heat exchange and enabling longer distance cooling without system relocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If an extension rod is used to transfer cold from the cryocooler to the remote sample, then the cooling can be transmitted to the remote location, but vibrations from the cryocooler are transmitted to the test sample and heat load on the extension creates loss of cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible interface comprising concentric hoses as an intermediary between the cryocooler and the remote sample. This flexible interface acts as a mediator that decouples the rigid mechanical connection, thereby eliminating vibration transmission while maintaining thermal coupling through the flexible hose material. The intermediate structure allows cold transfer without direct mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible hose with concentric layers including inner and outer flexible walls that can bend and flex. This flexible shell structure replaces the rigid extension rod, allowing the system to accommodate movement and positioning changes while maintaining the cold transfer pathway. The flexibility inherently dampens vibrations and reduces mechanical stress transmission to the sample.
2Length of moving object
If a closed cycle system with extension rod is used, then cooling can be provided at remote location, but the setup requires a large opening in the cryogenic system and reduces flexibility in locating the cryocooler
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hose with concentric inner and outer walls enables the cryocooler to be positioned at various locations without requiring a large opening or fixed rigid structure. The flexibility allows the system to adapt to different spatial configurations while maintaining the cold transfer function.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible interface allows dynamic repositioning of the cryocooler and sample locations during operation. The system can be adjusted and reconfigured without shutdown, providing adaptability in locating the cryocooler and accommodating changes in experimental setup requirements.
3Temperature
If counter-flow heat exchange is used in concentric transfer lines, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the length of the interface over which cooled fluid may be transferred is limited due to heat exchange between supply and return fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat exchange function from the flexible interface itself by introducing separate thermal coupling elements at the ends of the flexible hose. This separation allows the flexible interface to be extended in length without increasing counter-flow heat exchange between supply and return lines, as the thermal coupling occurs only at the terminal regions rather than along the entire length.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the cooling function into distinct zones: the flexible hose provides mechanical flexibility and cold transfer pathway, while separate thermal coupling elements at the ends provide the heat exchange function. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function, enabling longer flexible interfaces without compromising cooling efficiency.
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 flexible interface effectively maintains low temperatures below 4K over extended lengths, reduces vibration and heat loss, and allows for repositioning without system shutdown, enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of cryogenic cooling systems in materials research applications.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible outer hose, arranged substantially concentric to and outside of both the flexible inner hose and flexible middle hose, functions to insulate the inner and middle hoses, and the flexible supply line, from ambient temperatures
Implementation Method 2
annular vacuum insulation segments, to further shield components of the flexible interface member of the device and fluid therein from radiant warming
Implementation Method 3
Multi-layer insulation ('MLI') is disposed on the outer wall of the flexible supply line and on the outer wall of the flexible middle hose
Implementation Method 4
The flexible supply line, for the purpose of delivering cold temperature from a cryogenic cooling device to a remote point
Data Source
AI summary
A system for cryogenic cooling of a remote cooling target comprising a cryogenic cooling device and a flexible cold fluid discharge interface, said flexible cold fluid discharge interface further comprising a flexible outer hose, a flexible middle recirculation line, a flexible inner hose, a flexible cryogen supply line, a first annular vacuum insulating area disposed between said flexible outer hose and said middle recirculation line, and a second annular vacuum insulating area disposed between said flexible inner hose and said flexible supply line. Said outer flexible hose, first evacuated annular segment, recirculation line, inner hose, second evacuated annular segment and supply line are arranged substantially concentrically. The system further comprising a first connecting means for connecting a first terminal end of the flexible cold fluid discharge interface to said cryogenic cooling device and a second connecting means comprising a rigid insertion member disposed at the second terminal end of the flexible cold fluid discharge interface for inserting into a remote cooling location.