Flexible Superconducting Lead Assembly for Cryogenic Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Superconducting wires in cryogenic systems face instabilities and heat leaks due to electromagnetic forces and thermal conductivity, which can lead to movement and heat transfer issues, especially when using rigid support structures or thermally conductive non-superconducting materials.
Innovation Solution
A flexible superconducting lead assembly with a positive and negative superconducting wire pair, separated by an electrically insulating separator, cancels electromagnetic forces and reduces thermal conductivity by eliminating the need for a rigid support structure, allowing the assembly to remain stationary and minimize heat introduction into the cryogenic apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid support structures are used to stabilize superconducting wires, then mechanical stability is improved, but thermal conductivity increases causing heat leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes rigid support structures and thermally conductive materials from the superconducting wire assembly, extracting the source of heat conduction while maintaining wire stability through alternative means (suspension from cryostat walls)
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrically insulating separator as an intermediary element between the positive and negative superconducting wires. This separator provides mechanical support and stability while having low thermal conductivity, thus preventing heat leaks
2Strength
If thermally conductive non-superconducting materials are used for support, then mechanical strength is improved, but heat transfer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates thermally conductive non-superconducting materials from the wire support structure, removing the pathway for heat transfer while maintaining mechanical integrity through the insulating separator
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction with the electrically insulating separator providing both mechanical support and thermal isolation properties, combining structural strength with low thermal conductivity
3Force
If superconducting wires are placed close together to reduce electromagnetic forces, then force cancellation is improved, but electrical insulation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically insulating separator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation between the positive and negative wires, mechanical support for the wire assembly, and thermal isolation to prevent heat leaks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the insulation function and support function into a single integrated component (the electrically insulating separator), simplifying the overall structure while achieving both electrical isolation and mechanical stability
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 superconducting lead assembly effectively cancels Lorentz forces, reducing mechanical stress and heat transfer, thereby enhancing system stability and efficiency while maintaining flexibility and reducing design and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
cancel electromagnetic forces attributable to current flowing simultaneously in opposite directions within the positive superconducting wire and the negative superconducting wire
Implementation Method 2
Very low temperatures are used to enable superconducting material to exhibit superconducting properties
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A superconducting lead assembly 10 comprising: a positive superconducting wire 12; a negative superconducting wire 12, wherein the positive superconducting wire 12 is configured to conduct inflow current to a cryogenic apparatus 200 and wherein the negative superconducting wire 12 is configured to conduct outflow current away from the cryogenic apparatus 200; and an electrically insulating separator 14, wherein the positive superconducting wire 12 and the negative superconducting wire 12 are arranged proximately one another and on opposite sides of the electrically insulating separator 14 for cancellation of electromagnetic forces attributable to current flowing simultaneously in opposite directions within the positive superconducting wire 12 and the negative superconducting wire 12, and wherein a length of the superconducting lead assembly 10 is flexible. In one embodiment the positive superconducting wire 12 and the negative superconducting wire 12 can include high temperature superconducting (HTS) material.