Insulating Carrier Member for Conductor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing electric conductors, particularly superconducting conductors, face challenges in securely holding and stabilizing them within devices due to thermal expansion and mechanical forces, leading to potential detachment and displacement during cooling and operation.
Innovation Solution
A carrier member made of electrically insulating material with a row of openings is used to securely hold and stabilize the electric conductor, allowing for easy installation and protection against mechanical and electrical forces, while also facilitating cooling medium access through corrugation or wave structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional insulation methods (sheets or layers) are used between conductors, then electrical insulation is provided, but the conductors cannot be securely held in position and may detach or displace during cooling and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation between conductors, mechanically secures conductors in position through its row of openings, and maintains structural stability during thermal cycling. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate insulation sheets and positioning structures, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If spacers are used to maintain conductor separation, then conductor positioning is improved, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates due to increased heat transfer contact area
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier member features a row of openings rather than continuous contact surfaces. This localized structure provides mechanical support and conductor positioning only where needed (at the opening locations), while minimizing the contact area between spacers and intermediate tubular members. The openings allow cooling medium to reach conductors directly, reducing thermal resistance and energy loss while maintaining conductor separation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If continuous spacer structures are used for conductor support, then mechanical stability is improved, but cooling medium access to conductors is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier member is designed with a row of openings that creates a porous-like structure. This allows the cooling medium to penetrate through the spacer structure and directly contact the conductors, ensuring efficient heat removal. Meanwhile, the openings provide mechanical support and maintain conductor positioning stability, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and cooling efficiency.
4Reliability
If rigid spacer structures are used to hold conductors, then conductor positioning is secured, but thermal expansion and contraction during cooling cause mechanical stress and potential detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier member's structural parameters are optimized to balance rigidity and flexibility. The row of openings provides sufficient mechanical support to secure conductors while allowing controlled movement and stress distribution during thermal cycling. This parameter optimization enables the structure to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction without causing detachment or damage, resolving the contradiction between fixation security and thermal stress resistance.
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 solution ensures secure positioning and protection of electric conductors from shifting and detachment, enabling space-saving installation and efficient thermal management within electrical devices.
Implementation Method 1
cooling mechanisms must be provided for dissipating heat generated by the conductors, for example due to AC losses or eddy current
Implementation Method 2
heat generated by the conductors, for example due to AC losses or eddy current
Implementation Method 3
heat generated by the conductors, for example due to AC losses or eddy current
Implementation Method 4
the unique property of HTS materials to have zero resistance when cooled down below their critical temperature
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electric conductor element composed of a carrier member (1) and an electric conductor (2) wherein the electric conductor (2) is threaded through openings (3) provided within the carrier member (1) and wherein the electric conductor (2) is an electrically normally conducting conductor or a superconducting conductor.