Integral Conductive Element Design for Fusion Reactor Vacuum Vessel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for electrical connection of reactor chamber internal elements to the vacuum vessel in nuclear fusion reactors face disruptions due to limited cyclical strength caused by deformation at connection points and transition areas, leading to potential cracking or collapse under alternating ponderomotive forces and thermal gradients, and require precise manufacturing and assembly for accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The device is designed as an integral unit with profiled slots and connecting walls of increased thickness at deformation points, made from a high-electroconductive alloy using electric erosion machining or hydro-abrasive treatment, ensuring uniform contact surfaces and reduced manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate parts (flanges and U-shaped straps) are used for electrical connection, then the device can be assembled, but the cyclical strength is limited due to deformation at connection points and transition areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate flanges and U-shaped straps into a single integral unit with profiled slots. This eliminates the connection points between separate parts where deformation clusters formed, thereby resolving the contradiction by maintaining assembly capability while dramatically improving cyclical strength through the integral structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating profiled sections with increased thickness specifically at transition areas and bending points where deformation occurs. This localized reinforcement addresses the weakness at critical areas without affecting the overall structure, resolving the contradiction between assembly ease and cyclical strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate parts are used with joint resistance between straps, then assembly is possible, but current flows mainly through outside straps increasing loads and reducing output capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple straps into a single integral unit with profiled slots, eliminating joint resistance between separate straps. This ensures uniform current distribution across all conductive paths, resolving the contradiction by maintaining assembly capability while maximizing power output capacity through improved current flow characteristics.
3Manufacturing precision
If high accuracy manufacturing and assembly is used for separate parts, then fitting gaps can be minimized, but the process becomes challenging and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate parts into a single integral unit, eliminating the need for precise fitting and assembly of multiple components. This resolves the contradiction by reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining or improving precision through the monolithic structure that eliminates fitting gaps entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The integral unit incorporates profiled slots that segment the structure into functional regions while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation approach simplifies manufacturing by allowing standard machining processes while achieving the precision that would otherwise require complex multi-part assembly.
4Quantity of substance
If standard thickness conductive elements are used, then material usage is efficient, but the elements lack sufficient cyclical strength at transition areas and bending points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the thickness of the conductive element, creating profiled sections with increased thickness specifically at transition areas and bending points where deformation occurs. This resolves the contradiction by using material efficiently in most areas while providing localized reinforcement where strength is critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of thickness in specific regions of the conductive element. By increasing thickness at critical locations and maintaining standard thickness elsewhere, the solution optimizes both material usage and cyclical strength, resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
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 design enhances the cyclical strength and reliability of the electrical connection, reduces electrical resistance, and increases the operational life of the device by minimizing deformation and manufacturing costs while maintaining similar technical characteristics across conductive elements.
Implementation Method 1
The device is made as an integral unit from a single blank part of a high-electroconductive alloy
Implementation Method 2
made from a high-electroconductive alloy using electric erosion machining or hydro-abrasive treatment
Implementation Method 3
made from a high-electroconductive alloy using electric erosion machining or hydro-abrasive treatment
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the field of thermonuclear fusion and can be used in devices for electrically connecting internal elements of the reactor chamber to the vacuum vessel of the nuclear fusion reactor. The present device for electrically connecting elements inside the chamber of a reactor to the vacuum vessel of the nuclear fusion reactor comprises lamellar electrically conductive elements with surface portions oriented in different directions, said elements being stacked between flanges. The device is made as an integral unit, where profiled slots are formed with connecting walls therebetween. The connecting walls constitute the electrically conductive elements and have profiled sections of an increased thickness between the differently oriented surface portions at transition areas to the flanges provided at the end parts of the integral unit. The technical effect of the present invention is an increase in the cyclic strength of the electrically conductive elements at the transition areas between the elements and the flanges and between the differently oriented surface portions (at bends) of the elements. The invention also provides that the electrically conductive elements have similar technical characteristics.