Intra-Dewar Optical Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The hard mount approach in cryogenic Dewars leads to complex construction, increased cost, and compromised alignment due to rigid thermal contact, vibration transfer, and mechanical over-constraint, making it difficult to accurately align and affix cold components while minimizing thermal energy transfer.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with low thermal conductance is used between the optical system and the Dewar, coupled with a flexible thermal link of high conductance to connect the cold components to the cold source, allowing for accurate placement and orientation without accommodating cold finger contraction, reducing vibrations and mechanical constraints, and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If cold components are rigidly mounted to the cold finger, then thermal contact is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to cold finger contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into two independent functions: a rigid support structure for precise component positioning and a separate flexible thermal link for heat transfer. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible thermal link acts as an intermediary between the cold finger and the cold component. This intermediary provides the necessary thermal conductivity while accommodating dimensional changes and maintaining precise alignment through its flexible nature.
2Loss of energy
If cold components are rigidly mounted to the cold finger, then thermal contact is improved, but device complexity increases due to tight tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the thermal conduction path from the mechanical positioning path, allowing each to be optimized independently. The support structure handles positioning with relaxed tolerances while the flexible thermal link ensures thermal contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible thermal link changes its physical parameters (shape, length) in response to thermal contraction, automatically compensating for dimensional changes without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances on the support structure.
3Loss of energy
If cold components are rigidly mounted to the cold finger, then thermal contact is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to vibration transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid support structure is decoupled from the cold finger through the flexible thermal link, creating a vibration isolation barrier while maintaining thermal contact. This segmentation protects sensitive components from vibrations originating at the cold finger.
4Loss of energy
If cold components are rigidly mounted to the cold finger, then thermal contact is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design with separate support structure and flexible thermal link allows for independent assembly and adjustment. Components can be positioned and aligned on the support structure before attaching the flexible thermal link, simplifying the overall assembly process.
5Loss of energy
If cold components are rigidly mounted to the cold finger, then thermal contact is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to mechanical over-constraint
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible thermal link introduces dynamic compliance to the system, allowing it to adapt to thermal contraction and expansion while maintaining thermal contact. This dynamic behavior enables the system to accommodate dimensional changes without mechanical over-constraint.
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 solution enables accurate and robust alignment of cold components with reduced thermal resistance and mechanical stress, lowering the complexity and cost of the Dewar while maintaining alignment under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal link, the thermal link being mechanically disposed between the optical system and the cold source, the thermal link being substantially flexible and having substantially high thermal conductance
Data Source
AI summary
A system including an optical system having at least one refractive or reflective element, the optical system configured to substantially receive electromagnetic radiation emanating from a source, the optical system being located within a Dewar, a support structure, support structure being mechanically disposed between the optical system and a surface of the Dewar, the support structure having substantially low thermal conductance, a cold source; the cold source being located within the Dewar, a thermal link, the thermal link being mechanically disposed between the optical system and the cold source, the thermal link being substantially flexible and having substantially high thermal conductance.