Linear Media Winding with Closed-Loop Tension and Bend Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current winding machines are inadequate for handling delicate high-temperature superconducting (HTS) and medium-temperature superconducting (MTS) materials, leading to damage and premature failure due to improper tension control and bending stresses, which limits the production of reliable and efficient SC devices and products.
Innovation Solution
A Linear Media Handling System (LMHS) with advanced tension control and routing design that minimizes reverse bends and lateral stresses, using direct closed-loop control and media routing technology to handle HTS and MTS materials without damaging them, enabling the production of robust and efficient SC devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional winding machines are used to handle HTS and MTS materials, then the winding process can be performed, but the delicate superconducting materials are damaged due to improper tension control and bending stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the winding system by implementing precise tension control mechanisms and modifying routing paths to eliminate sharp bends. The system dynamically adjusts tension parameters during winding and maintains minimum bend radius parameters to prevent damage to HTS and MTS materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements such as guide rollers, routing mechanisms, and tension control devices that mediate between the winding machine and the delicate superconducting materials. These intermediaries soften the interaction forces and distribute stresses to prevent material damage.
2Reliability
If advanced tension control and routing design are implemented, then material damage is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the winding system with multi-functional components that perform multiple tasks. For example, the routing mechanism simultaneously guides the material, controls tension distribution, and prevents sharp bends. This reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting complexity growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines several protective functions into integrated subsystems. The tension control and routing design are merged into a coordinated system where tension control mechanisms work in conjunction with routing elements to provide comprehensive protection without requiring entirely separate systems for each function.
3Manufacturing precision
If proper handling is used to prevent damage, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary routing design and pre-configured tension control parameters before the winding process begins. The routing paths are pre-planned to eliminate sharp bends, and tension control settings are pre-established based on material specifications. This preliminary preparation enables fast, damage-free winding without requiring real-time adjustments that would slow production.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved system for handling delicate linear media and in particular to a method and apparatus for winding delicate linear media such as superconducting wire or tape or optical fibers onto a spool or former. A combination of direct closed loop control and media routing design facilitates the handling of the delicate media without causing damage. The axial tension in the linear media may be closely controlled during winding by means of feedback control loop using tension measurements to control the rotation speeds of the wind-from and wind-to spools. Further, during winding, the delicate linear media is only exposed to large radius bends with no reverse bending. Finally, output devices and features, commercial or otherwise, made possible by delicate linear media handling are revealed. This includes advanced SC devices and features.