Monobloc Cryostat Shields for Space Component Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryostats for space applications are complex, costly to integrate, and limited in size and shape due to their architecture, making them unsuitable for accommodating components of various shapes and sizes while maintaining performance under temperature variations and mechanical forces.
Innovation Solution
A cryostat with a simple architecture composed of single-piece parts with metal screens and internal junction elements, optimized for mechanical strength and thermal insulation, using additive manufacturing to produce components that can withstand extreme conditions and accommodate components of diverse shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a complex architecture with multiple assembled parts is used, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (screens, supports, insulation layers, junction elements) into a single integrated monobloc structure manufactured by additive manufacturing. This consolidation maintains the thermal insulation functionality of multiple layers while eliminating assembly complexity, directly resolving the contradiction between thermal performance and device complexity.
2Temperature
If traditional assembled architecture is used, then thermal control is improved, but integration time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monobloc structure has all thermal control features (screens, insulation layers, supports) pre-integrated during manufacturing rather than assembled during satellite integration. This preliminary integration of thermal control functions dramatically reduces on-site integration time while maintaining thermal performance.
3Loss of energy
If complex assembled structure is used, then thermal insulation is improved, but adaptability to different component shapes and sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Additive manufacturing enables easy modification of geometric parameters (size, shape, screen configuration, insulation thickness) of the monobloc structure without changing the fundamental design approach. This parametric flexibility allows the same manufacturing process to adapt to different component requirements while maintaining thermal insulation performance.
4Loss of energy
If multiple assembled parts are used, then thermal performance is improved, but mass and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monobloc structure implements nested screens and insulation layers within a unified geometry, where inner components are positioned within cavities of the outer structure. This nesting approach maintains the multi-layer thermal protection while minimizing overall mass and volume compared to separate assembled components with additional mounting hardware.
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 cryostat achieves reduced bulk and mass, improved thermal resistance, and mechanical strength, enabling efficient operation of components at cryogenic temperatures with enhanced flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
successive metal screens, spaced from each other... the intermediate screen(s) and the outer screen being arranged around each other so as to each delimit a closed volume receiving the previous screen of smaller size
Implementation Method 2
a cooling device for cooling the central enclosure to cryogenic temperature
Implementation Method 3
internal junction elements between screens, which keep said screens spaced from each other
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a cryostat for receiving a space component operating at cryogenic temperature, the cryostat comprising: a central, closed, cooled enclosure (14) configured to receive the space component; consecutive metal shields (13), including an inner shield, an outer shield and one or more intermediate shields arranged around one another so as to each delimit a closed volume receiving the preceding smaller shield; a cooling device for cooling the central enclosure to cryogenic temperature; and inner inter-shield joining elements which keep the shields (13) spaced apart from one another. The cryostat comprises at least one integral portion (10a) comprising a series of partitions (13a) including an inner partition (13a(1)), an outer partition (13a(3)) and one or more intermediate partitions (13a(2)), corresponding to a portion of the inner shield, a portion of the outer shield and a portion of the one or more intermediate shields, respectively.