Thermal Radiation Shield Support for HTS Magnet Assembly Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for assembling low temperature superconducting (LTS) magnets are not suitable for high temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets due to complexity and challenges in handling and securing the cold mass and thermal radiation shield within the cryostat, which are exacerbated by the need for flexible connections and high cooling power requirements.

Innovation Solution

Supporting the thermal radiation shield off the cold mass using structural supports and bumpers, allowing for a rigid sub-assembly with the cold mass before insertion into the cryostat, reducing assembly complexity and improving mechanical stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the thermal radiation shield and cold mass are both coupled to the cryostat with the same supports, then the assembly process becomes complex and difficult to handle, but using separate support structures increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoidsupport structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal radiation shield and cold mass are merged into a single rigid sub-assembly by coupling the shield to the cold mass via thermal radiation shield supports. This allows both components to be handled and installed together as one unit, greatly simplifying the assembly process while requiring only one type of support structure (the cold-to-warm supports) to be used in the cryostat.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is segmented into two functional parts: (1) thermal radiation shield supports that couple the shield to the cold mass within the sub-assembly, and (2) cold-to-warm supports that provide flexible connections from the cold mass to the cryostat. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If flexible connections are used to accommodate thermal contraction, then handling and securing components becomes more challenging, but rigid connections increase stress on the components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidhandling and securing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Different parts of the system have different connection qualities: the thermal radiation shield supports provide rigid connections to ensure mechanical stability and proper positioning within the sub-assembly, while the cold-to-warm supports provide flexible connections to accommodate thermal contraction and simplify handling during installation. This local differentiation of connection properties optimizes both reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Use of energy by moving object

If the cold mass is heavily cooled to maintain superconducting state, then cooling power requirements increase, but reducing cooling power compromises the superconducting operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling powerVSAvoidsuperconducting operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal radiation shield acts as an intermediary component between the cold mass and the warmer environment. By coupling the shield to the cold mass, the system creates an additional thermal barrier that reduces the cooling power required to maintain the superconducting state, while still ensuring reliable operation through the mechanically stable sub-assembly configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach simplifies the assembly process, enhances mechanical stability, and reduces heat conduction, making it easier to handle and install the HTS magnet components while maintaining efficient cooling.

Implementation Method 1

thermal radiation shield arranged between the cold mass and the cryostat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a thermal radiation shield support is connected only to a cold mass and a thermal radiation shield such that the cold mass mechanically supports the thermal radiation shield

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20260051429A1Thermal Radiation Shield For A Superconducting Magnet

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 COMMONWEALTH FUSION SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

Described are structures and techniques for supporting a thermal radiation shield in a superconducting magnet. The thermal radiation shield can be supported off of a cold mass using low thermal conductivity structural supports. Structural supports, specifically thermal radiation shield supports and bumpers, may be installed between a cold mass and the radiation shield to mitigate deflections of the radiation shield. Thermal radiation shield supports are attached to both the cold mass and the radiation shield. Bumpers may be used in addition to thermal radiation shield supports and have a first end attached to either the cold mass or the thermal radiation shield and a second end not physically coupled to any structure.