Segmented Vapor Plug for Dewar Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic storage and transport systems face challenges in reducing evaporation of liquids and gases while maintaining pressure equality, leading to potential explosions and loss of cryogenic temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A segmented vapor plug system comprising interconnected disks and sheets, with flexible fins and a thermocouple channel, that partially seals the dewar to allow pressure equalization while minimizing evaporation and warm air ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vapor plug partially seals the dewar opening to allow liquid or gas to escape, then pressure buildup is prevented, but warm air is drawn into the dewar causing increased evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The vapor plug is divided into multiple disks and sheets arranged in a segmented structure. This segmentation creates multiple narrow gaps between components that allow pressure equalization while restricting warm air ingress through the combined effect of multiple barriers, thereby reducing evaporation loss while maintaining pressure safety
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the vapor plug have different properties - the segmented structure creates regions with varying gap sizes and thermal characteristics. The narrow gaps between disks and sheets provide localized pathways for pressure equalization while maintaining thermal barriers in other regions, optimizing both pressure management and evaporation reduction
2Loss of energy
If the dewar is completely sealed to prevent evaporation, then cryogenic temperatures are maintained, but pressure builds up causing potential explosion
Solution Approach 1:
The vapor plug provides partial sealing rather than complete sealing, creating a balance where enough of the opening is closed to reduce evaporation loss, but sufficient gaps remain to allow pressure equalization. This partial action approach optimizes both cryogenic temperature maintenance and pressure safety
3Loss of energy
If a traditional solid vapor plug is used to seal the dewar, then evaporation is reduced, but pressure cannot be equalized
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional solid vapor plug is replaced with a segmented structure of multiple disks and sheets. This segmentation transforms the solid barrier into a series of spaced components that maintain evaporative sealing while creating interconnected gaps for pressure equalization, resolving the contradiction between evaporation reduction and pressure management
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 system effectively reduces evaporation and maintains cryogenic temperatures by equalizing pressure and obstructing warm air entry, prolonging the duration of cryogenic storage.
Implementation Method 1
allow the liquid or gas to escape so that pressure does not build up inside the dewar
Implementation Method 2
As the gas or liquid escapes, warm air is drawn into the dewar, which may cause further evaporation of the gas or liquid
Implementation Method 3
The dry vapor shipper is a vacuum insulated container that is used to transport the material
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, and device, such as a vapor plug, which partially seals an opening of a dewar. The vapor plug includes a vapor plug cover. The vapor plug cover is configured to cover an opening of a dewar. The vapor plug includes a neck that is formed from multiple disks and multiple sheets. The vapor plug includes a fastener that connects the multiple disks, the multiple sheets and the vapor plug cover.