Slotted Support Structure for Cryogenic Superconductor Interconnects
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-temperature superconducting systems face challenges in maintaining mechanical and thermal stability due to different coefficients of thermal expansion between components, leading to potential breakage of flexible interconnects when transitioning from room temperature to cryogenic temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A thermally conductive support structure with parallel slots and through-holes, along with connector assemblies and extender arms, provides mechanical support and establishes a heat path for flexible interconnects between superconducting circuits, allowing for relative movement and preventing breakage by dissipating heat and aligning blades securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible interconnects are used to connect superconducting circuits between different temperature zones, then adaptability and ease of installation are improved, but mechanical stability and reliability deteriorate due to different coefficients of thermal expansion causing breakage during temperature transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments including a support member with parallel slots, connector support rods, and connector assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to independently accommodate thermal expansion while maintaining overall structural integrity, preventing breakage of the flexible interconnect during temperature transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary between the flexible interconnect and the superconducting circuits. It provides a stable thermal and mechanical environment for the interconnect, absorbing thermal stresses and preventing direct transmission of expansion forces that would cause breakage.
2Strength
If rigid support structures are used to maintain mechanical stability, then strength and stability are improved, but adaptability and ease of installation deteriorate due to inability to accommodate thermal expansion differences
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates dynamic elements such as parallel slots and movable connector support rods that allow adjustment and movement. These dynamic features enable the structure to adapt to thermal expansion while maintaining mechanical strength, combining rigidity where needed with flexibility where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure uses thin, flexible components such as the parallel slots and connector support rods that can bend and move to accommodate thermal expansion. These flexible elements maintain structural integrity while adapting to temperature-induced dimensional changes.
3Reliability
If multiple connector assemblies are used to provide mechanical support and heat path, then reliability and thermal management are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assemblies serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical support for the flexible interconnect, establish thermal conduction paths, and allow for positional adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member, connector support rods, and connector assemblies are merged into an integrated structure. The parallel slots in the support member directly receive the connector support rods, which in turn hold the connector assemblies, creating a unified system that provides both mechanical support and thermal management without requiring separate complex subsystems.
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 support structure effectively maintains the integrity of flexible interconnects in cryogenic environments by providing thermal and mechanical support, preventing breakage and ensuring reliable communication between superconducting circuits across varying temperature zones.
Implementation Method 1
The support member can include a plurality of connector assemblies, each connector assembly providing mechanical support for the flexible interconnect of the superconducting system and establishing a heat path between the flexible interconnect and the support member
Data Source
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AI summary
A support structure for a flexible interconnect of a superconducting system can include a support member that is formed of thermally conductive material. The support member can include a plurality of parallel slots. Each slot can extend from a first surface of a base of the support member to a second surface of the base. The first and second surfaces of the base can be positioned on parallel planes and each slot can be shaped to allow relative movement of a fastener that allows a respective connector assembly to be affixed to the support member. Moreover, the respective connector assembly can provide mechanical support for the flexible interconnect of the superconducting system and establish a heat path between the flexible interconnect and the support member. The support member can also include a wall extending transverse from the first surface of the base, the wall comprising a plurality of through-holes.