Superconducting Band Quality Control via Dynamic Current Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for quality control of high-temperature superconductor bands are inadequate for large-scale industrial production, as they either slow down production speeds or fail to accurately locate defects limiting the critical transport current, leading to inefficient use of materials and potential damage during measurement.
Innovation Solution
A method involving continuous movement of superconducting bands through a contact section with feed and discharge contacts, where a transport current is produced and measured to detect physical parameters related to superconducting properties, allowing for precise quality monitoring without restricting production speed and enabling defect localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stationary measurement of superconductor bands is performed by passing multiple current strengths through the band portion, then measurement precision of critical current is improved, but productivity is worsened due to the need to stop and reposition the band for each measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from stationary measurement to dynamic continuous measurement. The band moves continuously through the measurement section while current is applied, eliminating the need to stop and reposition the band. The measurement system adapts to the moving band by maintaining electrical contact through sliding contacts or pressure contacts, allowing critical current measurement to be performed on-the-fly during production, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous measurement of critical current as the band moves through the measurement section. Instead of intermittent stationary measurements that require stopping production, the system continuously applies current and measures voltage drop along the moving band. This continuous action maintains both measurement capability and production flow, eliminating the productivity loss from repeated stopping and repositioning
2Measurement precision
If the band is advanced step-by-step through stationary measurement sections, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases due to repeated positioning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the step-by-step positioning process by implementing continuous band movement through the measurement section. The measurement system operates continuously as the band passes through, maintaining quality control accuracy without the time losses associated with stopping, repositioning, and restarting measurements at different locations
3Measurement precision
If multiple current strengths are applied to each band portion, then measurement precision of critical current is improved, but duration of action increases due to the need to measure multiple current levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multiple current strengths continuously as the band moves through the measurement section rather than sequentially at stationary positions. Different current levels can be applied simultaneously or in rapid succession along the moving band, maintaining comprehensive critical current characterization while dramatically reducing the time each portion spends under measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system dynamically adjusts current application to the moving band, allowing multiple current strengths to be tested in a continuous flow rather than requiring the band to remain stationary for each current level. This dynamic approach maintains measurement comprehensiveness while reducing measurement duration per band portion
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 enables continuous, high-speed quality control of superconducting bands, accurately identifying defects and maintaining the minimum critical transport current across the entire band length, thereby optimizing production efficiency and material usage.
Implementation Method 1
a portion 3a of a band 3 is cooled to a temperature below a critical temperature of the band 3, at which the cooled band portion becomes superconducting
Implementation Method 2
an electric transport current is produced in a longitudinal direction of the band in the band between the contacts
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for quality control of superconducting bands includes: cooling a section of the superconducting band to a temperature at which said band section becomes superconducting, generating an electrical transport current in the superconducting band section in the longitudinal direction of the band by contacting with a contact assembly, contacting the cooled band section with electrical contacts of the contact assembly, which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the band, in order to form a measurement section over a partial length of the band section, continuously moving at least one part of the band through the contact section and/or measurement section to generate the transport current, detecting a physical measured variable using measurement contacts, wherein the physical measured variable is a measure of the superconducting electrical transport properties of the band section or a part of the band.