Superconducting Cable Branch Terminal With Flexible Stress-Absorbing Junction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing superconducting cable branch structures are sensitive to thermomechanical stresses due to temperature changes and manipulation, leading to potential mechanical or electrical failures.

Innovation Solution

A superconducting cable assembly with an electrical branch terminal featuring a flexible electrical connection system, comprising internal and external conductive parts connected through an insulation junction, which absorbs variations in cable length and position, ensuring resilient junctions and thermal insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid crimped branch structure is used to connect cable lengths, then electrical connection is achieved, but the structure becomes sensitive to thermomechanical stresses from temperature changes and manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidthermomechanical stress sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a flexible electrical connection device that can dynamically adapt to thermomechanical stresses. The flexible connection allows for movement and deformation without breaking the electrical connection, transforming the rigid structure into a dynamic one that can accommodate temperature changes and mechanical manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the electrical connection by introducing flexibility. The flexible electrical connection device has different mechanical properties compared to rigid crimped connections, allowing it to withstand thermomechanical stresses while maintaining electrical conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple cable lengths are connected in a superconducting cable system, then energy collection from multiple generators is enabled, but mechanical and electrical failures risk increases due to junction sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy collection capacityVSAvoidjunction reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible electrical connection device that acts as a resilient interface between cable lengths. This flexible connection maintains electrical continuity while absorbing mechanical stresses, preventing failures that would otherwise occur in rigid junctions subjected to thermomechanical loading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible electrical connection device serves as a pre-established cushioning element that absorbs and dissipates thermomechanical stresses before they can propagate through the junction and cause failures. This protective mechanism is built into the connection structure itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 assembly effectively manages thermomechanical stresses, maintaining electrical connectivity and reducing mechanical stress, suitable for high-voltage applications and long-distance energy transmission.

Implementation Method 1

The flexible electrical connection devices make it possible to absorb any variation in the size or position of the cable lengths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an insulation junction comprising an internal wall and an external providing thermal insulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

superconducting cables make it possible to transport electrical currents, in particular, of high strength, with cable sections which are much smaller than those of conventional transport cables composed of resistive electrical conductors, while limiting electrical losses along the cable, in particular, losses by the Joule effect, since this phenomenon is non-existent in the superconducting state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperconductivity: Superconductivity

Data Source

PatentUS20250372993A1Superconducting cable assembly provided with electrical branch terminal

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 NEXANS SA

AI summary

A superconducting cable assembly provided with an electrical branch termina includes a junction having an electrical junction and an insulation junction having an internal wall and an external wall providing thermal insulation and defining a connection chamber wherein said electrical junction is located. Said electrical branch terminal is connected to said electrical junction by an electrical connection passing through said insulation junction. The electrical connection includes an internal conductive part located in the internal wall of the insulation junction and an external conductive part located in the external wall of the insulation junction. The internal conductive part is connected to the electrical junction and to the external conductive part by flexible electrical connection devices.