Modular Superconducting Cable Joint for Serviceable High-Current Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for connecting superconducting cables do not allow for easy disassembly or reassembly without cutting the cables, making it difficult to replace one cable while maintaining a high voltage connection.
Innovation Solution
A connection device featuring a conductive sleeve with a hollow structure that can be disconnected from the cable ends, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and incorporating a solder material introduction orifice and metal contact strips for secure electrical connection, enabling the connection of cables with large diameters and high current intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional connection device with a hollow tube and central conductive member is used to connect two superconducting cables, then the electrical connection is secure and reliable, but the device cannot be easily disassembled or reassembled without cutting the cables
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into distinct modular components: a connection body, a first connection component for the first cable, and a second connection component for the second cable. These segments can be independently assembled and disassembled while maintaining secure electrical connections during operation, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device transitions from a static, permanent structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The connection components can be moved between connected and disconnected states, allowing the device to adapt between providing stable electrical connection during operation and enabling easy disassembly for maintenance or cable replacement.
2Ease of repair
If the connection device is designed to be easily disassembled, then cable replacement becomes simple, but the electrical connection stability and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection components are pre-configured with contact elements and conductive members positioned to ensure automatic alignment and stable electrical connection when assembled. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when cables are replaced, the new connections inherit the same reliable configuration without requiring complex adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection body acts as an intermediary component that maintains stable electrical connections between cables. It provides a standardized interface with conductive members that ensure reliable current transfer, while the modular structure allows easy replacement of cable components without compromising the intermediary's connection stability.
3Ease of operation
If the connection device uses a complex structure with multiple components, then ease of assembly and disassembly improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, maintains electrical connections through conductive members, enables modular assembly of connection components, and facilitates easy disassembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection components are designed to nest within or attach to the connection body in a hierarchical manner. The first and second connection components can be independently attached to the connection body, creating a nested or modular structure that simplifies assembly and disassembly while avoiding the complexity of fully integrated multi-component systems.
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
Enables the secure and efficient connection of two superconducting cables with a central conductor support of large diameter, allowing for easy disassembly and reassembly without damaging the cables, while maintaining high current transport capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Said sleeve may comprise at least one orifice making it possible to introduce a solder material into the space situated between the layer of superconducting material and the internal wall of the sleeve
Implementation Method 2
Said electrical contact means preferably consist of ring-shaped grooves holding metal contact strips
Data Source
Figure 1~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for connecting two butted superconducting cables, each composed of at least one central resistive conductor (1) of substantially cylindrical shape, at least one layer of superconducting material (2, 3) arranged around the conductor, and an insulating sheath (4) surrounding said layer of superconducting material. The end of each cable is stripped to expose the central conductor and said layer of superconducting material. The device is provided with an external coating (7) of insulating material. According to the invention, the device comprises at least one conductive sleeve (5, 5') fitted around the stripped portion of each cable and a conductive tube (6) containing said sleeves and connected to them.