Superconducting Cable Winding Inversion for Compact Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing superconducting cables face challenges in achieving a compact, flexible, and durable design that can withstand bending without damage, while maintaining electrical integrity and mechanical strength for various applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of superconducting cables with superconducting tapes wound around a flexible former with a small diameter, where the superconducting layers are oriented under compression, and additional conductors or solder sheaths are used to enhance mechanical strength and electrical connectivity, allowing for flexible and compact configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If superconducting tapes are wound around a former with small diameter to achieve compact cable, then cable diameter is reduced, but the superconducting layers may suffer irreversible damage due to excessive bending stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the stress state parameter of the superconducting tape from tensile to compressive by inverting the winding configuration. The superconducting layer is positioned on the outside of the wind rather than the inside, which fundamentally alters the mechanical stress parameters and allows the tape to withstand the bending stresses of small-diameter winding without damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the conventional winding arrangement. Instead of winding with the superconducting layer on the inside (under tension), the superconducting layer is placed on the outside (under compression). This inverted configuration resolves the contradiction by making the superconducting tape compatible with small-diameter winding while maintaining integrity.
2Device complexity
If superconducting tapes are wound with superconducting layers on the inside to maintain tension, then cable structure is simplified, but the superconducting layers are subjected to excessive tensile stress that can cause irreversible damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional winding arrangement by placing the superconducting layer on the outside of the wind rather than the inside. This inversion changes the stress state from tensile to compressive, protecting the superconducting material from damage while maintaining cable structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical stress parameter from tensile to compressive by inverting the winding configuration. This parameter change allows the superconducting tape to withstand the winding process and operational stresses without irreversible damage, while the overall cable structure remains relatively simple.
3Power
If multiple layers of superconducting tapes are wound to increase current carrying capacity, then electrical performance is improved, but cable diameter and flexibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the stress state parameter to compressive, which allows the superconducting tapes to be wound more tightly and securely. This enables multiple layers to be wound with better inter-layer contact and mechanical stability, increasing current carrying capacity while maintaining cable flexibility through optimized winding parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A bundle of superconducting cables employs a plurality of superconducting cables, each having a former and a plurality of superconducting tape conductors wound in at least one layer around the former in a helical fashion. Each superconducting tape conductor has at least one superconducting layer. Each superconducting cable lacks an outer insulating layer and is held in a bundle of cables with each other superconducting cable of the plurality of superconducting cables. A sheath of non-conductive material covers the bundle of cables.