Superconducting Coil Resin Structure for Quench Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Superconducting coils in NMR and MRI devices are prone to quenching due to thermal runaway caused by strain energy accumulation in impregnated resin, leading to instability in magnetic fields and potential burnout, which is exacerbated by differences in thermal shrinkage between metal wires and resin materials.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating inorganic fillers into the impregnated resin to reduce thermal expansion differences and enhance fracture toughness, thereby minimizing strain energy release and quenching events, with specific resin layers and particle distributions designed to stabilize the superconducting wire and coil structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If inorganic filler is added to impregnated resin, then difference in thermal shrinkage between metal and resin is reduced, but fracture toughness of resin is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal shrinkage differenceVSAvoidfracture toughness

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials by combining organic resin with inorganic fillers (such as氧化铝, 氧化钛, 氧化锆) to create impregnated resin with optimized properties. This composite approach simultaneously reduces thermal shrinkage difference through inorganic filler selection and maintains adequate fracture toughness through proper filler size, shape, and distribution control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the particle size distribution, shape, and concentration of inorganic fillers. By adjusting these parameters, the resin can achieve reduced thermal shrinkage while maintaining structural integrity and fracture resistance under operational stresses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If strain energy accumulates in impregnated resin during cooling, then quenching is suppressed, but thermal runaway may occur causing burnout

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequenching suppressionVSAvoidthermal runaway risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful strain energy accumulation into a beneficial effect by designing the impregnated resin to control crack propagation. The inorganic fillers and resin composition are optimized so that strain energy release through controlled cracking actually suppresses quenching while the overall structure prevents thermal runaway, turning a harmful phenomenon into a protective mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-designing the impregnated resin with specific fracture toughness and strain energy absorption characteristics. The inorganic filler distribution and resin composition are configured in advance to cushion against thermal shocks and strain energy release, preventing both quenching and thermal runaway before they can occur.

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 solution effectively suppresses quenching occurrences by reducing thermal shrinkage differences and increasing fracture toughness, ensuring stable magnetic field generation and extending the lifespan of superconducting coils.

Implementation Method 1

difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between the metal included in the superconducting wire and the impregnated resin is reduced

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

inclusion of filler in the impregnated resin increases fracture toughness of the impregnated resin. Even if strain energy accumulates and an initial cracking occurs, the increased fracture toughness of the impregnated resin hinders crack propagation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFracture toughness: Fracture Mechanics

Implementation Method 3

strain energy is accumulated in the impregnated resin so as to inhibit action of the superconducting wire caused by electromagnetic force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 4

temperature of the superconducting wire rises to equal to or more than superconducting transition temperature, and quenching occurs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperconductivity: Superconductivity

Implementation Method 5

Joule heat generated at the portion where the quenching has occurred may cause thermal runaway in which a large amount of heat is generated instantaneously

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11791080B2Superconducting coil, superconducting device, and superconducting wire rod for superconducting coil

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

A superconducting coil of embodiments includes a substrate having a curved surface, a superconducting wire wound on the curved surface, the superconducting wire having a first region and a second region facing the first region, a first resin layer surrounding the superconducting wire and including a plurality of first particles and first resin surrounding the first particles, and a second resin layer positioned between the first region and the second region, the second resin layer covering the first resin layer and including a plurality of second particles and second resin surrounding the second particles and being made of material different from material of the first resin.