Superconducting Joint Protective Case for Condensation and Stress Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

The temperature rise of superconducting wires from low temperatures to room temperature during maintenance leads to dew condensation and deterioration of the joint portions, and excess portions are generated due to repeated heat treatments.

Innovation Solution

A protective case with a blind hole accommodating the superconducting joint and excess portions, reducing stress and preventing dew condensation by winding the excess portions around the outer surface and inserting them into shaped holes, made of materials like Hastelloy, with a sealing member to prevent moisture entry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the superconducting wire is heated repeatedly to form joint portions, then the joint portions are formed, but excess portions of the superconducting wire are generated and the joint portions deteriorate due to dew condensation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint portion integrityVSAvoiddew condensation on joint portion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The joint portion and excess portions are extracted from the general superconducting wire structure and placed into a separate protective blind hole. This isolation prevents the joint portion from being exposed to the external environment where dew condensation occurs, thereby protecting it from deterioration while maintaining its formed state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The joint portion and excess portions are nested within the protective case body's blind hole. This nested structure allows the vulnerable joint portion to be contained within a protective enclosure, shielding it from harmful external factors like moisture and condensation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If excess portions of superconducting wire are left out, then they are accessible for processing, but they occupy space and may cause stress on the joint portion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of excess portionVSAvoidstress on joint portion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The excess portions are nested within the blind hole of the protective case body, which provides a dedicated space for accommodating them. This containment reduces spatial occupation outside the critical joint area and minimizes stress on the joint portion while keeping the excess portions accessible through the blind hole opening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the joint portion is exposed to the environment, then it can be inspected and accessed, but it deteriorates due to dew condensation when temperature rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspectability of joint portionVSAvoidjoint portion durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The joint portion is nested within the protective blind hole, which provides protection against dew condensation while maintaining a controlled environment. The blind hole structure allows for inspection access while preserving the durability of the joint portion by preventing harmful environmental exposure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective case body creates a protected environment for the joint portion, effectively isolating it from the external atmosphere that causes dew condensation. This inert-like protective environment maintains the joint portion's reliability by preventing moisture-related deterioration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Data Source

PatentEP4686005A1Protective case for superconducting connection part and protective structure for superconducting connection part
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP4686005A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4686005A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4686005A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

This protective case for a superconducting connection part comprises a protective case body including an outer peripheral surface around which a first extra length portion of a superconducting wire material is wound. The outer peripheral surface of the protective case body is provided with: a blind hole for housing the superconducting connection part of the superconducting wire material; and a second extra length portion of the superconducting wire material which is connected to the first extra length portion and the superconducting connection part.