Superconducting Layer Joint Structure for Cryogenic Coil Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection structures for superconducting wires in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatuses face challenges in achieving low electric resistance and high mechanical strength, leading to insufficient connectivity and thermal stability when lengthening superconducting coils.
Innovation Solution
A connection structure comprising a first superconducting layer, a second superconducting layer, and a connection layer with a rare earth oxide superconductor and a metal substance, where the connection layer includes a first substance containing rare earth elements, barium, copper, and oxygen, and a second substance with silver, aluminum, indium, copper, tin, or zinc, ensuring specific area ratios and particle characteristics for enhanced electrical and mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connection structures are used to connect superconducting wires, then the wires can be joined, but the electric resistance is high and mechanical strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection layer uses a composite structure comprising a rare earth oxide superconductor and a metal substance (silver, aluminum, indium, copper, tin, or zinc). This composite material combination enables simultaneous achievement of low electric resistance through the superconducting phase and high mechanical strength through the metal component, directly resolving the contradiction between connectivity reliability and harmful electrical resistance.
2Reliability
If conventional connection structures are used to connect superconducting wires, then the wires can be joined, but mechanical strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The metal substance component in the connection layer provides high mechanical strength to withstand thermal shrinkage and mechanical stresses during operation and cooling processes, while the rare earth oxide superconductor maintains electrical connectivity. This composite approach simultaneously satisfies both mechanical strength and connectivity requirements.
3Length of moving object
If superconducting wires are connected to lengthen them, then the coil can be extended, but thermal stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection layer is designed to maintain its structural and electrical properties across varying temperatures, particularly during the transition from room temperature to cryogenic operating conditions. The specific area ratios (first area ratio: 1-50%, second area ratio: 1-50%) and particle characteristics are optimized to ensure thermal stability and prevent degradation of superconducting properties during temperature changes.
4Length of moving object
If superconducting wires are connected to lengthen them, then the coil can be extended, but connectivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The rare earth oxide superconductor in the connection layer ensures continuous superconducting properties across the joint, maintaining low electric resistance and high connectivity even as the wire length increases. The metal substance provides structural integrity to maintain this connectivity under various operational conditions.
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 proposed connection structure achieves low electric resistance and high mechanical strength, maintaining connectivity across varying temperatures and withstanding thermal shrinkage, thereby improving the performance and reliability of superconducting coils in NMR and MRI applications.
Implementation Method 1
a connection layer provided between the first superconducting layer and the second superconducting layer, and the connection layer including a first substance containing a rare earth element (RE), barium (Ba), copper (Cu), and oxygen (O)
Data Source
AI summary
A connection structure of a superconducting layer according to an embodiment includes a first superconducting layer, a second superconducting layer, and a connection layer provided between the first superconducting layer and the second superconducting layer and including a first substance containing a rare earth element, barium, copper, and oxygen and a second substance containing a metal element, in which a first region per unit area at a first interface between the first superconducting layer and the connection layer is 1% or more and 50% or less where the second substance and the first superconducting layer are in contact with each other, and a second region per unit area at a second interface between the second superconducting layer and the connection layer is 1% or more and 50% or less where the second substance and the second superconducting layer are in contact with each other.