Superconducting Ring Shield with Compensation Coil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing superconducting magnetic shielding technologies require bulky cylindrical shields that are costly, space-intensive, and demand significant cooling power, with the need for lengthy and expensive re-heating procedures to adjust magnetic fields.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic shielding system utilizing a superconducting ring enclosed by a compensation coil, where the magnetic field is controlled and trapped using a current control system, allowing for flexible and efficient management of magnetic fields without the need for a massive cylindrical shield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cylindrical superconducting shields are used, then magnetic field shielding is achieved, but the system becomes bulky, space-intensive, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional cylindrical shield into discrete planar shield rings that can be selectively positioned and configured. Instead of using a continuous cylindrical structure, multiple independent ring segments are employed, allowing the system to achieve shielding only where and when needed, thereby reducing overall volume and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the shield rings through independent current control systems that can activate, deactivate, or adjust the magnetic shielding properties of individual rings in real-time. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying magnetic field conditions and reduces the need for permanent bulky shielding structures.
2Reliability
If traditional cylindrical superconducting shields are used, then magnetic field shielding is achieved, but cooling power requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the shield into independent rings, each ring can be cooled and controlled separately rather than requiring the entire cylindrical structure to be maintained at superconducting temperatures. This reduces the total volume requiring active cooling and allows for more efficient thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic activation of shield rings based on detected magnetic field conditions. Rather than maintaining continuous shielding across all rings, the system activates only the necessary rings when magnetic field interference is detected, thereby reducing continuous cooling power requirements while maintaining shielding reliability when needed.
3Reliability
If traditional cylindrical superconducting shields are used, then magnetic field shielding is achieved, but re-heating procedures become lengthy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented ring structure allows individual rings or small groups of rings to be heated and reconfigured independently rather than requiring reheating of an entire large cylindrical shield. This dramatically reduces the time and energy required for re-heating procedures while maintaining the ability to restore shielding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic control system enables rapid switching between shielded and non-shielded states by controlling the superconducting state of individual rings. This allows for quick adaptation to changing conditions without the lengthy reheating processes required by traditional continuous shields.
4Reliability
If traditional cylindrical superconducting shields are used, then magnetic field shielding is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
While segmentation introduces multiple components, each ring is a simplified independent unit with standardized design. This modular approach reduces overall system complexity compared to a monolithic cylindrical shield, as each segment can be designed, manufactured, and controlled independently using standardized procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield rings are designed to perform multiple functions: providing magnetic shielding when activated, being selectively deactivated to allow field penetration, and serving as independent controllable units. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the segmented structure.
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
This approach provides a space-efficient, cost-effective, and flexible method to control and trap magnetic fields, reducing the operational complexity and costs associated with traditional cylindrical shielding systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first shield ring formed by a closed superconducting current path of a material that is superconductive below a critical temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A localized area is at least partially contained within a perimeter of a shield ring formed by a closed superconducting current path of a material that is superconductive below a critical temperature. The shield ring is at least partially within a perimeter of a compensation coil that is coupled to a current source. One or more measurement devices are responsive to magnetic fields in the vicinity of the localized area, allowing compensation by controlling current to the compensation coil. A heater can raise temperature of the shield ring out of a superconducting condition.