Superconducting Cable Tap Terminal With Flexible Stress-Tolerant Junction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing superconducting cable branching structures are sensitive to thermo-mechanical stresses due to temperature variations and handling, leading to potential electrical connection failures.

Innovation Solution

A superconducting cable assembly with an electrical branch terminal featuring a flexible electrical connection system, comprising internal and external conductive parts connected through a sealed insulation junction, which accommodates variations in cable size and position, ensuring resilient connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid crimped branching structure is used to connect superconducting cables, then electrical connection is achieved, but the structure becomes sensitive to thermo-mechanical stresses from temperature variations and handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidtolerance to size and position variations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid crimped connections with flexible electrical connection devices that can dynamically adapt to dimensional changes. The flexible conductors and movable connection elements allow the branching structure to accommodate thermal expansion and handling-induced position variations while maintaining reliable electrical contact between superconducting cable ends.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes controlled dimensional changes in the flexible connection components to absorb thermo-mechanical stresses. The flexible electrical connection devices are designed with specific geometric parameters that allow them to expand, contract, or deform within defined ranges in response to temperature variations, preventing stress concentration and connection failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If cable lengths are fixed with precise positioning, then electrical connection precision is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to stress from temperature changes and handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable alignment precisionVSAvoidthermo-mechanical stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces flexible electrical connection devices as intermediary elements between the rigid cable ends and the branching structure. These intermediaries absorb the thermo-mechanical stresses through their flexibility, preventing direct transmission of stress to the precisely positioned cable connections while maintaining electrical continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The branching structure incorporates flexible connection components that are pre-designed to accommodate expected dimensional variations from temperature changes and handling. This beforehand cushioning allows the system to absorb anticipated stresses without compromising the precision-aligned cable connections.

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 assembly provides a resilient branch connection that withstands thermo-mechanical stresses, maintaining electrical integrity and reducing the risk of mechanical or thermal stress-related failures.

Implementation Method 1

The flexible electrical connection devices accommodate variations in the size or position of the cable lengths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an insulation junction comprising an inner wall and an outer wall making thermal insulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

each cable length coaxially comprising a superconducting element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperconductivity: Superconductivity

Data Source

PatentEP4661226A1Superconducting cable assembly with electrical tapping terminal

Publication Date: 2025.12.10 NEXANS SA

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AI summary

The invention relates to a superconducting cable assembly (100) equipped with an electrical tap-off terminal (13), comprising a junction including an electrical junction (11) and an insulation junction (70) comprising an inner wall (7) and an outer wall (7') providing thermal insulation and defining a connection chamber (10) in which said electrical junction (11) is located. Said electrical tap-off terminal (13) is connected to said electrical junction (11) by an electrical link (12) passing through said insulation junction (70). The electrical link (12) comprises an internal conductive portion (14) located in the inner wall (7) of the insulation junction (70) and an external conductive portion (14') located in the outer wall (7') of the insulation junction (70).The internal conductive part (14) is connected to the electrical junction (11) and to the external conductive part (14') by flexible electrical connection devices (15,15').