Superconductive Element with Densified Tracks on Rigid Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current superconductive materials face challenges in achieving high mechanical strength and efficient current transmission due to limitations in density and form, particularly when used in applications with intense electromagnetic forces, and existing techniques struggle to produce devices with complex geometries and high-density inserts on rigid supports.

Innovation Solution

A superconductive element is created with a rigid non-superconductive support featuring grooves for highly densified superconductive tracks, achieved by compacting powdered precursor material and subjecting it to heat with a reactant, resulting in tracks with a density of at least 85% of theoretical density, allowing for efficient current transmission and mechanical reinforcement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If superconductive wires or strips are assembled with non-superconductive supports to provide mechanical strength, then mechanical strength is improved, but the section available for superconductive current passage is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidsection available for superconductive current
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The superconductive element is divided into multiple parallel strands or filaments embedded within the support matrix. This segmentation allows the support to provide mechanical strength while the individual superconductive strands maintain their current-carrying capability, effectively resolving the contradiction between mechanical support and current transmission area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A composite structure is created by integrating superconductive materials with non-superconductive support materials in a unified element. The support provides mechanical strength while the superconductive components maintain electrical functionality, achieving both mechanical strength and adequate current transmission without requiring separate assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If superconductive materials are produced in polycrystalline form with grain boundaries, then manufacturing is simplified, but critical current density is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcritical current density
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process parameters are optimized to produce a fine-grained polycrystalline structure with controlled grain size and orientation. By changing the processing parameters (such as sintering temperature, pressure, and time), the grain boundaries are minimized in their harmful effect while maintaining the manufacturability of polycrystalline form, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and critical current density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If massive superconductive bodies are used to allow current passage through the whole section, then current transmission is improved, but mechanical reinforcement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent transmission capabilityVSAvoidmechanical reinforcement
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a composite structure where massive superconductive bodies are integrated with non-superconductive support materials. The superconductive portions maintain their ability to carry current through the whole section, while the support material provides the necessary mechanical reinforcement, thus resolving the contradiction between current transmission capability and mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of manufacture

If superconductive tracks are produced with low density, then manufacturing is easier, but current transmission efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing easeVSAvoidcurrent transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing parameters are optimized to achieve a density of at least 85% of theoretical density in the superconductive tracks. This parameter optimization ensures that the tracks have sufficient density for efficient current transmission while remaining manufacturable through conventional techniques such as infiltration or sintering processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables the production of superconductive elements with enhanced current transmission and mechanical properties, suitable for high-magnetic-field applications, and allows for the creation of devices with complex geometries, overcoming limitations of existing techniques.

Implementation Method 1

subjecting the reactant and the groove containing the precursor to heating until the reactant is liquefied and subsequently infiltrates inside the precursor powder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquefaction through heating: Melting

Implementation Method 2

at least one superconductive track formed by a groove containing a superconductive material having a real density equal to at least 85% of the value of its theoretical density

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuperconductivity: Superconductivity

Data Source

PatentEP2264799B1Superconductive element and relative preparation process
Publication Date: 2013.03.06 EHDISON SPA
  • EP2264799B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2264799B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B
  • EP2264799B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A superconductive element (1) is described, comprising a rigid support (2) made of a non-superconductive material, said support comprising at least one superconductive track (3) formed by a groove containing a superconductive material having a density equal to at least 85% of the value of its theoretical density, and the process for producing said element. The present disclosure also relates to the possible uses of the superconductive elements, and also to superconductive devices comprising said superconductive elements.