Superconductor Wire Connection Structure Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection structures for superconductor wires fail to provide adequate strength against tension in the longitudinal direction, leading to peeling or corruption at connected portions, especially when used in coils or cables, and cause electric field concentration due to unevenness.
Innovation Solution
A connection structure for superconductor wires that incorporates an embedment material filling through holes or notches in the back surface, forming a layer around these features, which provides reinforcement and maintains the superconducting conductor layers' integrity by distributing shear stress and preventing peeling or cracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If connection strength is provided by the superconductor conducting layer, then the superconductor wires can be connected, but the strength against tension in the longitudinal direction is not adequate and the superconductor layer is subject to peeling or corruption
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is divided into distinct functional components: the superconductor conducting layers are segmented from the base material at the connection portion, and an embedment material is introduced as a separate reinforcing element that fills holes or notches in the base material. This segmentation allows the superconductor layer to maintain electrical function while the embedment material provides mechanical strength against tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedment material acts as an intermediary element between the base material and the superconductor conducting layer. It provides mechanical reinforcement and distributes shear stress, preventing direct load transfer to the fragile superconductor layer while maintaining structural integrity and connection strength.
2Strength
If another material with strength is used to hold connected portions or conjoin base materials, then connection strength is obtained, but the connected portion becomes larger and causes electric field concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The embedment material is localized to specific regions where holes or notches are formed in the base material, rather than uniformly thickening the entire connection structure. This localized reinforcement provides necessary strength while minimizing overall size increase and avoiding electric field concentration that would result from broader structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding thickness in the width direction (which would cause electric field concentration), the embedment material utilizes the depth dimension by filling holes or notches within the base material. This dimensional approach allows reinforcement without increasing the lateral footprint of the connection structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the superconductor wire is used in a winded state or manufactured into cable, then tension is generated in the longitudinal direction, but existing connection structures lack adequate strength against this tension
Solution Approach 1:
The embedment material is pre-installed in the base material before the superconductor conducting layer is formed or connected. This preliminary action ensures that the reinforcing structure is already in place to withstand the tension that will be generated during subsequent winding or cable manufacturing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure employs a composite design combining the base material, the embedment material (providing mechanical strength), and the superconductor conducting layer (providing electrical function). This composite structure integrates materials with different properties to simultaneously achieve electrical performance and mechanical strength against tension in coil and cable applications.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 2D
AI summary
Provided is a connection structure 100 in which two superconductor wire members 10A and 10B are connected to one another, each of 10A and 10B comprising a substrate 1 and an oxide superconductor layer 3 formed on one surface of the substrate 1. The connection ends of the two superconductor wire members 10A and 10B are joined such that the oxide superconductor layers face each other and a reinforcement filler 6 is disposed across the direction of thickness of the superconductor wire members, from superconductor wire member 10A to the other superconductor wire member 10B. The reinforcement filler 6 improves strength against stress in the shear direction at the connection ends, and as a result, connection strength of the wire members is improved.