Tetrahedral Cryocooler Compressor Vibration Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cryocoolers, such as Pulse Tube and Stirling cryocoolers, experience high vibration levels that are not effectively canceled in all three translational axes, leading to performance degradation in sensitive applications like small telescopes, while Brayton cryocoolers are large and unsuitable for compact applications.
Innovation Solution
A compressor assembly with a central hub having multiple faces and compressor modules mounted in a tetrahedral configuration, allowing pistons to reciprocate head-to-head, effectively minimizing vibration forces in X, Y, and Z translational axes through active vibration cancellation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If Pulse Tube or Stirling cryocoolers are used, then the cryocooler can be made smaller and cheaper, but the vibration levels become too high for sensitive space applications
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor is divided into multiple independent compressor modules (at least four) that can be mounted on different faces of a central hub. Each module operates independently but contributes to the overall vibration cancellation through coordinated reciprocation, allowing the system to achieve low vibration while maintaining compact size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies vibration cancellation by arranging compressor modules to produce counterbalancing forces. The pistons are configured to reciprocate in such a way that the vibration forces in different directions counterbalance each other, effectively reducing the net vibration output to levels suitable for sensitive space applications
2Object-affected harmful factors
If Brayton cryocoolers are used, then the vibration levels are negligible, but the size and weight become too large for satellite applications
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large Brayton compressor, the patent segments the compression function into multiple smaller compressor modules mounted on a central hub. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the vibration characteristics of Brayton coolers while maintaining the compact size and weight advantages of smaller Pulse Tube or Stirling designs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple compressor modules into a single integrated assembly that functions as a unified compression system. By combining the output of at least four compressor modules operating in coordination, the system achieves the vibration performance of large Brayton cryocoolers while maintaining a compact overall structure suitable for satellite applications
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple compressor modules are mounted on a central hub, then vibration forces are minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The central hub serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural framework for mounting the compressor modules, acts as the common compression chamber boundary, provides the mounting surface for the pistons, and serves as the vibration cancellation reference point. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall structure despite having multiple compressor modules
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 reduces exported vibration forces from approximately 500 mN to less than 10 mN, enhancing cryocooler efficiency by 20% and doubling input and cooling power capability, while maintaining a compact and lightweight design suitable for sensitive missions.
Implementation Method 1
collective reciprocation of the pistons along the respective axes minimizes vibration forces of the compressor assembly in X, Y, and Z translational axes of motion
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor assembly for use with a Pulse Tube cryocooler is disclosed. The compressor assembly includes a central hub having a plurality of faces, and at least four compressor modules mounted on the central hub. Each of the compressor modules is mounted on a face of the plurality of faces. Each compressor module comprises a piston mounted in the central hub and configured to reciprocate along an axis of travel within the central hub. The pistons are mounted head-to-head with each other and collective reciprocation of the pistons along the respective axes minimizes vibration forces of the compressor assembly in X, Y, and Z translational axes of motion.