Thermal Connection Assembly for Rapid Cryogenic Sample Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for cryogenic cooling systems are inefficient as they require extensive preparation time for changing samples due to the large size and mass of the cryogenic cooling source component, and they complicate the attachment of different analysis components to the same cooling source.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a thermal connection assembly that allows for the independent engagement and disengagement of cryogenic fluid source components and analysis components, maintaining the cooling status of the cryogenic fluid source, and enabling quick and reliable connection of different analysis components to a single cooling source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the cryogenic cooling source component is large in size and mass to provide sufficient cooling capacity, then the cooling performance is improved, but the preparation time for sample exchange increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling performanceVSAvoidpreparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two independent parts: a stationary cryogenic cooling source component and a mobile analysis component. The cooling source remains fixed and pre-cooled, while only the smaller analysis component is exchanged between samples. This segmentation allows the large cooling source to maintain temperature without requiring full re-cooling during sample changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The analysis component is extracted from the cryogenic cooling source as a separate, interchangeable module. This allows the cooling source to remain in its optimal cold state while the analysis component can be quickly removed and replaced with a new one, eliminating the time required to re-cool the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If the cryogenic cooling source component and analysis component are physically integrated in the same system, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the ease of attaching different analysis components is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidease of attaching different components

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cryogenic cooling source component is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple different analysis components. The standardized connection mechanism allows various analysis components to be attached to the same cooling source, providing versatility while maintaining structural simplicity through repeated use of the same interface design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the cryogenic cooling source component and analysis component are located in the same pressurized space, then the system integration is improved, but the thermal isolation between components is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidthermal isolation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

A thermal connection assembly acts as an intermediary between the cryogenic cooling source component and the analysis component. This intermediate structure provides the necessary thermal coupling for cooling while allowing independent positioning and pressurization of each component, achieving both system integration and thermal isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enables rapid sample exchange and efficient cooling processes by allowing analysis components to be easily disconnected and different components to be quickly connected to a single cryogenic fluid source, significantly reducing preparation time and enhancing operational flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal connection assembly operably engaged with both the cryogenic fluid source component and the analysis component to provide disengagement or engagement of the cryogenic fluid source component to/from the analysis component while maintaining the cooling status of the cryogenic fluid source component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20250123049A1Thermal Connection Assemblies and Methods

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 MONTANA INSTRUMENTS CORP

AI summary

Cryogenic analysis systems are provided that can include: a cryogenic fluid source component; an analysis component; and a thermal connection assembly operably engaged with both the cryogenic fluid source component and the analysis component to provide disengagement or engagement of the cryogenic fluid source component to/from the analysis component while maintaining the cooling status of the cryogenic fluid source component. Methods for performing sample analysis under cryogenic conditions are provided, the methods comprising: providing an analysis component; providing a cryogenic fluid source component having cryogenic fluid in a cold state; operably engaging the analysis component and the cryogenic fluid source component; preparing a sample for analysis within the analysis component; and while maintaining the cryogenic fluid in the cold state, disengaging the cryogenic fluid source component from the analysis component.