Thermal Connection Assembly for Rapid Cryogenic Component Exchange
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic analysis systems face challenges in quickly and reliably connecting and disconnecting cryogenic cooling sources from analysis components, leading to prolonged preparation times and difficulties in exchanging different analysis components, due to the large size and mass of cooling components and shared thermal environments.
Innovation Solution
A thermal connection assembly that allows for independent thermal and pressure control between cryogenic fluid source and analysis components, enabling quick engagement and disengagement while maintaining cooling status, using thermal conduits and vacuum sealing to facilitate rapid exchange of samples without affecting the cryogenic fluid source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the cryogenic cooling source component and analysis component are located within the same pressurized space and thermally isolated, then thermal stability is improved, but the preparation time increases and component exchange becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate pressurized spaces: the cryogenic cooling source component resides in a first pressurized space while the analysis component operates in a second pressurized space. This spatial segmentation allows independent thermal management and rapid component exchange without compromising thermal stability, as each component can be optimized for its specific thermal environment.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermal connection assembly acts as an intermediary between the cryogenic cooling source and the analysis component. This intermediary enables thermal coupling when needed while allowing physical disconnection for rapid component exchange. The thermal connection assembly maintains thermal stability during operation but permits quick reconfiguration by connecting or disconnecting from different analysis components.
2Power
If the cryogenic cooling source component is large in size and mass, then cooling capacity is improved, but the preparation time and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the large, high-capacity cryogenic cooling source from the smaller analysis components. The cooling source remains stationary in its own pressurized space while only the lighter analysis components need to be exchanged. This segmentation maintains high cooling capacity while improving ease of operation, as operators only handle the smaller analysis components rather than the entire cooling system.
Solution Approach 2:
The analysis component is extracted as a separate, exchangeable unit from the cryogenic cooling source system. This allows the large cooling source to remain in place providing continuous cooling capacity, while the smaller analysis component can be quickly removed and replaced without moving or repositioning the heavy cooling equipment.
3Temperature
If the cryogenic cooling source component and analysis component are physically connected, then thermal coupling is improved, but adaptability and ease of component exchange worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal connection between the cryogenic cooling source and analysis component is made dynamic rather than fixed. The thermal connection assembly can be connected or disconnected as needed, allowing the system to switch between thermally coupled and thermally isolated states. This dynamic connection enables both strong thermal coupling during analysis and rapid component exchange when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal connection assembly is designed with universal compatibility to work with different analysis components. It can connect to various types of analysis components while maintaining effective thermal coupling, enabling a single cryogenic cooling source to serve multiple different analysis components through standardized interfaces and connection mechanisms.
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
Enables rapid and reliable exchange of analysis components, maintaining the cooling status of the cryogenic fluid source, and allowing different components to be easily connected to the same cooling source, reducing preparation time and improving operational efficiency in cryogenic analysis systems.
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
Implementation Method 2
using thermal conduits and vacuum sealing to facilitate rapid exchange of samples without affecting the cryogenic fluid source
Data Source
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.