Thermal Reflective Sheet for Cryogenic Magnet Heat Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI systems face challenges in maintaining thermal insulation and minimizing heat load on superconducting magnets due to varying surface finishes and low thermal reflectivity of components, leading to increased heat absorption.
Innovation Solution
A thermal reflective sheet comprising multiple layers, such as aluminum and mesh, is wound around the superconducting coils and coupled using adhesive tapes, providing a low thermal emissivity coefficient to reduce heat absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional magnet surface structures with varying materials and finishes are used, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but thermal reflectivity is insufficient leading to increased heat load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple layers with different properties (highly reflective metal layer, dielectric layer, mesh layer) to create a thermal reflective sheet that achieves superior thermal reflectivity while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by placing the thermal reflective sheet specifically on surfaces exposed to vacuum and thermal radiation (magnet surfaces, cavity interiors, component surfaces) rather than uniformly throughout the system, optimizing thermal protection where it is most needed
2Loss of energy
If vacuum insulation is used to isolate the superconducting magnet, then thermal insulation is improved, but thermal radiation heat transfer increases due to low reflectivity surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the optical properties of surfaces through the thermal reflective sheet, changing the emissivity and reflectivity parameters to minimize thermal radiation heat transfer while maintaining vacuum insulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies intermediary by introducing the thermal reflective sheet as a mediating layer between the vacuum environment and the magnet surfaces, components, and cavities to intercept and reflect thermal radiation before it reaches the superconducting magnet
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 thermal reflective sheet effectively minimizes heat load on superconducting magnets by reducing emissivity, maintaining low temperatures, and preventing eddy current heating, even under high magnetic fields.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal reflective sheet effectively minimizes heat load on superconducting magnets by reducing emissivity
Implementation Method 2
preventing eddy current heating, even under high magnetic fields
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A device includes a component operable at a temperature in a range of 3.5 to 6 Kelvin. The device further includes a thermal reflective sheet comprising a plurality of layers, wound around at least a portion of the component. The device also includes a coupling device for coupling the thermal reflective sheet to at least the portion of the component.