Vacuum-Insulated Cryofluid Conduits for Low-Vibration Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current analytical instruments face challenges in achieving and maintaining extremely low temperatures below 10 K, as samples are susceptible to laboratory influences like vibrations, and there is a need for even lower temperature analysis.
Innovation Solution
The development of variable temperature analytical instruments with components that include first and second conduits configured to receive fluid from a cryofluid source, maintained under vacuum, and operatively aligned with a cryofluid source, allowing for dynamic fluid provision to an analysis component, which includes a heat source and pressure differential management to achieve temperatures as low as 300 mK.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If samples are cooled to lower temperatures below 10 K, then temperature is improved, but samples become more susceptible to laboratory influences such as vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the analysis component and cryofluid conduits from the atmospheric environment by maintaining them under vacuum. This isolation removes the sample from direct exposure to laboratory vibrations and atmospheric influences, allowing temperatures below 10 K to be achieved while mitigating vibration susceptibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert vacuum environment around the conduits and analysis component. This vacuum acts as an inert atmosphere that isolates the cryogenic system from external disturbances including vibrations, enabling stable operation at extremely low temperatures.
2Reliability
If multiple conduits are used to provide cryofluid, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cryofluid delivery system into multiple separate conduits (first conduit and second conduit) that can operate independently. This segmentation provides redundancy - if one conduit fails or experiences blockage, the other can maintain cryofluid flow, improving reliability without requiring an overly complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies parameters such as conduit diameter, length, and material properties between the first and second conduits to optimize flow characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves reliable cryofluid delivery through multiple pathways while keeping each individual conduit relatively simple in design.
3Loss of energy
If vacuum is maintained about the conduits, then heat load is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates vacuum seals and isolation mechanisms as integral parts of the conduit assembly before the system is assembled and sealed. By preparing the vacuum-tight connections in advance during manufacturing, the system achieves effective thermal isolation while managing the precision requirements through standardized, pre-tested sealing components.
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 efficient and reliable cooling and analysis at low temperatures, reducing vibrations and providing flexible sample handling, with the ability to maintain samples at temperatures as low as 1.5 K, while minimizing heat loads and instrument vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
a housing about the conduits wherein the housing is configured to maintain a vacuum about the conduits
Implementation Method 2
the housing is configured to maintain a vacuum about the conduits
Implementation Method 3
first and second conduits both configured to receive fluid from a cryofluid source and provide same to an analysis component
Implementation Method 4
analyze samples at low Kelvin (K) temperatures
Implementation Method 5
pressure differential management to achieve temperatures as low as 300 mK
Data Source
AI summary
Variable temperature analytical instruments and components are provided that can include: first and second conduits both configured to receive fluid from a cryofluid source and provide same to an analysis component; and a housing about the conduits wherein the housing is configured to maintain a vacuum about the conduits. Methods for maintaining temperatures within variable temperature analytical instruments are also provided. The methods can include dynamically providing fluid from a cryofluid source through at least one of two conduits housed within a vacuum, to an analysis component.