Analytical instruments, methods, and components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current analytical instruments face challenges in achieving 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 heat exchanger components that include conduits in thermal communication with thermally discrete masses, allowing for the transfer of thermal energy and precise temperature control, enabling temperatures as low as 300 mK through the use of cryofluids like helium and multiple stages of cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If samples are cooled to lower temperatures below 10 K, then the ability to analyze samples at low Kelvin temperatures is improved, but samples become more susceptible to laboratory influences such as vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cooling function into multiple independent stages: a first cooling stage that cools the sample to below 10 K, and a second cooling stage that provides additional cooling capacity. This segmentation allows the sample to be isolated from vibrations while maintaining extremely low temperatures through distributed cooling zones.
Solution Approach 2:
A vibration isolation platform is introduced as an intermediary between the laboratory environment and the sample. This platform mechanically decouples the sample from external vibrations while allowing the cooling system to maintain thermal contact, thus protecting the sensitive low-temperature sample from harmful mechanical disturbances.
2Temperature
If multiple stages of cooling are added to achieve temperatures as low as 300 mK, then cooling capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cooling functions into an integrated cooling system where a first cooler and a second cooler work together through shared thermal pathways and control mechanisms. This merging approach achieves temperatures as low as 300 mK while reducing overall system complexity compared to completely separate cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is designed with multi-functional components that can operate in different modes: the first cooler can function independently for basic cooling, the second cooler can provide enhanced cooling capacity, and both can work together for maximum cooling power. This universality allows the system to achieve extreme temperatures without requiring entirely separate specialized systems for each temperature range.
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 allows for efficient and reliable cooling of samples to extremely low temperatures, reducing vibrations and providing flexible sample handling while maintaining high cooling power, enabling precise analysis at low Kelvin temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a conduit in thermal communication with at least one thermally discrete mass, the discrete mass being configured as a cold source to be coupled to a member to facilitate the transfer of thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
enabling temperatures as low as 300 mK through the use of cryofluids like helium and multiple stages of cooling
Data Source
AI summary
Variable temperature analytical instrument heat exchanger components are provided that can include a conduit in thermal communication with at least one thermally discrete mass, the discrete mass being configured as a cold source to be coupled to a member to facilitate the transfer of thermal energy. Variable temperature analytical instrument components are also provided that can include: a first mass to be maintained at a first temperature; a first conduit in fluid communication with the first mass; and a second mass thermally connected to the first conduit, the second mass having a different temperature than the first mass. Methods for varying the temperature within variable temperature analytical instruments are also provided. The methods can include thermally coupling at least a portion of an exhaust fluid conduit with a first mass and using the first mass as a cold source.