Wheel-Type Terminals for Continuous Superconducting Tape Critical Current Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring the critical current of superconducting tapes are either destructive, time-consuming, or unsuitable for continuous measurement, especially for long tapes, due to high contact resistance and the risk of burning out the tape during measurement.
Innovation Solution
A continuous critical current measurement apparatus using wheel-type current and voltage terminals, with a reel-to-reel device for continuous tape supply, and a brush-type current and voltage lead-in structure to minimize contact resistance and prevent tape damage, allowing real-time measurement of critical current at 0.1 mV per meter while moving the tape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional four-terminal measurement method is used, then accurate critical current measurement is achieved, but superconducting tape burns out due to overcurrent and terminal load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wheel-type current terminals and voltage terminals as intermediary rotating components that contact the superconducting tape temporarily during measurement. These wheels act as mediators between the measurement system and the tape, allowing current application and voltage measurement without direct permanent connection, thereby reducing the risk of tape burning out while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic rotating wheel terminals instead of static terminals. The wheels rotate in contact with the moving superconducting tape, creating a dynamic measurement system. This dynamic approach allows continuous measurement while reducing contact time and pressure, preventing tape damage while maintaining measurement precision.
2Reliability
If batch-type measurement method is used, then tape damage is prevented, but measurement time is excessive and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous measurement by synchronizing the rotation of wheel terminals with the continuous feeding of superconducting tape through the liquid nitrogen container. The measurement process occurs continuously as the tape moves through the measurement zone, eliminating the stop-start nature of batch measurement and significantly improving productivity while maintaining tape safety through controlled contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary cooling of the superconducting tape in liquid nitrogen before measurement and maintains continuous cooling during the measurement process. This preliminary and continuous cooling action ensures the tape remains in superconducting state throughout the measurement, preventing damage while enabling continuous high-speed measurement.
3Productivity
If guide rollers are used for continuous tape feeding, then continuous measurement is enabled, but contact resistance increases due to strong pulling force required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical guide roller system with wheel-type terminals that rotate in contact with the tape. This substitution reduces the mechanical pulling force required because the rotating wheels create rolling contact rather than sliding friction, thereby reducing contact resistance while maintaining continuous feeding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses curved wheel-shaped terminals instead of flat or cylindrical guide rollers. The curved surface of the wheels creates optimal contact geometry with the tape, reducing contact resistance and friction while maintaining the necessary mechanical drive for continuous tape feeding through the measurement system.
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 accurate and efficient measurement of critical current without damaging the tape, reducing measurement time and improving production efficiency by providing stable current supply and precise voltage measurement across the entire tape length.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the critical current of a superconducting tape
Implementation Method 2
measuring the voltage of the superconducting tape at the voltage terminals while current is flowing through the current terminals
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring the critical current of a superconducting tape. A continuous critical current measurement apparatus for measuring critical current of a superconducting tape while feeding a superconducting tape in a liquid nitrogen container includes wheel-type current terminals and wheel-type voltage terminals. The superconducting tape is continuously supplied and fed by a reel-to-reel device, and the critical current of the superconducting tape is measured in real time using the wheel-type current terminals and the wheel-type voltage terminals while the superconducting tape is fed at constant linear velocity in contact with the wheel-type current terminals and the wheel-type voltage terminals. Accordingly, current is applied using wheel-type current terminals and voltage is measured using wheel-type voltage terminals while a superconducting tape is continuously supplied by a reel-to-reel device, thus continuously measuring critical current without burning out the superconducting tape.