Levitation requires superconductors to remain permanently below their transition temperature. For this reason applications using superconductivity required a relatively large installation area because of the integrated cooler or their working time was greatly restricted. The SupraCube is the first concept in which the superconductor unit can be separated from the electric cooler and operate autonomously for up to two hours. This compact technology makes it possible to move and handle objects contact-free – ideal for industries with the most stringent cleaning and cleanliness standards, such as laboratory automation, biotechnology, or semiconductor production.
The magnetic levitation is reduced to the essentials with the SupraCube: a passive magnetic basic unit with a connected levitation support above. The modular design of the system allows the superconductor to be cooled to -210°C before the cooling unit switches off automatically and the SupraCube is disconnected for up to two hours.
Once cooled down and disconnected from the cooler, the SupraCube is ready for operation – either mounted on the end of a robot arm, connected in parallel with other SupraCubes on a transport system, or for use in the safety laboratory next door. The stable levitating connection between the magnetic carrier and the superconductor permits distances of ten millimeters and more – plenty of space for separating plates that can enclose clean or sterile work environments, for example.
This results in a wide range of possible applications, for example:
While a SupraCube is operating, additional modules can be charged at the docking station with the electric cryocooler and power supply to ensure seamless availability. The SupraCube is completely autonomous during operation and does not require power or processing power for controlling the levitation. Even with downtime, the efficient insulation means that the superconductor can continue operating for up to two hours.
Because the SupraCube is completely passive, cables with their inherent problems are not required and there is no vibration or electrical noise that could affect sensitive applications. The levitation is achieved without heating surfaces, which eliminates the possibility of damage to heat-sensitive items and expensive cooling is not required.