Antiparallel Magnet Array for EMI-Reduced Medical Device Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment mechanisms for medical examination devices like dermatoscopes to mobile device cameras generate significant magnetic fields, causing electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can affect sensitive medical equipment, necessitating a solution that minimizes magnetic fields while ensuring a secure attachment.
Innovation Solution
The use of an array of axially magnetized magnets in antiparallel arrangement to reduce the magnetic field's expanse while increasing its strength near the poles, coupled with a ferromagnetic metal element around the dermatoscope lens, provides a secure and EMI-minimized attachment mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional magnets are used to attach dermatoscope to mobile device, then attachment strength is sufficient, but magnetic field expanse is large causing EMI
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large magnet into multiple smaller magnets arranged in an array. This segmentation reduces the overall magnetic field expanse and EMI while maintaining sufficient attachment strength through the cumulative effect of multiple magnet pairs. Each small magnet creates a localized magnetic field that couples with corresponding ferromagnetic elements on the dermatoscope.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent concentrates magnetic field strength locally at each magnet position rather than distributing it over a large area. By using multiple small magnets with alternating polarity arranged in a grid pattern, the magnetic field is localized to specific coupling points, reducing overall EMI while maintaining strong local attachment forces where needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If array of small magnets is used to reduce EMI, then magnetic field expanse is minimized, but attachment security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple small magnets into a coordinated array system where each magnet works together with ferromagnetic elements on the dermatoscope. The cumulative effect of multiple magnet-element pairs provides secure attachment while each individual magnet maintains a small, localized field. The alternating polarity arrangement ensures that magnetic forces are distributed evenly across the attachment interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ferromagnetic metal elements as intermediaries between the magnets and the dermatoscope lens. These intermediary elements concentrate and channel the magnetic field from multiple small magnets to securely hold the dermatoscope in place, ensuring reliable attachment while the magnets themselves maintain small, localized fields that minimize EMI.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If alternating polarity arrangement is used, then EMI is reduced through field cancellation, but magnetic coupling strength must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric alternating polarity arrangements where adjacent magnets have opposite polarities (North-South-North-South pattern). This asymmetric polarity distribution creates local magnetic field cancellation that reduces overall EMI, while the alternating field directions ensure that ferromagnetic elements on the dermatoscope are attracted to multiple magnets simultaneously, maintaining strong cumulative coupling force.
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 configuration effectively reduces EMI while maintaining a strong magnetic coupling, allowing for secure attachment of dermatoscopes to mobile devices without interfering with sensitive medical equipment, enhancing the ability to capture and view magnified images.
Implementation Method 1
an array of axially magnetized magnets in antiparallel arrangement to reduce the magnetic field's expanse while increasing its strength near the poles
Implementation Method 2
coupled with a ferromagnetic metal element around the dermatoscope lens
Implementation Method 3
to reduce the magnetic field's expanse while increasing its strength near the poles, provides a secure and EMI-minimized attachment mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure demonstrates an attachment apparatus for optically coupling a mobile device camera to a lens of a medical examination device. The device includes an attachment body wherein the proximal side of the attachment body is attached to a mobile device directly or through a mobile device case. The distal side of the attachment device includes an array of magnets positioned radially around an aperture to align with the eye lens of a medical device wherein at least one pair of axially magnetized magnets of the array are positioned in antiparallel arrangement relative to each other It is understood that axially magnetized magnets positioned in antiparallel relation reduce the expanse of a magnetic field while at the same time increasing the magnetic field strength close to the magnetic poles.