Conical Nested Magnet Assembly for Compact 1.5 T Microscopy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic devices for optical microscopy (OM) and scanning probe microscopy (SPM) fail to generate high magnetic field intensity while being small enough to fit the geometry of these experiments, typically requiring a magnetic field above 1 Tesla and dimensions less than 10 mm.

Innovation Solution

A magnet device comprising a first magnet with a conical shape received in a second magnet with complementary anticone shape, generating a magnetic field of at least 1.3 T, aligned along a longitudinal axis, and minimizing stray fields through conical alignment and material selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a conventional magnet is used to generate high magnetic field intensity (above 1 Tesla), then the magnetic field strength is sufficient for OM and SPM applications, but the magnet size becomes too large to fit the geometry of microscopy experiments (typically requiring dimensions less than 10 mm)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field intensityVSAvoidmagnet size
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet is divided into two separate components: a first magnet and a second magnet, each with complementary conical shapes. This segmentation allows the magnetic field generation function to be distributed across two smaller components that can fit within the constrained geometry of microscopy instruments while collectively producing the required high magnetic field intensity above 1 Tesla

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first magnet with conical shape is received within the second magnet with complementary anticone shape, creating a nested configuration. This nesting arrangement maximizes the magnetic field generation capability within a compact overall volume, allowing the combined structure to produce high magnetic field intensity (at least 1.3 T, preferably at least 1.4 T, more preferably at least 1.5 T) while maintaining dimensions suitable for microscopy applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Force

If existing magnetic modules consisting of two oppositely magnetized components are used, then the magnetic field is generated, but the intensity is insufficient (below 1 Tesla) and the dimensions do not match the required small size for OM or SPM

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field intensityVSAvoiddimensional compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the magnet components by using conical and complementary anticone shapes instead of conventional cylindrical or planar forms. This parameter change in geometry, combined with specific magnetization directions, enables the generation of high magnetic field intensity (at least 1.3 T, preferably at least 1.4 T, more preferably at least 1.5 T) while maintaining compact dimensions that are adaptable to microscopy instrument geometries

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The device achieves a strong magnetic field intensity of up to 1.5 T from an opening, minimizing device size and stray fields, suitable for OM and SPM applications without electrical connections, and compatible with scanning probe microscopy instruments.

Implementation Method 1

the first magnet and the second magnet are oppositely magnetized, and the first magnet, the second magnet and the opening are aligned along a longitudinal axis of the magnet device, so that the magnetic device generates a magnetic field from the opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation through opposite magnetization: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4073524B1Magnet device
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 UNIVERSITY OF GENEVA
  • EP4073524B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4073524B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4073524B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The present relates to a magnet device for a microscopy instrument comprising a first magnet received in a second magnet. The first magnet and said second magnet have complementary conical shapes so that said first magnet is arranged for being received in said second magnet. The second magnet has an opening leading to said first magnet when said first magnet is received in said second magnet. When the first magnet is received in the second magnet, the first magnet and the second magnet are oppositely magnetized, and the first magnet, the second magnet and the opening are aligned along a longitudinal axis of the magnet device, so that the magnetic device generates a magnetic field from the opening. The invention further relates to a microscope comprising said magnet device and a method for retrofitting a microscope instrument using said magnet device.