Detachable MEG Calibration Cap With Reference Coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic field measurement systems, particularly for magnetoencephalography (MEG), face challenges with bulky and expensive superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) and dense arrays of optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) that are not suitable for mobile or wearable applications due to maintenance requirements and sensitivity limitations.
Innovation Solution
A calibration arrangement featuring a rigid structure with reference coil loops distributed across a mounting body, allowing for precise attachment and electrical signal application to calibrate magnetic field sensors, enabling accurate decomposition of measured magnetic fields and determination of calibration parameters without requiring precise localization of coil loops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If SQUIDs are used for MEG measurement, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but device portability and ease of operation deteriorate due to bulky cryogenic cooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration function from the main MEG measurement system by using a separate, detachable calibration cap with reference coils. This allows the measurement system to be simplified and made more portable while maintaining calibration capability through the detachable accessory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reference coils as intermediary elements that generate known magnetic fields for calibration purposes. These reference coils act as a mediator between the calibration process and the MEG sensors, enabling accurate calibration without requiring the full measurement system to be complex or bulky.
2Measurement precision
If dense arrays of OPMs are used, then spatial mapping resolution is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the calibration system into a separate detachable cap with reference coils, independent of the main sensor array. This segmentation allows the sensor array to be optimized for high spatial resolution while the calibration function is handled by a simpler, separately manufacturable component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs calibration as a preliminary action before actual MEG measurements. The detachable calibration cap with reference coils is used to calibrate the sensor array in advance, simplifying the main device design while ensuring high measurement precision through pre-calibration.
3Measurement precision
If calibration requires precise localization of coil loops, then calibration accuracy is improved, but ease of operation and setup time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an equipotential calibration environment by distributing reference coils uniformly throughout the calibration cap, ensuring that all MEG sensors experience equivalent calibration conditions. This uniform distribution eliminates the need for precise manual localization of individual coils while maintaining calibration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable calibration cap is designed to self-align with the MEG sensor array through complementary attachment features. The reference coils are pre-positioned in fixed relationships to the attachment points, allowing the system to self-calibrate without requiring manual measurement or precise localization of each coil loop.
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 accurate calibration of magnetic field sensors in wearable MEG systems, reducing errors in sensor positioning and sensitivity, and enabling operation in unshielded environments with improved signal-to-noise ratio, facilitating portable and efficient magnetic field measurement.
Implementation Method 1
A calibration arrangement featuring a rigid structure with reference coil loops distributed across a mounting body, allowing for precise attachment and electrical signal application to calibrate magnetic field sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration arrangement of a magnetic field measurement device includes at least one attachment point nub configured for attachment to the magnetic field measurement device; mounting arms extending from the at least one attachment point nub; and reference coil loops distributed among the mounting arms. A magnetic field measurement system includes the calibration arrangement and a magnetic field measurement device including a sensor mounting body, magnetic field sensors disposed on or within the sensor mounting body, and at least one primary attachment point formed in or on the sensor mounting body configured to receive the at least one attachment point nub of the calibration arrangement.