Direct Push NMR Probe Window Structure for In Situ Soil Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing direct push probe systems cannot collect NMR measurements without first creating a borehole in the ground, limiting their application in soil characterization.

Innovation Solution

A direct push probe assembly with a non-conductive, non-magnetic window section containing NMR electronics that allows for NMR measurements as the probe is pushed into or retracted from the soil, using static or dynamic forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a direct push probe system uses traditional conductive and magnetic materials in its construction, then the structural integrity and strength of the probe are improved, but the ability to perform in situ NMR measurements without drilling is lost due to interference with magnetic fields

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidNMR measurement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The probe assembly is divided into distinct sections: a upper probe body made of conductive materials for structural strength, and a lower measurement section with a non-conductive, non-magnetic window that allows magnetic field penetration for NMR measurements. This segmentation enables different parts of the probe to have different material properties optimized for their specific functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The probe assembly uses localized non-conductive, non-magnetic window sections at specific positions where magnetic field interaction is required for NMR measurements, while other portions of the probe can use traditional conductive and magnetic materials for structural support and other functions. This local quality change allows the probe to maintain overall structural integrity while enabling NMR functionality at critical locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If a borehole is created in the ground before inserting NMR measurement tools, then the NMR measurements can be performed, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNMR measurement capabilityVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe assembly combines multiple functions into a single integrated tool: it can be pushed directly into the ground using static or dynamic forces, and simultaneously performs NMR measurements through its non-conductive, non-magnetic window section. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate borehole creation and measurement operations, reducing process complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a direct push probe assembly uses non-conductive, non-magnetic materials for the window section, then in situ NMR measurements are enabled, but the mechanical strength and durability at that section are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNMR measurement capabilityVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The probe assembly employs composite construction, combining traditional conductive and magnetic materials for structural components with non-conductive, non-magnetic materials for the measurement window section. This composite approach allows the overall structure to maintain strength while the specific measurement section enables NMR functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 in situ NMR measurements in soil without drilling, providing comprehensive soil characterization including water storage and pore structure analysis.

Implementation Method 1

nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNuclear magnetic resonance:

Data Source

PatentUS12529819B2Direct push probe assembly for NMR measurements

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 VISTA CLARA

AI summary

A direct push probe assembly that contains NMR components for collecting NMR measurements from soil as the probe assembly is pushed into the soil or retracted from the soil. The probe assembly includes an upper metal housing, a lower metal end piece, and a window section positioned between the upper metal housing and the lower metal end piece. The window section is made of non-conductive, non-magnetic materials for allowing NMR measurements from NMR components located within the probe assembly. The window section is cylindrical with multiple layers, including a layer of hard material capable of transmitting high compressive forces, such as a ceramic material, and a layer of reinforced composite plastic material capable of transmitting high tensile forces. The window section is secured to the upper and lower metal sections of the probe assembly using an adhesive to withstand static and dynamic driving forces transmitted through the probe during use.