Dynamic Magnetic Field Stabilization via Movable Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Permanent magnet assemblies face challenges in maintaining stable magnetic fields due to temperature variations, requiring substantial thermal insulation and active temperature control, which complicates device design and portability, especially for applications needing high homogeneity.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical mechanism with a sensor and algorithm for dynamically adjusting the position of magnetically active elements within the assembly to stabilize the magnetic field, allowing for continuous correction of field strength fluctuations without degrading homogeneity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If thermal insulation and active temperature control are added to maintain magnetic field stability, then magnetic field stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where a sensor continuously monitors the magnetic field strength and provides real-time data to a controller. The controller automatically adjusts the position of magnetically active elements to counteract field drift caused by temperature variations, eliminating the need for complex thermal insulation and active temperature control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces thermal management systems (thermal insulation and active temperature control) with a mechanical adjustment system. Movable magnetically active elements are positioned by mechanical actuators based on sensor feedback, substituting the thermal control approach with a direct magnetic field adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If thermal insulation and active temperature control are added to maintain magnetic field stability, then magnetic field stability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback control system uses power only when field drift is detected. The sensor monitors the magnetic field continuously, and the controller activates actuators only to correct detected deviations, significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous active temperature control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing magnetic field sensor data to automatically control the magnetically active elements, making the system self-regulating. This eliminates the need for external thermal management power consumption while maintaining field stability through automatic adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If magnetically active elements are made movable for dynamic adjustment, then magnetic field adjustability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field adjustabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces movable magnetically active elements that can be dynamically repositioned within the magnetic circuit. These elements are mounted on actuators that allow continuous adjustment of their position, enabling real-time optimization of the magnetic field for different operating conditions and temperature ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable magnetically active elements serve multiple functions: they compensate for temperature-induced field drift, enable optimization of field strength for different applications, and provide adaptability across varying operating conditions. This single mechanism replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach enables rapid stabilization of magnetic fields, reducing the need for thermal insulation and power, effectively managing temperature-induced fluctuations and maintaining field stability during operation.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetically active element, the position of which within a regional location alters a magnetic flux path provided by the permanent magnet assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic flux: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11204405B1Dynamic stabilization of magnetic fields
Publication Date: 2021.12.21 MCDOWELL ANDREW F
  • US11204405B1 patent drawing
  • US11204405B1 patent drawing
  • US11204405B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus and method for dynamically stabilizing the fields in a permanent magnet assembly, including a nuclear magnetic resonance machine. One or more magnetically active elements affect the fields of the magnet assembly. A mechanism controls and changes the position(s) of the magnetically active element(s) to affect and adjust the magnetic field strength in the working volume of the assembly. A sensor provides a control signal indicating the status of the magnetic field strength, and an algorithm is executed for determining, based on the signal, the manner in which the adjustment should be made. The adjustment may be continuous and dynamic, and stabilization of the field may occur during operation of the permanent magnet assembly. The adjustments of the position of the magnetically active element stabilize the field without unduly degrading the field homogeneity, even for high homogeneity magnets.