Electromagnetic Sample Spinning for High-Frequency Magnetic Resonance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current magnetic resonance devices are limited by the maximum spinning frequency of samples, which restricts spectral resolution in solid-state magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic resonance device that uses an electromagnetic sample spinning field to spin samples at higher frequencies, potentially up to several gigahertz, without the need for a separate rotor, allowing for double angle spinning and operation in vacuum or low pressures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If pneumatic driving is used for sample spinning, then stable spinning can be achieved, but the maximum spinning frequency is limited and requires complex gas supply systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinning frequencyVSAvoidgas supply system

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the pneumatic mechanical driving system with an electromagnetic field-based spinning system. The sample is spun by applying torque through electromagnetic interaction between the sample and an oscillating electromagnetic field, eliminating the need for pneumatic drivers, bearings, and gas supply systems while enabling higher spinning frequencies up to several gigahertz

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental driving mechanism from mechanical pneumatic pressure to electromagnetic field interaction. By using an oscillating electromagnetic field at the sample's resonant frequency, the system achieves stable high-frequency spinning without mechanical contact, removing the speed limitations imposed by pneumatic systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If higher spinning frequencies are achieved, then spectral resolution is improved, but mechanical strength requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral resolutionVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical rotating components entirely by using electromagnetic field-driven spinning. The sample experiences torque from electromagnetic interaction rather than mechanical forces, allowing spinning frequencies up to several gigahertz without the mechanical strength limitations that constrain conventional pneumatic systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic electromagnetic field interaction to spin the sample. By applying an oscillating electromagnetic field at frequencies matching the sample's mechanical resonance, the system achieves stable high-frequency spinning where the electromagnetic forces dynamically balance the centrifugal forces, enabling gigahertz-range frequencies without mechanical failure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If pneumatic driving is used, then sample spinning can be maintained, but operation in vacuum is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation environmentVSAvoidgas pressure requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the pneumatic driving system with an electromagnetic field-based system that operates independently of gas pressure. Since the spinning mechanism relies on electromagnetic interaction between the sample and oscillating field rather than pneumatic pressure, the system can operate in vacuum, atmospheric pressure, or any intermediate pressure regime, greatly enhancing environmental adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic field serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the spinning torque, maintains the spinning stability, and enables operation across all pressure regimes including vacuum. The system is self-sufficient, requiring no external gas supply or pressure control mechanisms, allowing flexible operation in any environmental condition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 unprecedented spectral resolution in solid-state magnetic resonance spectroscopy by achieving higher sample spinning frequencies, improving spin relaxation properties, and enhancing dynamic nuclear polarization.

Implementation Method 1

an oscillating electromagnetic field, in particular, a propagating or standing electromagnetic wave, that is circularly polarized so as to exert the torque on the sample by transfer of spin angular momentum from the electromagnetic field to mechanical angular momentum of the sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpin angular momentum transfer: Angular Momentum

Implementation Method 2

torque may be created by off-center irradiation of the sample with electromagnetic radiation, thus transferring linear momentum on the sample at a distance from the rotation axis by radiation pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation pressure: Radiation Pressure

Data Source

PatentUS20250093438A1Magnetic resonance device comprising a sample spinning apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 ETH ZURICH

AI summary

A magnetic resonance device comprises a sample spinning apparatus (20) configured to spin a sample (30) about a sample spinning axis (R), the sample spinning apparatus being configured to exert a torque on the sample by interaction of the sample with an electromagnetic sample spinning field.