Embedded Crystal Microchip for Weak Field Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Detecting weak sources of electrical and/or magnetic fields, such as those from human or animal bodies, is challenging due to interference from stronger fields, making it difficult to identify irregularities in these sources.

Innovation Solution

A microchip device with a plate featuring parallel rows of recesses containing crystals with magnetic activity, embedded in a semiconducting polymer, and connected wires that respond to voltage changes, allowing for the detection of weak electrical and magnetic fields by measuring voltage changes across the circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional detection methods are used to detect weak electrical and magnetic fields, then the detection capability is insufficient, but the stronger fields mask and super-impose the weaker fields, making detection difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capability of weak fieldsVSAvoidmasking by stronger fields
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is divided into multiple independent crystal elements arranged in an array, with each crystal responding independently to local field conditions. This segmentation allows the system to detect weak fields at specific locations without being overwhelmed by stronger ambient fields, as each crystal processes local information independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism using crystals with inherent magnetic activity that act as mediators between the external fields and the measurement system. These crystals convert magnetic field information into detectable signals through their magnetic properties, enabling indirect detection of weak fields that would otherwise be masked.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the microchip is brought closer to the object to investigate, then the voltage signal from weak fields increases, but the complexity of the detection system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage signal strengthVSAvoidmicrochip structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple crystal elements, wires, and polymer matrices are merged into a single integrated microchip structure. This combination allows the system to achieve high detection sensitivity through the collective response of multiple crystals while maintaining a compact form factor that does not significantly increase operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in electrical parameters (voltage, current) and magnetic properties of the crystals in response to external fields. By monitoring parameter changes in the crystal array, the system can detect weak fields without requiring excessive proximity to the target object, thus avoiding the complexity increase that would result from physical closeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If crystals with inherent magnetic activity are used, then the detection of magnetic fields is enabled, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field detection capabilityVSAvoidcrystal embedding precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs homogeneous polymer materials and standardized crystal structures that can be manufactured with consistent properties. The use of identical crystal types and uniform polymer matrices simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces precision requirements, as variations in material properties can be controlled through standardization rather than requiring high-precision manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

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 microchip effectively detects and locates weak sources of electrical and magnetic fields by identifying changes in voltage, enabling the determination of field direction and source location, with potential applications in mineral exploration and cancer cell detection.

Implementation Method 1

a crystal with inherent magnetic activity or magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic activity: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

between the rows are one or more wires (aligned parallel to the grooves or recesses) and the rows of wires are coupled to lead wires, which are, in turn, connected with a voltage source and/or a voltmeter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

embedded in a layer of a polymer... embedded in a semiconducting polymer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSemiconducting:

Implementation Method 4

the rows of wires are coupled to lead wires, which are, in turn, connected with a voltage source and/or a voltmeter... the voltmeter will show the biggest voltage if the microchip is nearest to the sought location of the source of the electrical field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage measurement: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentUS10641843B2Embedded crystal circuit for the detection of weak electrical and magnetic fields
Publication Date: 2020.05.05 BIOMIMETICS TECH
  • US10641843B2 patent drawing
  • US10641843B2 patent drawing
  • US10641843B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a circuit or microchip for the detection of poor sources of (or very weak) electrical and/or magnetic fields. In one embodiment a device of the present invention includes a microchip consisting of a plate with a plurality of cells, each cell includes a crystal suspended in a semiconducting polymer and piece of metal wire. The cell is insulated by another polymer. A voltage is applied to parallel wires running on each side of the cell, thus inducing a first (or static, or initial) voltage when measured from the cell to the wire. Changes in magnetic or electrical fields are detected by noting a change in voltage from the cell, which is caused by the crystal changing orientation due to the change in the field the circuit is subjected to.