Field-Free Region Generation Unit for Nano Magnetic Particle Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) devices are large, power-intensive, and face challenges in moving magnetic-field-free regions, limiting their applicability and efficiency in imaging nano magnetic particles.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a measurement head with an excitation coil and detection coil, a field-free region generation unit with permanent magnets and DC coils, and a control unit to create and move a field-free region within the device, allowing for reduced power consumption and improved mobility of the field-free region for imaging nano magnetic particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional MPI devices use a single electromagnet with 3D structure or permanent magnet with electromagnetic coil to generate and move field-free region, then imaging capability is achieved, but device size becomes large requiring separate building and power consumption increases to thousands of kW
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conventional single electromagnet or permanent magnet system into separate components: a field-free region generation unit with permanent magnets and a measurement head with electromagnetic coils. This segmentation allows the field-free region to be generated statically by permanent magnets while movement is achieved through smaller, localized coils, dramatically reducing overall power consumption from thousands of kW to manageable levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the field-free region generation function from the measurement system. The field-free region generation unit with permanent magnets creates the initial field-free region, which is then moved through the sample using the measurement head's coils. This separation allows the heavy power consumption associated with generating the field-free region to be eliminated, retaining only the minimal power needed for movement and detection.
2Ease of operation
If conventional MPI devices use complicated 3D coil structure to move field-free region in 3D space, then field-free region mobility is achieved, but device complexity increases and calibration becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the field-free region movement function into three independent linear movement capabilities along the x, y, and z axes. Each axis has its own coil structure, allowing simple linear movements to be combined to achieve complex 3D positioning. This segmentation reduces the complexity from a complicated 3D coil structure to three simple linear actuators, while maintaining full 3D mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the field-free region position through independent control of the three linear movement systems. The measurement head can be positioned dynamically at any location within the 3D space by coordinating the movement along each axis, providing flexible and complex 3D scanning capability with simple linear components.
3Measurement precision
If conventional MPI devices use large electromagnet structure, then field-free region generation is achieved, but device size becomes large requiring separate building
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the field-free region generation function from the large electromagnet structure and assigns it to a dedicated field-free region generation unit with permanent magnets. This unit is positioned separately from the measurement head, allowing the measurement system to be compact while the field-free region generation can be optimized independently, reducing the overall device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces permanent magnets as an intermediary to generate the field-free region. Permanent magnets create a stable field-free region without requiring large electromagnets, as the magnetic field is generated passively. This intermediary approach allows field-free region generation with a compact structure that does not require a separate building.
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 efficient 3D imaging of nano magnetic particles with reduced power consumption and enhanced mobility of the field-free region, addressing the size and power consumption issues of conventional MPI devices.
Implementation Method 1
a field-free region generation unit for forming a field-free region, in which there are few or no magnetic fields, in a spacing area between identical magnetic poles that face each other
Implementation Method 2
an excitation coil and a detection coil are installed
Implementation Method 3
imaging the 3D positional distribution of the nano magnetic particles included in the sample based on a detection signal output from the detection coil
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for imaging nano magnetic particles. The apparatus may include a measurement head in which a through hole for accommodating a sample including nano magnetic particles is formed and in which an excitation coil and a detection coil are installed, a field-free region generation unit for forming a field-free region, in which there are few or no magnetic fields, in a spacing area between the identical magnetic poles that face each other, and a control unit for applying a signal to the excitation coil when the measurement head is located inside the spacing area of the field-free region generation unit, controlling the field-free region so as to move in the sample, and imaging the 3D positional distribution of the nano magnetic particles included in the sample based on a detection signal output from the detection coil.