Flat Coil Arrangement for Spatially Varying Magnetic Field Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measuring arrangements using coil configurations face limitations in sensitivity, particularly when dealing with small or sparse samples, and struggle to stabilize static magnetic fields during scanning measurements, leading to unreliable results.

Innovation Solution

A measuring arrangement utilizing one or more flat coils with changing geometry to create a spatially varying magnetic field, allowing for distance-dependent measurement sensitivity, enabling the determination of particle distribution and number without requiring precise sample movement or symmetrical coil-sample alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wrapped coils are used for measuring samples, then the measurement can be performed with a simple coil structure, but the distance sensitivity is limited and reliable measurement results cannot be obtained for small or sparse samples

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement sensitivityVSAvoidcoil structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coil structure is divided into multiple flat coils arranged in a specific pattern, where each coil contributes to the overall magnetic field in a controlled manner. This segmentation allows for improved distance sensitivity while maintaining a relatively simple implementation approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flat coils are positioned at different locations and orientations to create regions of varying magnetic field strength and sensitivity. This local variation in field quality enables the measurement system to detect small or sparse samples effectively by optimizing the field distribution in specific zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If a coil acts as a sensor and is moved in the depth direction of the sample during scanning measurements, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the distance between the coil structure and the sample changes making it difficult to stabilize the static magnetic field in the measurement zone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidmagnetic field stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the coil sensor through the sample depth, the invention inverts the approach by using multiple flat coils positioned at different depths simultaneously. This eliminates the need for movement while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage and magnetic field stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system transitions from a one-dimensional scanning approach (moving coil along depth) to a multi-dimensional static arrangement (multiple flat coils at different positions and orientations). This dimensional change allows simultaneous coverage of the entire sample volume without compromising field stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If symmetrical coil-sample alignment is required for accurate measurement, then measurement precision can be maintained, but the positioning requirements become extremely precise and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidpositioning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flat coils are deliberately arranged in an asymmetric configuration with different positions, orientations, and dimensions. This asymmetric design creates a magnetic field pattern that is inherently more tolerant of positioning variations, eliminating the need for extremely precise symmetrical alignment while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the coil arrangement (positions, orientations, dimensions) to create a measurement system that is less sensitive to alignment errors. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves robust performance without requiring stringent positioning specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances measurement sensitivity and accuracy by exploiting the geometry of the magnetic field, allowing for reliable detection of particle distribution and number without the need for precise sample positioning or movement, and permits the use of static magnetic fields without affecting the measurement.

Implementation Method 1

a coil arrangement arranged to create a magnetic field in order to measure a sample comprising magnetic particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

electronics connected to the coil arrangement for creating a magnetic field using the coil arrangement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3120138B1Measuring arrangement and method for measuring a sample
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 MAGNASENSE TECH OY
  • EP3120138B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3120138B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3120138B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a measuring arrangement, which includes a coil arrangement (11) arranged to create a magnetic field (B) in order to measure a sample (14) to be arranged in connection with it, and electronics (13) connected to the coil arrangement for creating a magnetic field (B) using the coil arrangement. The coil arrangement includes at least one flat coil (12), the coil geometry of which is arranged to be changed in the direction (K) of the plane defined by the flat coil, in order to create a spatially changing magnetic field for measuring the sample, and the measuring arrangement (10) includes means (24) for changing the position of the sample and the coil arrangement relative to each other in order to change the magnetic field affecting the sample. In addition, the invention also relates to a method for measuring a sample.