Hyperpolarized Media Transport Vessel with Controllable Electromagnet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport vessels for hyperpolarized media in MRI and NMR spectroscopy lack control over the magnetic field strength, exhibit inhomogeneous fields, and cannot be easily disengaged, leading to interactions with MRI magnets and reduced media lifetime due to exposure to zero or low magnetic fields.
Innovation Solution
A transport vessel with a non-magnetic housing and an electromagnet generating a homogeneous magnetic containment field, controlled by a power source and safety circuit that can selectively interrupt the magnetic field, ensuring the field is only active when necessary and avoiding interactions with MRI magnets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent magnet transport vessel is used to maintain magnetic field during transport, then the hyperpolarized state of media is maintained, but the device cannot be easily disengaged and interacts strongly with MRI magnets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces permanent magnets with electromagnets that can be dynamically controlled. The electromagnet can be activated during transport to maintain the hyperpolarized state and deactivated when approaching the MRI scanner to avoid strong interactions, enabling dynamic adaptation to different operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameter from being constant (permanent magnets) to variable (electromagnets with controllable current). This allows the magnetic field strength to be adjusted based on operational needs - high during transport for maintenance, low or zero near MRI scanners to prevent interactions
2Reliability
If a permanent magnet transport vessel is used to maintain magnetic field, then background magnetic field is provided, but the magnetic field is inhomogeneous and uncontrollable
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet system allows dynamic adjustment of magnetic field parameters, enabling optimization of field homogeneity during transport operations. The field can be tuned to provide uniform coverage in the transport vessel while maintaining controllability
Solution Approach 2:
By using electromagnets with controllable current, the patent enables precise adjustment of magnetic field strength and distribution. The field parameters can be optimized to achieve homogeneity suitable for maintaining hyperpolarized states, unlike the fixed and inhomogeneous fields of permanent magnets
3Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnet is used to generate magnetic containment field, then control over field strength is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a safety circuit that automatically detects when the transport vessel is near the MRI scanner and autonomously deactivates the electromagnet without requiring manual intervention. This self-service safety mechanism reduces operational complexity while maintaining field control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet system serves multiple functions: generating the magnetic containment field during transport, providing control over field strength for different operational phases, and enabling safe interaction with the MRI environment through automated deactivation. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating multiple needs into a single controllable system
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 vessel effectively maintains the hyperpolarized state of the media by providing a stable magnetic field during transport, preventing premature relaxation and ensuring safe operation near MRI systems by allowing controlled disengagement of the magnetic field.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet configured to generate a magnetic containment field about the chamber when a current is supplied thereto
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic containment field comprising a homogeneous magnetic field
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for transporting a hyperpolarized substance is disclosed. A transport vessel 100 for transporting such a hyperpolarized substance includes a vessel housing 102, a chamber 104 formed within the vessel housing 102 that is configured to receive a container 106 holding a hyperpolarized substance, and an electromagnet 112 configured to generate a magnetic containment field about the chamber 104 when a current is supplied thereto, the magnetic containment field comprising a homogeneous magnetic field. The transport vessel 100 also includes a non-magnetic power source 118 to supply the current to the electromagnet and a control circuit 120 configured to selectively interrupt the supply of current to the electromagnet 112 so as to control generation of the magnetic containment field, with the transport vessel 100 being magnetically inert when the supply of current to the electromagnet 112 is interrupted by the control circuit 120.