Low-Level Magnetic Field Driver Calibration for Gain and Offset Errors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic therapy systems for generating low-level magnetic fields suffer from precision and accuracy issues due to electronic errors caused by non-linearity and stray AC and DC offsets, which are typically addressed by using expensive laboratory-grade components.

Innovation Solution

A driver system that minimizes electronic errors by computing correction factors for gain and offset errors, using digital to analog converters and a differential amplifier to calibrate and adjust the magnetic field output, and incorporates sensors to monitor ambient conditions and temperature, allowing for precise control of the magnetic field without the need for laboratory-grade components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If commercial-grade or consumer-grade components are used in the driver system, then cost is reduced, but precision and accuracy deteriorate due to non-linearity and stray AC and DC offsets

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidprecision and accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by measuring the actual output signal and comparing it to the expected output, then computing correction factors to compensate for deviations. This closed-loop approach allows commercial-grade components to achieve precision comparable to laboratory-grade components by continuously correcting for non-linearity and offset errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters by computing correction factors for gain and offset based on measured performance. These correction factors are applied to modify the output signal parameters, effectively compensating for component imperfections and achieving high precision without requiring expensive laboratory-grade components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If laboratory-grade components are used to minimize non-linearity and stray AC and DC offsets, then precision and accuracy are improved, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision and accuracyVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces expensive, durable laboratory-grade components with cheaper commercial-grade components that can be easily replaced. The cost of the components is offset by their lower price, while the system maintains precision through software-based correction rather than relying on inherently precise hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system substitutes hardware-based precision mechanisms with software-based correction. Instead of relying on mechanically precise laboratory-grade components, the system uses digital signal processing and computational correction factors to achieve the same precision goals, replacing physical precision with algorithmic precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If commercial-grade components are used in the driver system, then cost is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to electronic errors from non-linearity and offsets

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 driver system provides highly accurate and precise low-level magnetic fields with reduced variations, effectively addressing the limitations of existing systems while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

A driver for a magnetic field generating device... providing a signal in order to generate a magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2313969B1Highly precise and low level signal-generating drivers, systems and methods of use

Publication Date: 2012.11.28 APPLIED MAGNETICS LLC

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AI summary

Apparatus and method for providing and using a highly precise and low level driver. In one described embodiment, a driver for a magnetic field generating device is provided, the driver including a first digital to analog converter and a second digital to analog converter; a differential amplifier configured to receive a first signal from the first digital to analog converter and receive a second signal from the second digital to analog converter and output a third signal; and an attenuator to configured to receive the third signal from the differential amplifier.