Low-Level Magnetic Field Driver Calibration for Precision Output

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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 often mitigated by using expensive laboratory-grade components.

Innovation Solution

A driver system incorporating digital to analog converters, differential amplifiers, and attenuators, along with calibration methods for gain and offset corrections, to minimize electronic errors and provide precise control over magnetic field generation without the need for costly 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 patent implements a calibration system that measures actual output signals from the driver and compares them to expected values, then uses this feedback to calculate correction factors. These correction factors are applied to subsequent operations to compensate for non-linearity and offsets in commercial-grade components, thereby maintaining precision without requiring expensive laboratory-grade components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the driver system by introducing correction factors that adjust the gain and offset of the signal path. By dynamically modifying these parameters based on calibration measurements, the system compensates for component imperfections and achieves laboratory-grade precision with commercial-grade hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If laboratory-grade components are used to reduce 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 patent replaces expensive, durable laboratory-grade components with cheaper commercial-grade components, accepting that the cheaper components have higher initial error. The system then uses software-based calibration and correction to achieve the required precision, effectively trading hardware cost for computational processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes hardware-based precision mechanisms (expensive laboratory-grade components) with a software-based calibration and correction system. Instead of relying on physical component quality, the system uses digital signal processing and mathematical correction factors to achieve precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If manual attenuators with discrete resistors are used for signal attenuation, then device complexity is reduced, but precision deteriorates due to non-linearity and offsets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidsignal attenuation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical attenuators with digital signal processing. Instead of using physical resistors and switches that introduce non-linearity and offsets, the system uses digital algorithms to control signal attenuation, achieving higher precision while maintaining or reducing overall device complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 system achieves highly accurate and precise low-level magnetic field generation, reducing variations and instability, and can be calibrated to adapt to ambient conditions and temperature changes, enhancing the effectiveness of magnetic therapy applications.

Implementation Method 1

comprising: a first digital to analog converter and a second digital to analog converter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDigital to analog conversion:

Implementation Method 2

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifferential amplification:

Implementation Method 3

an attenuator to configured to receive the third signal from the differential amplifier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8613695B2Highly precise and low level signal-generating drivers, systems, and methods of use

Publication Date: 2013.12.24 APPLIED MAGNETICS LLC

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.