Magnetic Field Probe Sealing with Metallic Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic field probes used in MRI systems face challenges due to the evaporation and leakage of fluorocarbons, which are slippery and difficult to seal, leading to frequent replacements and disruptions in magnetic field measurements.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic field probe design featuring a container with a hollow cavity, a duct connected to the exterior, and metallization surrounding the duct, sealed with a metallic plug to prevent fluid loss, using a fluid sample like fluorine 19 that is easier to contain and maintain over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluorocarbons are used in the magnetic field probe to generate NMR signal, then the magnetic field measurement function is achieved, but the fluorocarbons evaporate and leak easily due to being slippery and difficult to seal
Solution Approach 1:
A metallic plug is introduced as an intermediary sealing element between the fluorocarbon fluid and the external environment. The plug material (such as indium, gold, or other metals) provides a reliable seal that prevents the slippery fluorocarbon from evaporating or leaking, while still allowing the NMR signal to pass through the container wall to the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure uses composite materials including a non-metallic container body (for NMR signal transparency), metallic plug (for sealing), and potentially metallic coating on the container exterior. This composite structure combines the advantages of different materials: the non-metallic material allows NMR signal transmission while the metallic plug provides reliable sealing against fluorocarbon leakage.
2Loss of substance
If the magnetic field probe is sealed to prevent fluorocarbon loss, then substance loss is reduced, but the sealing becomes difficult due to the slippery nature of fluorocarbons
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic plug acts as a mediator between the sealing requirement and the slippery fluorocarbon fluid. The plug material is chosen to be compatible with fluorocarbons and provides sufficient friction and adhesion to prevent leakage, making the sealing process feasible during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing approach changes the physical parameters of the sealing interface by using a metallic plug with specific material properties (softness, ductility, adhesion characteristics) that are optimized for sealing against fluorocarbon. The plug can be deformed during installation to create a tight seal, and its material parameters are selected to maintain this seal under operating conditions.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the magnetic field probe uses conventional sealing methods, then the device complexity is low, but the probe requires frequent replacement due to evaporation and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure uses a composite design with a non-metallic container body and a metallic plug. This composite structure extends the probe service life by providing reliable sealing against fluorocarbon leakage, while the complexity is managed by using a simple plug-and-container configuration that can be manufactured using standard techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The container with metallic plug is designed as a sealed unit that can be manufactured relatively simply and replaced if needed. The metallic plug provides extended service life compared to conventional sealing methods, reducing the frequency of replacement while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
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 design extends the useful life of magnetic field probes by reducing evaporation and leakage, allowing for more reliable and prolonged magnetic field measurements in MRI systems.
Implementation Method 1
The metal plug forms a seal with the metallization. This seal may reduce the evaporation and/or loss of the fluid sample from the hollow cavity.
Implementation Method 2
Magnetic field probes typically comprise Fluorocarbons such as perfluorinated hydrocarbons for generating the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), or MRI, signal used in determining the magnetic field strength.
Implementation Method 3
The frequency of specific NMR resonances is a function of the magnetic field. A known material is placed into a magnetic field of an unknown strength, the spectra or the location of a particular resonance or resonances may then be used to determine the magnetic field strength.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides for a magnetic field probe (100, 2202) comprising a container (104, 702, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800) with a hollow cavity (106, 602). The hollow cavity comprises a duct (110, 700) connecting the hollow cavity with an exterior surface (109, 702) of the container. The container further comprises metallization (108, 800) surrounding the duct on the exterior surface. The container further comprises a metallic plug (400, 1000). The metallic plug at least partially fills the duct. The metallic plug forms a seal (402, 1002) with the metallization. The magnetic field probe further comprises a sample (300, 900, 1608) comprising fluorine 19. The sample at least partially fills the hollow cavity. The magnetic field probe further comprises an antenna (102) adjacent to the container for manipulating the magnetic spins of the fluid sample and for receiving magnetic resonance signals from the fluid sample.