Magnetic Spin Transmitters for Microscale Sensor Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscale biological sensors and actuators face challenges in precise localization and communication within the body due to limited spatial resolution and the inability to distinguish between multiple devices, which is crucial for diagnosing and treating localized diseases such as neurodegeneration, cancer, and atherosclerosis.
Innovation Solution
The development of Addressable Transmitters Operated as Magnetic Spins (ATOMS) technology, which uses magnetic field-dependent frequencies to enable precise localization and communication of microscale devices within the body, mimicking the principles of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to encode device locations through frequency shifts, allowing for individual and distributed sensing and control of biological processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional microscale sensors are used for localization, then device placement is possible, but spatial resolution is insufficient to distinguish between multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electrical communication systems with magnetic resonance-based communication. Microscale devices use magnetic spins to encode and transmit information, enabling precise spatial localization through magnetic field measurements without complex electronic communication hardware. This substitution achieves high measurement precision while managing system complexity through physics-based encoding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in magnetic resonance parameters (frequency, phase, amplitude) to encode spatial information and device identities. By measuring these parameter variations, the system achieves precise localization and distinguishes between multiple devices. The magnetic field strength and orientation serve as controllable parameters that enable high-resolution spatial encoding.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple microscale devices are deployed for distributed sensing, then coverage is improved, but the ability to distinguish and communicate with individual devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns unique magnetic resonance characteristics to each microscale device based on its local environment and device-specific properties. Each device's magnetic spin behavior is locally distinct, enabling individual identification even when multiple devices are deployed together. This local differentiation prevents information loss about device identities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic magnetic field pulses to sequentially address and communicate with multiple devices. By using periodic excitation at different frequencies or phases, the system can individually interrogate each device in a multi-device array, maintaining clear device identification information despite the presence of multiple sensors.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic field strength is increased to improve signal detection, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but tissue heating and safety concerns worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic, pulsed magnetic field sequences rather than continuous high-strength fields. By applying magnetic pulses at optimized frequencies and durations, the system achieves sufficient signal detection sensitivity while allowing tissue to dissipate heat between pulses. This temporal modulation reduces thermal accumulation and associated safety concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts magnetic field parameters (strength, duration, frequency) based on real-time signal quality and safety constraints. The system optimizes the balance between detection sensitivity and thermal safety by modulating field characteristics, using higher strengths only when necessary and for brief durations, thereby managing tissue heating risks.
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
ATOMS technology enables precise localization and communication of microscale devices within the body, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by allowing for the accurate determination of device locations and simultaneous monitoring of multiple sensors, facilitating advanced biomedical applications such as localized recording of biochemical signals and therapeutic interventions.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillator circuit configured to change its resonance frequency upon application of a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for sensing biological functions are disclosed. Sensors can be implanted in an organ, such as the brain, and a magnetic field gradient applied to the biological tissue. The field causes the sensors to have different resonant frequencies allowing their spatial localization. The sensors can harvest power from the external coils to be able to retransmit data.