Magnetic Stimulation LC Circuit Without Resistor Energy Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic stimulation circuits suffer from significant energy losses due to the inclusion of resistors for over-current protection, which prolong capacitor charging times and reduce the maximum achievable magnetic pulse repetition rate, and are inefficient in multichannel operations.
Innovation Solution
A circuit design that includes a capacitor bank and an electromagnetic coil forming an LC circuit, with a switch to disconnect the circuit from the power supply during reverse polarity, eliminating the need for resistors and minimizing energy losses, and allows for multichannel operation without series switch connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resistors are included for over-current protection, then reliability is improved, but energy losses increase and charging time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the resistor component from the circuit entirely. Instead of using a resistor for over-current protection, the invention employs a switch that disconnects the capacitor bank from the power supply during reverse polarity conditions. This extraction of the resistor eliminates the inherent energy dissipation that occurs in resistive protection circuits while maintaining the protective function through active switching control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switch as an intermediary component between the capacitor bank and the power supply. This switch acts as a mediator that controls the connection and disconnection based on polarity detection, replacing the passive resistive protection mechanism with an active switching mechanism that minimizes energy loss while providing the necessary over-current and reverse polarity protection.
2Reliability
If resistors are included for over-current protection, then reliability is improved, but pulse repetition rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the resistor from the circuit, the patent eliminates the time constant associated with resistive charging circuits. The RC time constant that limits charging speed is replaced by an active switching mechanism that can charge and discharge the capacitor bank much faster, thereby increasing the maximum achievable pulse repetition rate while maintaining protective functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static resistive protection circuit to a dynamic switching circuit. The switch can rapidly change states based on real-time polarity detection, enabling fast charging and discharging cycles. This dynamic control allows the system to operate at higher pulse repetition rates compared to the slower, passive resistive charging approach.
3Device complexity
If series switch connections are used for multichannel operation, then device complexity is reduced, but energy losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by providing independent switch connections for each channel rather than using a series configuration. Each channel has its own switch that can be controlled independently, allowing parallel operation of multiple channels. This segmentation eliminates the energy losses associated with series switch connections while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal circuit architecture where each channel can operate independently with its own switch and capacitor bank. This multi-functional design allows the system to handle multiple channels in parallel without the energy penalties of series connections, while the modular nature keeps the overall complexity manageable through repetition of standardized channel modules.
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 circuit achieves efficient generation of time-varying magnetic fields with reduced energy dissipation, improved reliability, and the ability to operate at high pulse repetition rates, suitable for large body area treatments and compliance with stringent electromagnetic emission standards.
Implementation Method 1
The physical principle of magnetic stimulation is based on a time-varying current flow passing through an electromagnetic coil, resulting in an equally time-varying (e.g., pulsed) magnetic field around the coil.
Implementation Method 2
When a pulse of the magnetic field passes into the body, the pulse will induce a voltage difference between spatially separated points in and/or on the body. This voltage difference yields an electric field and thus induces electrons to flow between the spatially separated points.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 4A~5A
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for magnetic stimulation. The apparatus comprises a first element adapted to receive at least a part of a body of a patient and a first set of one or more magnetic coils arranged at the first element. In particular, the first element is adjustable such as to move relative to the first set of one or more magnetic coils.