MAS-NMR Probe Head Stator Axial Insertion Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current MAS NMR probe head arrangements are complex and costly to maintain due to the permanent installation of the stator, requiring the replacement of the entire stator and coil assembly in case of defects, and are time-consuming to dismantle for maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A MAS NMR probe head design where the stator can be easily inserted and removed axially, with temporary axial fixation, allowing for independent replacement without affecting other components, and featuring a stator holder that facilitates axial movement and fixation, enabling easier assembly, maintenance, and repair.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the stator is permanently installed and bonded to distribution rings, then the structural stability and reliability are improved, but the ease of repair and maintenance deteriorate significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidstator replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The stator assembly is segmented into separable components: the stator body, distribution rings, and ceramic coil former. The stator can be detached from the distribution rings while maintaining permanent bonding between the distribution rings and ceramic coil former. This segmentation allows the stator to be replaced independently without replacing other components, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the stator is permanently bonded to distribution rings, then the assembly integrity is improved, but the time required for maintenance and replacement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly integrityVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly is designed with selective permanent connections: distribution rings are permanently bonded to the ceramic coil former, while the stator is detachably connected to the distribution rings. This allows the stator to be quickly removed and replaced without disturbing the permanently bonded components, significantly reducing maintenance time while preserving assembly integrity for the critical bonded joints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the stator is fixed in position, then the operational stability during measurement is improved, but the adaptability for maintenance operations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational stabilityVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stator connection system transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic detachable connection. During operation, the stator is securely fixed to the distribution rings for operational stability. During maintenance, the connection can be detached to allow easy removal and replacement of the stator, providing adaptability for maintenance operations without compromising operational performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3486671B1Mas-nmr sample head arrangement with replaceable stator
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 BRUKER SWITZERLAND AG
  • EP3486671B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3486671B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3486671B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A MAS-NMR probe head assembly (200), comprising a stator (2) aligned on a rotational axis (RA) for supporting a rotor (1) with a sample substance (40), a stator holder (32), and an RF coil assembly (21) for injecting RF pulses into the sample substance (40) in the rotor (1) and/or for receiving RF signals from the sample substance (40) in the rotor (1), is characterized in that the stator holder (32) is designed with a stator bearing (41) into which the stator (2) can be axially inserted and removed, wherein the stator (2) in the inserted state protrudes through the RF coil assembly (21) and can be guided through the RF coil assembly (21) for insertion and removal, and wherein the probe head assembly (200) comprises means by which the stator (2) in the inserted state is The stator bearing (41) can be axially fixed. The invention provides a MAS-NMR probe head arrangement with which improved ease of assembly and maintenance can be achieved.