Magnetic Induction Spectroscopy Coil Array for Tissue Fluid Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring fluid content in tissues non-invasively are either complex and costly or exhibit poor reproducibility, and magnetic induction spectroscopy (MIS) faces challenges with low signal levels and movement artefacts when used to assess general hydration status in patients.
Innovation Solution
The development of a robust MIS apparatus and method that includes a configuration where the excitation coil and receiver coil are arranged to minimize coil crosstalk, using a second excitation coil paired with a reference coil to cancel out interference, and placing the coils around the tissue sample to reduce movement sensitivity, allowing for accurate fluid content measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic induction spectroscopy is used to measure tissue fluid content, then non-invasive monitoring capability is achieved, but signal levels are low and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into separate excitation and detection coils, allowing the excitation coil to generate a strong magnetic field while the detection coil separately measures the induced signal from tissue, thereby improving signal level without compromising non-invasive capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-coil measurement to multi-coil array configuration, adding spatial dimension to the measurement system. This allows for better signal detection through multiple measurement points and improved signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining non-invasive operation
2Measurement precision
If coils are placed close to tissue for strong signal detection, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but movement artefacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coil system is segmented into multiple smaller coils arranged in an array, which reduces the sensitivity of each individual coil to movement artefacts while collectively maintaining high measurement sensitivity through combined signal processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates reference coils that measure environmental and movement-related interference, and this reference signal is used to compensate for movement artefacts in the main measurement signal, thereby maintaining measurement sensitivity while reducing movement-related errors
3Device complexity
If single excitation coil is used to simplify apparatus, then device complexity is reduced, but coil crosstalk interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single excitation coil is divided into multiple excitation coils that can be independently controlled, reducing the magnetic field strength required from each coil and thereby minimizing crosstalk interference while maintaining the overall apparatus relatively simple through modular design
4Measurement precision
If established methods like tracer dilution or imaging are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes the magnetic properties of tissue fluid itself as the measurement mechanism, eliminating the need for external tracers or complex imaging systems. This achieves accurate fluid content measurement through direct magnetic induction on the tissue's inherent properties, thereby reducing device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using physical tracers or imaging systems, the patent creates a magnetic field copy of the tissue's electrical properties, measuring fluid content through the magnetic induction signal that replicates the tissue's conductive characteristics without requiring additional substances or complex equipment
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 solution provides a more sensitive and stable measurement of tissue fluid content, reducing the impact of temperature and humidity fluctuations and movement, enabling effective monitoring of hydration status and vital signs like heart rate.
Implementation Method 1
The first excitation coil (46) generates a magnetic field and/or an eddy current in the tissue sample (44)
Implementation Method 2
The second excitation coil (56) generates a magnetic field and/or an eddy current in the tissue sample (44)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 2(c)
AI summary
There is provided an apparatus for using magnetic induction spectroscopy, MIS, to determine a measure of the fluid content of a tissue sample of a subject, the apparatus comprising a first excitation coil that is to be placed near to the tissue sample for inducing a current in the tissue sample; a reference coil; a second excitation coil that is arranged close to the reference coil and that is for inducing a current in the reference coil; and a control unit that is configured to apply an alternating current to the first excitation coil and the second excitation coil; obtain a measure of the current induced in the tissue sample; and determine a measure of the fluid content of the tissue sample from the measure of the current induced in the tissue sample.