Multi-Pole Magnetic Field Layout for Fast Direction Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic field generation techniques fail to efficiently generate high-amplitude magnetic fields in multiple directions simultaneously, leading to prolonged operation times and potential system wear, especially during the electric testing of integrated circuit wafers like spintronic components or MRAM cells.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic field generation system comprising a central pole and symmetrically arranged planar poles with coils connected to distinct power supply circuits, where currents are determined based on an equivalent current vector to achieve desired magnetic field orientations, allowing for simultaneous high-amplitude field generation in multiple directions without the need for multiple configurations or relays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional magnetic field generators use a single coil or fixed configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to generate high-amplitude magnetic fields in multiple directions simultaneously is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to generate magnetic field in multiple directionsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field generator is divided into multiple independent coils (first coil, second coil, third coil, fourth coil) that can be individually controlled. Each coil can generate magnetic fields in specific directions, allowing the system to achieve multi-directional magnetic field generation by coordinating the current in each coil, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a unified magnetic circuit structure that serves multiple functions: it can generate magnetic fields in various directions (X, Y, Z axes) using the same core components (magnetic circuit, poles, air gap). The magnetic circuit acts as a universal platform that can produce magnetic fields in multiple directions simultaneously, avoiding the need for separate generator systems for each direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional systems use multiple configurations or relays to change field directions, then the adaptability is improved, but the operation time is prolonged and system wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field direction controlVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous magnetic field generation capability in multiple directions by using four independently controlled coils that can operate simultaneously. The magnetic circuit continuously channels the magnetic flux from all four coils through the air gap, eliminating the need to stop operation for reconfiguration. This allows uninterrupted testing operations with rapid direction changes achieved simply by adjusting current parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical reconfiguration mechanisms (such as physical relay switching or mechanical movement of magnetic components) with electrical control of coil currents. By adjusting the current intensity and direction in each coil electronically, the magnetic field direction can be changed instantly without mechanical intervention, reducing both operation time and mechanical wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If high-amplitude magnetic fields are generated in multiple directions simultaneously, then the testing efficiency is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the magnetic field generation functions of four coils into a unified magnetic circuit structure. The magnetic circuit integrates the flux from all four coils and channels it through the air gap, creating a synergistic effect where the combined magnetic fields reinforce each other in the testing region. This allows high-amplitude multi-directional fields to be achieved more efficiently than four separate generators would require, reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Manufacturing precision

If the magnetic circuit uses symmetric planar pole arrangement, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepole arrangement symmetryVSAvoidmagnetic circuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

While the overall structure maintains symmetry for manufacturing benefits, the invention introduces functional asymmetry through the independent control of each coil. Each coil can be controlled independently to produce different current intensities and directions, allowing the symmetric magnetic circuit structure to generate asymmetric or multi-directional magnetic field patterns as needed. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural symmetry for ease of manufacture while achieving functional versatility through asymmetric electrical control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

Enables efficient generation of high-amplitude magnetic fields in multiple directions without prolonging operations or risking system wear, by optimizing current intensities and directions through each coil to maximize magnetic flux across various orientations.

Implementation Method 1

at least two coils, including at least one coil associated with each planar pole, each coil associated with a planar pole surrounding the magnetic circuit portion supporting said planar pole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250022644A1Magnetic field generation system
Publication Date: 2025.01.16 HPROBE
  • US20250022644A1 patent drawing
  • US20250022644A1 patent drawing
  • US20250022644A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present description concerns a magnetic field generation system (200) comprising:a central pole (220) arranged above a plane (XY), the axis of said central pole extending along a direction orthogonal to the plane;at least two planar poles (216A, 216B, 216C, 216D) arranged symmetrically on the plane with respect to the axis of the central pole; andat least two coils (230A, 230B, 230C, 230D), including at least one coil associated with each planar pole;two coils associated with two different planar poles being adapted to being connected to two distinct power supply circuits; each power supply circuit being adapted to conducting, in at least one coil to which it is connected, a current having an intensity and a direction determined according to a desired magnetic field and to the orientation in the plane of the planar pole associated with said coil.