Stimuli-Responsive NMR Coil Switching With Low Insertion Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional switching techniques in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) applications suffer from high insertion loss due to the inherent limitations and complexity of components used, which negatively impact signal-to-noise ratios and are not compatible with remote activation.

Innovation Solution

The development of stimuli-responsive switches made from materials like liquid crystal elastomers, shape memory alloys, and conductive polymers that change shape in response to stimuli, allowing for remote activation and eliminating the need for lossy components by establishing conductive paths within NMR systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional switching techniques are used in NMR applications, then frequency switching can be achieved, but high insertion loss occurs due to component limitations and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency switching capabilityVSAvoidinsertion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates traditional lossy switching components (PIN diodes, mechanical switches, relays) from the NMR circuit. Instead, it uses the intrinsic properties of NMR-active nuclei to achieve frequency switching through magnetic field manipulation, thereby removing the source of insertion loss while maintaining frequency switching capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical and electronic switching mechanisms with a magnetic field-based switching mechanism. By using radiofrequency pulses to manipulate the magnetic resonance states of nuclei, the system achieves frequency switching without physical contact or traditional electronic components, eliminating mechanical wear and electrical resistance losses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional switching components are used, then switching function is achieved, but device complexity increases due to the number of components required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching functionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the NMR-active nuclei serve multiple functions: they act as both the sensing element for detection and the switching element for frequency selection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate switching components, reducing device complexity while maintaining the switching function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the switching function with the detection function by using the same NMR-active nuclei for both purposes. The magnetic resonance signal itself is modulated to achieve switching, combining what were previously separate functions into a unified mechanism that reduces component count

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If traditional switches are used for activation, then switching control is achieved, but remote activation is not compatible with NMR systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching controlVSAvoidremote activation compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses radiofrequency pulses as an intermediary to achieve remote switching control. These pulses are transmitted through the NMR system's existing RF coil and control circuitry, manipulating the magnetic resonance states of nuclei without requiring external mechanical or electronic switches. This intermediary approach enables remote activation while maintaining compatibility with NMR system constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution reduces resistive losses and enhances signal-to-noise ratios by enabling frequency switching in NMR systems without the need for additional components, improving the performance of multinuclear NMR coils and allowing for remote activation.

Implementation Method 1

the stimuli-responsive switch includes a stimuli-responsive material, wherein the stimuli-responsive switch includes a conductive material disposed on the stimuli-responsive material of the stimuli-responsive switch, wherein the stimuli-responsive switch has the characteristic of being responsive to a stimuli

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStimuli-responsive material deformation:

Data Source

PatentUS20240369657A1Low-Loss Switching for Circuits, Low-Loss Switching for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Radio Frequency Coils, Methods of Use, Methods of Making, Systems, and Devices

Publication Date: 2024.11.07 TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

AI summary

The present provides for a stimuli-responsive switches, circuits including a stimuli-responsive switch, systems include the circuit, method of switching frequencies in a nuclear magnetic resonance system, and the like. The stimuli-responsive switch can be made of a stimuli-responsive material, where a conductive material can be moved and brought in contact with disconnected conductive paths by the stimuli-responsive material so that upon stimulation a conductive path can be achieved.