Flow-through NMR Analyzer Coil Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional NMR analyzers are limited in downsizing due to the fixed size of the RF coil, which restricts the miniaturization of the entire system and reduces detection sensitivity when using thinner test tubes, as the coil size is determined by the assumed maximum test tube size.
Innovation Solution
A flow-through NMR analyzer design where the detecting coil is integrated into a solution feeding pipe, allowing multiple samples to be analyzed with a reduced coil size, enabling a compact system and improved sensitivity by adjusting the coil diameter to match the pipe diameter, and embedding or forming the coil along the cylindrical pipe wall for enhanced magnetic field homogeneity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the RF coil size is determined based on the assumed maximum test tube size, then the system can accommodate larger test tubes, but the detection sensitivity per unit volume of sample decreases and the system size cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the RF coil removable and replaceable. Instead of fixing the coil size to accommodate maximum test tube dimensions, the system allows dynamic replacement of coils with different sizes and configurations. This enables optimization of coil size for each specific test tube being analyzed, thereby maximizing detection sensitivity while maintaining compatibility with various test tube sizes through selective coil replacement.
2Volume of moving object
If the RF coil size is reduced to improve detection sensitivity, then the magnetic field correcting member and superconducting magnet can be downsized, but the system can no longer accommodate larger test tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the RF coil to be replaced based on the test tube size being analyzed. When smaller test tubes are used, smaller RF coils can be employed, allowing the magnetic field correcting member and superconducting magnet to be optimized for compactness. When larger test tubes need to be analyzed, larger RF coils can be substituted. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by making the system size adaptable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the RF coil from the main analyzer body, making it a replaceable component. This segmentation allows the coil to be independently selected and replaced based on specific analysis requirements, while the main body (superconducting magnet and magnetic field correcting member) can be designed for compactness. The modular design enables optimization of each component independently.
3Productivity
If a fixed RF coil is used for multiple test tubes, then the coil must be large enough to accommodate the maximum test tube size, but this reduces detection sensitivity when thinner test tubes are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through the dynamics principle by making the RF coil replaceable. The system maintains multi-sample analysis capability through selective coil replacement rather than using a single oversized fixed coil. For each test tube analysis, the appropriate RF coil size can be selected and installed, ensuring optimal detection sensitivity for that specific sample while still enabling analysis of multiple different samples through coil interchangeability.
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 design allows for a compact NMR analyzer with increased detection sensitivity by reducing the coil size and distance between the sample and the coil, while maintaining high sensitivity and enabling easier replacement of components.
Implementation Method 1
a superconducting magnet that encloses a sample housing space, which is surrounded by a side wall of the solution feeding pipe, around an axis of the solution feeding pipe such that a static magnetic field is generated along the axis of the solution feeding pipe
Implementation Method 2
a superconducting magnet that encloses a sample housing space, which is surrounded by a side wall of the solution feeding pipe, around an axis of the solution feeding pipe such that a static magnetic field is generated along the axis of the solution feeding pipe
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic field correcting coil which encloses the housing space around the axis of the solution feeding pipe between the housing container and the solution feeding pipe and which is configured to correct homogeneity of a magnetic field in the housing space
Implementation Method 4
a detecting coil which is configured to apply high-frequency electromagnetic waves to the sample inside the housing space and which is configured to detect the NMR signal from the sample
Implementation Method 5
NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) analyzer
Data Source
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AI summary
A compact flow-through NMR analyzer with high NMR signal detection sensitivity is provided. The flow-through NMR analyzer comprises: a solution feeding pipe 18 for flowing a sample fed from a solution feeding pump 6; a superconducting magnet 7 that encloses a housing space, which is surrounded by a side wall of the solution feeding pipe 18, around an axis of the solution feeding pipe 18 such that a static magnetic field is generated along the axis of the solution feeding pipe 18; a vacuum container 12 which houses the superconducting magnet 7 in a cooled state and which encloses the housing space around the axis of the solution feeding pipe 18; and an RF coil 22 which applies high-frequency electromagnetic waves to the sample inside the housing space and which detects an NMR signal from the sample. The RF coil 22 is integrally formed with the side wall of the solution feeding pipe 18 in a region of the solution feeding pipe 18 that is enclosed by the superconducting magnet 7 and the magnetic field correcting coil 4c.