NMR Probe Piezo Actuators for High-Field Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing NMR probe heads face challenges in reliably and simply tuning and matching tunable elements in the tuning and matching circuit and/or coil, often requiring complex mechanical systems and being inefficient in high magnetic fields.

Innovation Solution

The NMR probe head employs piezoelectric actuators with actuation members, such as actuation rods, to accurately and quickly adjust tunable elements within the probe head, eliminating the need for gears and allowing operation in high magnetic fields, with a compact design that reduces weight and enhances precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manually operatable gears and electric motors are used as actuators, then the tunable elements can be operated, but the system becomes complex and unreliable in high magnetic fields

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of tuning and matchingVSAvoidcomplexity of actuator system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuators (gears and electric motors) with piezoelectric actuators. These piezoelectric actuators directly convert electrical signals to mechanical displacement without requiring mechanical transmission components like gears. This substitution eliminates the complexity of mechanical systems while improving reliability in high magnetic fields, as piezoelectric materials are not susceptible to magnetic interference and have no moving parts that could fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and removes the problematic mechanical components (gears and motors) from the actuator system, retaining only the essential function of actuation. By using piezoelectric elements that directly produce linear motion, the patent eliminates the need for mechanical transmission mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to operate tunable elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional actuators with gears and transmissions are used, then actuation is possible, but the system is slow and imprecise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of tuning and matchingVSAvoidspeed of actuation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuators with piezoelectric actuators that directly convert electrical signals to precise mechanical displacements. This substitution enables high-speed actuation without the inertia and mechanical play inherent in gear and transmission systems. The piezoelectric effect allows for rapid response times and precise control of the tunable elements, simultaneously improving both speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fundamental operating parameter of the actuator system from mechanical rotation and transmission to direct piezoelectric displacement. By controlling the electrical parameters (voltage, frequency) applied to the piezoelectric elements, the system achieves precise control over the position and speed of the actuation members, enabling rapid and accurate tuning of the NMR probe head components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Weight of moving object

If actuators are located in the base outside the magnet, then they are accessible, but the actuation members become long and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of actuation membersVSAvoidaccessibility of actuators

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the piezoelectric actuators within the tube structure that inserts into the magnet bore. The actuators are positioned inside the tube, and the actuation members extend through the tube to reach the tunable elements. This nested arrangement minimizes the length of the actuation members, reducing their weight and inertia, while still maintaining accessibility for operation and tuning during NMR experiments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 enables fast, accurate, and reliable tuning and matching of the NMR probe head's components, improving operational efficiency and precision without the need for complex mechanical systems, specifically in high magnetic field environments.

Implementation Method 1

At least one piezoelectric element mounted to the driving rod: This element can e.g. be operated to generate asymmetric, cyclic, e.g. sawtooth-type, back-and-forth axial motions in the driving rod.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3714282B1NMR probe head with piezoelectric actuators

Publication Date: 2022.02.23 QONETEC AG

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AI summary

The NMR probe head comprises a base (10) and a tube (12). A coil (34) is arranged in the tube. A tuning and matching circuit (22) is also arranged in the tube adjacent to the coil (34). The coil (34) and/or the tuning and matching circuit (22) comprise several tunable elements (36). Several actuators (38) are arranged in the tube (12) for actuating the tunable elements (36). The actuators (38) are located in in a compact actuator assembly (24).