NMR Probe Fastening with Automated Line Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NMR spectrometer systems face challenges in reliably connecting electric, pneumatic, and optical lines between the NMR probe head and the spectrometer console, often leading to malfunctions or damage due to user error in manual connection processes.
Innovation Solution
A standardized fastening apparatus with a receiving device on the base plate of the magnet system that collects all necessary lines, featuring connecting elements on the base plate and receiving elements on the pedestal box of the NMR probe head, allowing for automatic connection upon insertion, preventing misalignment and simplifying the connection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual connection of electrical, pneumatic, and optical lines is used, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but user error leads to malfunctions or damage
Solution Approach 1:
A standardized interface system acts as an intermediary between the NMR probe head and magnet system. This interface includes standardized connecting elements on the magnet side and corresponding receiving elements on the probe head side, along with standardized line arrangements that guide connections automatically, preventing user error while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The connections are pre-configured and pre-positioned in standardized pathways before the actual attachment operation. The lines are arranged and guided in advance through standardized routes, so that when the probe head is attached, the connections are already aligned and ready to engage automatically, eliminating the need for manual connection during operation
2Ease of manufacture
If separate coupling apparatuses are used for cooling lines and RF lines, then functional separation is achieved, but connection complexity and expert requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate coupling apparatuses for different line types (cooling lines, RF lines, electrical connections, pneumatic connections) are merged into a single integrated standardized interface. This unified interface allows all connections to be made simultaneously through one attachment operation, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining functional separation of the individual line types through standardized routing
3Ease of operation
If standardized interface with automated connection is implemented, then connection reliability and ease of operation improve, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized interface incorporates pre-positioned guiding structures and alignment features that are manufactured with high precision. These pre-configured elements automatically guide the connecting and receiving elements into proper alignment during the attachment operation, ensuring that the automated connection process achieves the required precision without demanding extreme manufacturing tolerances on all components
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized interface acts as a precision intermediary that absorbs and compensates for minor variations in manufacturing tolerances. The interface includes self-aligning features and guiding structures that ensure precise connection even when minor dimensional variations exist in the individual components, thereby reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining connection accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for detachably fastening an NMR probe head with a pedestal box to an NMR magnet system of an NMR spectrometer has a holding system rigidly connected to the magnet system. A base plate of the holding system fastens detachably to the probe head pedestal box. A receiving device on or in the base plate receives all electric, electronic, optical, pneumatic, and thermal feed lines and optionally discharge lines required for the operation of the probe head. A lower side of the base plate in contact with an upper side of the pedestal box comprises multiple connecting elements into which the feed lines and discharge lines merge. The upper side of the pedestal box comprises receiving elements into which the feed lines and discharge lines from the connecting elements merge in a predetermined relative assembled position.