Interlocking Movable Elements for NMR Probe Resonance Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NMR probe heads face challenges in achieving a large adjustment range of resonance frequencies with compact designs and simple actuation mechanisms, particularly due to limited space and high costs associated with multiple actuators and complex components.
Innovation Solution
The adaptation device for an HF resonance circuit includes a series of movable elements with interlocking capabilities, allowing for the inclusion or exclusion of electrical functional parts like capacitors and coils, which can be adjusted using a movement device to set resonance frequencies for different atomic nuclei and magnetic field strengths, enabling a wide range of adjustments with minimal space and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators and complex components are used to achieve large adjustment range, then the resonance frequency adjustment range is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple capacitor banks with different capacitance values into a single adjustable component integrated into the resonance circuit. This single component can provide multiple discrete capacitance settings, enabling wide resonance frequency adjustment without requiring multiple separate actuators for each capacitor bank.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable capacitor component serves multiple functions: it provides both tuning capability for resonance frequency adjustment and serves as the sole actuation interface for controlling multiple capacitor banks. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate actuators for each capacitor bank, reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more components and adjustment mechanisms are installed, then the resonance frequency adjustment capability is improved, but the available space in the probe head is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple capacitor banks and their control mechanisms into a single compact adjustable capacitor component. This merging of multiple functional elements into one integrated unit significantly reduces the total space required while maintaining the capability to adjust resonance frequency across a wide range.
Solution Approach 2:
The design nests multiple capacitor banks within a single adjustable capacitor structure, where different capacitance values are arranged in a nested or compact configuration. This allows multiple capacitance settings to be housed in a small volume, preserving probe head space while providing extensive adjustment capability.
3Device complexity
If a single movement device is used to control multiple movable elements, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of controlling each individual element may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable capacitor component is segmented into multiple discrete capacitance settings or steps rather than providing continuous adjustment. Each segment corresponds to a specific capacitance value, and the single movement device can precisely position the component to engage with each segment. This segmented approach allows a simple single-actuator mechanism to achieve precise, reproducible positioning at each discrete setting.
Data Source
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AI summary
A matching device (1) for an RF resonant circuit (96) of an NMR probe head (90) is characterized in that the matching device (1) comprises a plurality of movable elements (6) which are arranged successively, wherein adjacent movable elements (6) interlock so that they are movable relative to each other in a limited range, that the movable elements (6) each comprise at least one electrical functional part (20; 20a-20b) for matching the RF resonant circuit (96) and N outwardly directed electrical contact elements (15; 15a-15b; 23, 24), with N being a natural number ≥ 1, wherein each electrical functional part (20; 20a-20b) has at least two functional part terminals (21, 22), and wherein the electrical contact elements (15; 15a-15b;23, 24) each are connected to a functional part connection pole (21, 22), that the matching device (1) further comprises a first connection arrangement (11) for moving at least a part of the movable elements (6) from the outside in order to contact the contact elements (15; 15a-15b; 23, 24) of the movable elements (6) depending on the position of the movable elements (6), and that the matching device (1) further comprises a movement device (4) with which a movable element (6) of the movable elements (6) can be moved. The invention provides a matching device for an RF resonant circuit of an NMR probe head, which, with a compact design and simple actuation mechanism, enables a large adjustment range of resonant frequencies.