NMR Probe Variable Capacitor Tuning Range Vacuum Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NMR probes face limitations in flexibly changing the tuning range to accommodate various nuclear species, particularly for inorganic substances, due to the discrete nature of capacitor switches and the resulting large size and complexity of the probe, which hinders the ability to maintain the peripheral environment's conditions such as vacuum or cooled state during characteristic changes.
Innovation Solution
The NMR probe features a double structure with a primary and sub space, allowing for the insertion and removal of additional members without affecting the peripheral environment, using capacitors or other elements to change the detection circuit's characteristics while maintaining the cooled and vacuum states, and includes a mechanism to manage the introduction and removal of additional elements to adjust the tuning range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a limited number of capacitors are used to change the tuning range, then the device size is reduced, but the tuning range cannot be changed continuously and is discretely set, limiting the number of observable nuclear species
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static discrete capacitors with a dynamic continuous variable capacitor that can be adjusted continuously. The variable capacitor includes a movable electrode that can be positioned at different locations along its length, allowing continuous adjustment of capacitance value. This enables continuous tuning range adjustment and accommodates a large number of nuclear species without increasing device size, as the same physical component provides continuously variable capacitance rather than requiring multiple discrete capacitor elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of capacitors is increased to handle more nuclear species, then the tuning range flexibility is improved, but the size of the NMR probe housing the capacitors is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single variable capacitor structure that performs the function of multiple discrete capacitors. The variable capacitor with its continuously adjustable electrode position provides a range of capacitance values that replaces what would otherwise require numerous discrete capacitor elements. This multi-functional design allows the same physical component to accommodate multiple nuclear species observations across different frequency ranges without proportionally increasing device size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional members are inserted or removed to change electronic circuit characteristics, then the tuning range is adjusted, but the peripheral environment conditions such as vacuum or cooled state may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the preliminary action principle by pre-positioning the variable capacitor's electrode within the sealed probe housing before the vacuum and cooling processes are established. The variable capacitor is integrated into the detection circuit as a fixed component during probe assembly, with its adjustment mechanism designed to operate without requiring opening the sealed housing. This preliminary integration ensures that subsequent tuning adjustments can be made without compromising the vacuum seal or thermal isolation, maintaining peripheral environment stability while enabling circuit characteristic flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An inner container including a tube body is provided in an outer container. With this structure, the inside of the outer container is separated into a primary airtight chamber and a sub airtight chamber (upper airtight chamber and lower airtight chamber). A detection circuit is placed in the primary airtight chamber. The detection circuit is a tuning and matching circuit having a transmission and reception coil serving as an NMR detection element and a variable capacitor. An additional member including an additional element such as a capacitor is inserted into the upper airtight chamber, and the additional member is set on a top terminal mounting member and a bottom terminal mounting member. With this structure, the additional element is electrically connected to the detection circuit and a characteristic of the detection circuit is changed.