Portable Fixed-Field Magnetometer for Precise Nanoparticle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetometers are bulky, heavy, and require high voltage power supplies, making them non-portable and limiting their use to laboratory settings, while existing portable devices lack the sensitivity and precision needed for accurate magnetic nanoparticle detection.
Innovation Solution
A portable, lightweight magnetometer using permanent magnets and alternating gradient field coils to induce a fixed external magnetic field, coupled with a piezoelectric sensor to detect magnetic nanoparticle magnetization through deformation, allowing for precise measurements without the need for large induction coils or high voltage power supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional magnetometers use large induction coils and high voltage power supplies to generate strong magnetic fields, then measurement precision and sensitivity are improved, but device weight and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional electromagnetic field generation system (large induction coils and high voltage power supplies) with a mechanically actuated system. A permanent magnet is mounted on a piezoelectric actuator that mechanically oscillates the magnet at a specific frequency (e.g., 50 Hz), creating a time-varying magnetic field without requiring large coils or high voltage power supplies. This mechanical oscillation substitution resolves the contradiction by achieving the necessary magnetic field variation through mechanical means rather than electromagnetic means, significantly reducing device weight and size while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the magnetic field generation from high voltage/electromagnetic mode to low voltage/mechanical oscillation mode. By using a permanent magnet oscillated by a piezoelectric actuator, the system operates at low voltage (e.g., 50 Hz sinusoidal drive) while still producing the required time-varying magnetic field for magnetization measurement. This parameter change enables portable operation without sacrificing measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If traditional magnetometers use large induction coils to generate alternating magnetic fields, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex electromagnetic field generation system (induction coils, power supplies, field control circuits) with a simple mechanical oscillation system. A permanent magnet mounted on a piezoelectric actuator mechanically oscillates to create the time-varying magnetic field, eliminating the need for complex electromagnetic generation equipment. The piezoelectric actuator is driven by a simple sinusoidal voltage source, greatly simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to generate the necessary magnetic field variations for sensitive magnetization detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex electromagnetic field generation components (large induction coils, high voltage power supplies, complex control circuits) from the magnetometer system. By using a permanent magnet oscillated by a piezoelectric actuator, the system eliminates these cumbersome components entirely, retaining only the essential elements needed for magnetic field generation and signal detection, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Weight of moving object
If portable magnetometers use smaller magnets and sensors, then device portability is improved, but measurement precision and detection capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mechanical vibration of a permanent magnet at a specific frequency (e.g., 50 Hz) using a piezoelectric actuator. This mechanical vibration creates a time-varying magnetic field that effectively interacts with magnetic nanoparticles in the sample. The oscillating magnetic field enhances the detection capability by producing a dynamic signal that can be precisely measured, compensating for the smaller size of the magnet and sensor components. This mechanical vibration approach enables portable device design without sacrificing detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic oscillation of the permanent magnet at a defined frequency (e.g., sinusoidal oscillation at 50 Hz) to create a time-varying magnetic field. This periodic action produces a modulated magnetic signal from the sample that can be detected with high precision using lock-in amplification or synchronous detection techniques. The periodic nature of the magnetic field generation allows for enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and improved detection capability despite the reduced size of the magnet and sensor components, enabling portable operation.
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
Enables accurate and portable detection of magnetic materials on various surfaces, providing reliable measurements of magnetization levels and quantities of magnetic nanoparticles, overcoming the limitations of existing devices by being compact and power-efficient.
Implementation Method 1
The opposite side of the stem is attached to a piezoelectric material, rectangular in cross section and long on its axial axis. The main characteristic of this material, ceramic, is that, when undergoing a deflection-type deformation, that is, buckling of its axial axis, this piezoelectric material produces a measurable electrical signal which is in the mV range.
Implementation Method 2
The present invention relates to devices that allow the application of a magnetic field and thus, the measurement of the magnetization effect of any element when applying said field on this element.
Implementation Method 3
two magnets that attract each other, that is, that are arranged with opposite poles facing each other. This last fact generates a constant magnetic field in a cavity located just in the middle of the compartment.
Implementation Method 4
at least two magnetic field inducing means are located, preferably, cylindrical coils composed of a non-magnetic metal wire
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a magnetometric device that measures the magnetic properties of a sample and whose most notable characteristic lies in that it is portable and highly precise, and can be used for the detection of a magnetic signal from nanostructures exposed to a fixed external magnetic field of excitation, of a unique value, it not being possible to alter the external magnetic field. The fixed external field can only be altered by modifying the device by means of exchanging the permanent magnets; however, once the device is sealed, this field does not vary. Different quantities of the same magnetic material may be placed in the sample holder, increasing the measurement signal; the present device can therefore determine the magnetic mass being measured following calibration of the magnetic material employed.