Resonant Magnetic Field Imaging for Deep Subsurface Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting underground subsurface structures face challenges due to limited penetration depth, resolution, and accuracy, particularly in environments with high dielectric loss, such as soil or rock, and are ineffective for non-metallic objects.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic field image acquisition apparatus and method utilizing a resonant structure with a transmitting coil and a resonance coil operating at the same frequency to generate and detect magnetic fields, enhancing detection depth and accuracy by minimizing dielectric loss effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electric field-based Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is used to detect underground objects, then detection capability is provided, but penetration depth is limited due to dielectric loss in soil and rock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric field-based detection with magnetic field-based detection. Specifically, it uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology to generate and detect magnetic fields instead of using electric fields like conventional GPR. This substitution allows the detection system to operate in environments with high dielectric loss (such as soil and rock) where electric fields are heavily attenuated, thereby significantly improving penetration depth while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from electric field frequency to magnetic resonance frequency. By tuning the magnetic field frequency to match the Larmor frequency of hydrogen protons in water molecules within subsurface objects, the system achieves resonant enhancement of the magnetic signal. This parameter change enables deeper penetration through lossy media while improving both detection sensitivity and penetration depth.
2Loss of information
If conventional GPR methods are used, then subsurface information can be obtained, but resolution is fundamentally constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric field-based GPR system with a magnetic field-based MRI system. Magnetic resonance imaging inherently provides superior spatial resolution compared to GPR because it detects the resonant response of hydrogen protons, which are abundant in water and organic materials. The magnetic field interaction at the molecular level allows for much finer differentiation of subsurface structures, thereby improving resolution while maintaining complete subsurface information.
3Length of stationary object
If magnetic field methods are used to detect subsurface objects, then detection range can be extended, but signal intensity becomes very weak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies resonant oscillation of magnetic fields at the Larmor frequency of hydrogen protons. By tuning the transmitted magnetic field frequency to match the natural precession frequency of the protons in the subsurface objects, the system induces strong resonant responses. This resonance effect dramatically amplifies the weak magnetic signals returned from deep subsurface targets, thereby extending detection range while maintaining sufficient signal intensity for accurate detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the magnetic field frequency parameter to achieve resonant conditions. By calculating and setting the Larmor frequency based on the magnetic field strength and gyromagnetic ratio of hydrogen protons, the system maximizes the resonant response signal. This parameter optimization ensures that even at extended detection ranges, the signal intensity remains sufficiently strong for reliable subsurface object detection.
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
The apparatus and method enable deeper and more accurate subsurface imaging by generating a dominant magnetic field signal, extending detection range and improving signal intensity, suitable for environments with high dielectric loss.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting coil configured to generate a primary magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a resonance coil excited by the primary magnetic field to form a secondary magnetic field, wherein the transmitting coil and the resonance coil are designed to resonate at an identical operating frequency
Implementation Method 3
the magnetic fields formed by the transmitting coil and the resonance coil are detected to generate a magnetic field image
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a magnetic field image acquisition apparatus and method based on a resonant structure. The magnetic field image acquisition apparatus based on a resonant structure includes a transmitting coil configured to generate a primary magnetic field, and a resonance coil excited by the primary magnetic field to form a secondary magnetic field, wherein the magnetic fields formed by the transmitting coil and the resonance coil are detected to generate a magnetic field image, and the transmitting coil and the resonance coil are designed to resonate at an identical operating frequency.