Rotating Permanent Magnet Probe for Heat-Free Nanoparticle Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetomotive imaging systems face challenges with heavy electromagnets that produce heat and are not suitable for clinical use, especially in endoscopic applications, and previous solutions like rotating permanent magnets have limited magnetic field range and user-friendliness.
Innovation Solution
A magnetomotive imaging probe device with a housing containing a cylindrically shaped permanent magnet and an ultrasound transducer, where the magnet generates a time-varying magnetic field by rotation, and the transducer is positioned to enhance sensitivity and detection of magnetic nanoparticles, allowing for more versatile and compact imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If an electromagnet is used to generate a time-varying magnetic field, then a sufficient magnetic field strength can be achieved, but the system becomes heavy and generates substantial heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnet (electrical system) with a permanent magnet (mechanical/magnetic system). The permanent magnet rotates mechanically to generate the time-varying magnetic field, eliminating the need for electrical current and thus eliminating heat generation from resistive heating. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining magnetic field strength while eliminating heat generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic rotation of the permanent magnet to generate the time-varying magnetic field. The magnet rotates to periodically expose the nanoparticles to alternating magnetic poles, creating the necessary periodic magnetic force without requiring continuous electrical power input. This periodic mechanical action achieves the same effect as the electromagnet without the associated heat generation.
2Force
If an electromagnet is used to generate a time-varying magnetic field, then a sufficient magnetic field strength can be achieved, but the system demands high currents and becomes heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the electromagnet with a permanent magnet, replacing an electrical system with a magnetic system. The permanent magnet generates the magnetic field through its inherent magnetic properties rather than requiring electrical current. This substitution dramatically reduces the weight of the system while maintaining the necessary magnetic field strength for nanoparticle manipulation.
3Temperature
If a rotating permanent magnet is used as a magnetic field generator, then heat generation is reduced, but the magnetic field range is limited and the device becomes less user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic rotation of the permanent magnet to expand the magnetic field range. By rotating the magnet, the magnetic field dynamically covers a broader spatial region compared to a static magnet configuration. This dynamic approach enhances versatility and user-friendliness while maintaining the low heat generation advantage of permanent magnets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces rotational motion as an additional dimension to the magnetic field generation. Instead of a static magnet configuration, the magnet rotates to create a time-varying three-dimensional magnetic field distribution. This dimensional addition expands the effective magnetic field range and improves the device's adaptability for various imaging applications.
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 solution enables more sensitive detection of magnetic nanoparticles at multiple locations, improving patient safety and cost-effectiveness, and allows for improved imaging and analysis of tissues in humans and animals.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet may be arranged to generate a time-varying magnetic field at an imaging plane of the sensing device
Implementation Method 2
Magnetomotive imaging is an imaging technique where superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles can be used as ultrasound contrast agents
Implementation Method 3
The magnetic field induces movement of the particles and thereby the surrounding tissue... The force acting on the particles is dependent on the field strength, and on the field gradient
Implementation Method 4
the movement is detected with ultrasound
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetomotive imaging probe device and method is described. The probe device includes a housing having an outer surface and an inner cavity; a magnet; a sensing device configured to detect distance, movement, or magnetic material. The magnet is arranged in the inner cavity of the housing and the sensing device on the outer surface of the housing, and the magnet is arranged to generate a time-varying magnetic field at an imaging plane of the sensing device. The magnet is intended to move magnetic nanoparticles in tissue such that a movement can be detected with the sensing device (ultrasound, optical or other). The detected motion infers the presence of magnetic material (nanoparticles).