Sheet Conductor Tank Circuit for Uniform Magnetic Hyperthermia
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating magnetic fields for internal magnetic hyperthermia treatments are limited in scale and efficiency, particularly for treating larger areas of the body, as traditional coil-based systems face challenges in achieving uniform field distribution and require impractically large capacitors for lower frequencies necessary for effective tumor treatment.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus using a sheet conductor and capacitors to form a tank circuit, generating an oscillating magnetic field with frequencies between 2 kilohertz and 1 megahertz, providing a substantially homogeneous field suitable for larger scales and minimizing heating of healthy tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional coil-based systems (solenoid, Helmholtz, Maxwell coils) are used to generate magnetic fields for internal magnetic hyperthermia, then the field generation capability is achieved, but the equipment size becomes impractically large and cannot accommodate larger body regions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the traditional coil structure into segmented planar conductor arrays that can be independently controlled. These segmented conductors are arranged in a compact configuration to generate the required magnetic field over a large volume without requiring a proportionally large equipment structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from three-dimensional coil structures to two-dimensional planar conductor arrangements. This dimensional reduction allows the system to achieve large treatment volumes by extending the planar arrays rather than expanding volumetric coil structures, thereby maintaining compact equipment footprint.
2Volume of stationary object
If solenoid coils are used to generate large volumes of homogeneous field, then the field intensity is sufficient, but the inductance increases prohibitively and requires impractically large capacitance and voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor system is segmented into multiple independent planar elements that can be driven at lower individual voltages. The segmented structure reduces the inductance of each element compared to a single large coil, allowing operation at practical voltage levels while maintaining sufficient field generation capability across the desired volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control of the segmented conductor currents, adjusting phase and amplitude to optimize field generation efficiency. This dynamic control allows the system to achieve required field intensities with lower peak voltages compared to static coil systems.
3Volume of stationary object
If traditional coil systems are used for homogeneous field generation, then field intensity is achieved, but the field homogeneity deteriorates when scaling to larger volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The planar conductor array is divided into multiple independently controllable segments. By individually adjusting the current in each segment, the system can compensate for spatial variations and maintain field homogeneity across large treatment volumes that would be difficult to achieve with traditional single-coil systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the planar conductor array can be tailored to produce specific field characteristics. Local adjustments in current distribution across different segments allow optimization of field homogeneity in specific treatment zones while maintaining overall system compactness.
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 enables efficient and uniform heating of cancerous tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, allowing for treatment of larger body regions with reduced power requirements and improved field homogeneity.
Implementation Method 1
The sheet conductor is configured to function as an inductor and, in combination with the one or more capacitors, to form a tank circuit, to thereby generate an oscillating magnetic field in the target region when the tank circuit is driven at a resonant frequency of the tank circuit
Implementation Method 2
Magnetic hyperthermia is an internal hyperthermia form of experimental cancer treatment which uses various forms of magnetic nanoparticles subjected to an alternating magnetic field to produce heat
Implementation Method 3
If magnetic nanoparticles are introduced into a tumour and the patient, or the part of the patient containing the magnetic particles, is placed in an alternating magnetic field of suitable amplitude and frequency, the tumour temperature will rise
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6B
AI summary
An apparatus configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field having a frequency of between 2 kilohertz and 1 megahertz in a target region, the target region defining a length direction. The apparatus comprises: a sheet conductor (7) extending in the length direction and around the target region to provide a wall of the target region surrounding at least 75% of a cross-section through the target region, the cross-section transverse to the length direction, and the sheet conductor having a first end separated from a second end thereof, the first end and the second end extending in the length direction and defining a separation region therebetween; and one or more capacitors (9) electrically connected to the sheet conductor at the first end and the second end, and across the separation region. The sheet conductor is configured to function as an inductor and, in combination with the one or more capacitors, to form a tank circuit, to thereby generate an oscillating magnetic field in the target region when the tank circuit is driven at a resonant frequency of the tank circuit.