Stream Function Coil Geometry for One-Sided NMR Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional NMR scanners are limited by the donut-shaped housing that restricts the size of the object that can be imaged, and designing coils for one-sided NMR scanners to generate arbitrary magnetic fields in close proximity is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to specify the geometry of coils by obtaining a stream function, determining contour positions, and discretizing the coil track into sub-tracks, allowing for the manufacturing of coils that generate user-defined magnetic fields effectively in a one-sided NMR scanner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a donut-shaped housing with coils is used in traditional NMR scanners, then the coils can generate magnetic fields, but the housing limits the size of the object that can be imaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the donut-shaped housing structure from the NMR scanner, extracting the coils from their traditional enclosed configuration. The coils are now positioned externally on one side of the patient table, eliminating the physical constraint of the housing while maintaining the magnetic field generation capability. This allows objects of any size to be imaged without being confined within a toroidal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar coil arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial configuration where coils are positioned at different heights and angles relative to the patient table. This multi-planar arrangement enables the generation of magnetic fields in complex geometries without requiring a enclosing housing, effectively using spatial dimensionality to replace the physical constraints of the donut-shaped structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coils are placed in close proximity for a one-sided NMR scanner, then the physical constraints are reduced, but previous coil design approaches become unsuitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coil system into multiple independent coil modules, each capable of being designed and manufactured separately. These segmented coils are then positioned in close proximity on one side of the patient table. The segmentation allows each coil to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process, as each module can be produced using standard techniques rather than requiring a monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different design characteristics to different regions of the coil system. Coils closer to the patient table are designed with specific geometric properties to optimize field generation, while coils at different heights or angles have adjusted parameters to maintain field uniformity. This local optimization allows the system to achieve the desired magnetic field distribution despite the close proximity of multiple coils, making the design both versatile and manufacturable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If arbitrary magnetic fields are generated by coils in close proximity, then imaging capabilities are improved, but the coil design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes adjustable geometric parameters of the coil modules, such as track width, contour spacing, and relative positioning, to generate different magnetic field configurations. By changing these parameters, the system can produce user-defined magnetic fields for various imaging applications without requiring a complete redesign of the coil structure. This parametric approach simplifies the complexity by providing a standardized framework with adjustable variables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the coil modules with universal characteristics that allow them to perform multiple functions. The same basic coil geometry can generate different magnetic field patterns by adjusting the current distribution and relative positioning of the modules. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity, as a single standardized coil design can replace multiple specialized coil configurations, enabling arbitrary field generation through software control rather than hardware redesign.
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 the design of coils that can generate arbitrary magnetic fields in close proximity, facilitating a one-sided NMR scanner with improved imaging capabilities and reduced physical constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a coil and a method of specifying a geometry of the coil... a coil that generates a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A method of specifying a geometry of a coil, comprising obtaining first information specifying a stream function associated with the coil; determining the stream function based on the first information; determining a position of a first contour on the stream function; determining a position of a first coil track based on the position of the first contour and a track width, wherein the track width of the first coil is specified by a value of the stream function. The method further comprising: discretizing the first coil track into a plurality of sub-tracks; and generating second information specifying the geometry of the coil.