Superconducting Magnet System for Uniform Field Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for generating uniform magnetic fields using superconducting magnets face challenges in achieving high uniformity, particularly in large volumes, where existing solutions often require complex configurations and additional correction coils, limiting the efficiency and practicality of magnetic field generation.

Innovation Solution

A superconducting magnet system comprising multiple sets of magnets, where oppositely disposed pairs provide the bulk magnetic field and additional magnets correct non-uniformities, achieving a uniform field by adjusting current densities and magnetization patterns to compensate for field variations, allowing for a more open and efficient configuration suitable for applications like MRI machines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional cos Θ winding is used to produce uniform magnetic field, then field uniformity is improved, but device complexity and length increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield uniformityVSAvoidwinding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet system is divided into multiple independent superconducting magnets arranged in specific geometries (e.g., Helmholtz configuration, cubic arrangement). Each magnet acts as an independent module that contributes to the overall uniform field, eliminating the need for complex continuous windings while achieving high uniformity through geometric arrangement and current density optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the magnet system have different current densities tailored to their specific functions. Magnets in certain positions have higher current densities to compensate for field non-uniformities in specific areas, while maintaining overall field uniformity. This localized optimization allows simpler structures compared to traditional uniform windings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If additional correction coils are added to improve field uniformity in large volumes, then field uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield uniformityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The field-generating function and field-correction function are merged into the same set of superconducting magnets. By optimizing the current densities and geometric arrangements of the primary magnets, both the bulk field generation and the uniformity correction are achieved simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate correction coils while maintaining high field uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The current densities of the superconducting magnets are optimized as key parameters to achieve both field generation and uniformity correction. By adjusting current density distributions and magnet geometries, the system achieves high field uniformity in large volumes without adding extra correction components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If more superconducting magnets are added to achieve high uniformity in large volumes, then field uniformity is improved, but device length and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield uniformityVSAvoidmagnet system length
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet system transitions from traditional linear or planar arrangements to three-dimensional geometric configurations (e.g., cubic arrangements, tetrahedral configurations). This spatial optimization allows the system to achieve high field uniformity in large volumes with more compact dimensions, reducing the overall system length while maintaining or improving field uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 system achieves a uniform magnetic field to within +/-0.05% in a central three-dimensional region, reducing the complexity and length of the magnet system while maintaining high field uniformity, making it suitable for applications requiring precise and efficient magnetic field generation.

Implementation Method 1

a first set of superconducting pucks or solenoids along a first side of the superconducting magnet system, a second set of superconducting pucks or solenoids along a second side of the superconducting magnet system, a third set of superconducting pucks or solenoids along a third side of the superconducting magnet system, and a fourth set of superconducting pucks or solenoids along a fourth side of the superconducting magnet system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuperconductivity: Superconductivity

Data Source

PatentEP2401751B1Superconducting magnet systems
Publication Date: 2016.01.06 MAGNIFYE LTD
  • EP2401751B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2401751B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2401751B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A superconducting magnet system for generating a uniform magnetic field, the system comprising at least three magnets in two sets, at least a first of said sets comprising an oppositely disposed pair of superconducting magnets, a second of said sets comprising at least one further magnet, wherein said further magnet is disposed such that there exists a three dimensional region in which a magnet field produced by said further magnet is substantially parallel to a magnetic field produced by said pair of superconducting magnets, and wherein one of said sets of magnets is configured to produce first, bulk component of said magnetic field in said three dimensional region and a second of said sets of magnets is configured to produce a correction to said bulk component of said magnetic field in said three dimensional region to reduce a non-uniformity of said bulk component of said magnetic field in said three dimensional (3D) region.