Modular magnetic resonance imaging machine

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a modular magnetic resonance imager comprising an assembly formed of a plurality of modules (100) coupled to one another wherein the plurality of modules have a shape and / or size adapted to the shape of the assembly, each module (100) being adapted to conduct an electric current to form a magnetic field, and having a first structural section (106) assembled with the second structural section (102), the first structural section having a recess (202) dividing the module into at least two different conductive regions.

Description

[0001] This application is based on and claims the priority of European patent application No. 22305447 filed on April 4, 2022, entitled “Modular Magnetic Resonance Imaging Machine” and European application No. 22305437 filed on April 4, 2022, entitled “Manufacturing Method and Device for Superconducting Coils”, which are incorporated herein by reference to the maximum extent permitted by law. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of magnetic machines, and more particularly to the field of magnetic machines used in medical imaging that are expandable in a modular configuration. Background Art

[0003] Doctors and medical practitioners use magnetic imaging to better identify problems in the human body that may be difficult to diagnose with other methods. Currently, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine is a large device with an opening approximately the size of a person. In order to perform the imaging test, a person must spend some time inside the machine (a space that is at least laterally enclosed), which can cause complications, including anxiety, for the person being examined. In addition, MRI examinations may be too jarring and therefore impractical for people who suffer from claustrophobia or related disorders.

[0004] Currently, MRI machines are made of large magnets in the form of coils that generate a magnetic field. These coils are housed in the machine's support structure. During the examination, the coils are energized to form or influence the magnetic field. The excitation of the magnetic field creates a loud noise, sometimes referred to as a hammering sound. This noise can be uncomfortable for people and requires an enclosure to be designed around it. These additional design considerations require the inclusion of noise absorbers and place restrictions on the materials that can be used to build the enclosure.

[0005] The current design and construction of MRI machines require several magnetic coils to be arranged around the examination area. These coils are arranged in a solenoid configuration with a cylindrical hole in the center. The person being examined lies in the hole, which is called the examination area or examination table. The magnetic field in the MRI machine needs to be uniform and consistent to work properly, so a stronger magnetic field is required near the exit of the examination area. Currently, a stronger magnetic field can be generated near the exit by adding additional magnet coils around the exit.

[0006] Therefore, the geometry of the MRI machine is limited by the shape of the coil.The magnetic field in MRI applications needs to be very strong and the current method of achieving sufficiently strong magnetic fields is through the use of solenoid devices.

[0007] An alternative to large coils is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,838,193 to Maher et al. Maher describes a module that must be used in series with other similar modules to form a specific magnetic field configuration. The modules described by Maher should be of sufficient number, large enough size, and they must also be positioned and oriented in a very specific way to produce a usable magnetic field. Although Maher describes these modules as useful for MRI machines, it is not clear how to produce a uniform and consistent magnetic field throughout the examination area by using these modules. In addition, each module will produce its own magnetic field, so if a single module fails, the overall effectiveness will be unusable in operation. This is a surprising limitation of the system because Maher's device may not easily identify which module has failed. In addition to this, Maher's modules need to be of specific sizes to work properly, so the geometric configuration and size of MRI machines built from such modules are limited. It is unclear from Maher's description how to achieve a smaller machine than the machines currently being built. In addition, larger machines that can adapt to different shapes (such as half cylinders, tunnels, or cubes) may not be achieved by using the described modules.

[0008] There are other alternatives for coil construction, such as a superconducting coil formed of multiple layers of different materials described in U.S. Patent No. 8,655,423 to Miyazaki et al. A set of such layers is described as forming a superconducting coil portion formed of a thin film superconducting wire. The coil described by Miyazaki and coils commonly found in the art are constructed by arranging superconducting thin films (also called superconducting tapes) into the shape of wires, which are then further configured into the shape of a coil. Based on a review of the prior art, superconducting coils are formed by stacking superconducting films or layers so that current can flow in a desired direction and produce the appropriate magnetic field configuration. To the best of the inventor's knowledge and understanding, the prior art does not teach any other method by which superconducting films or superconducting tapes can be used to conduct current.

[0009] Superconducting tapes themselves are also in short supply, as their demand increases year by year. Another problem is the size and shape of the tapes, which can only be made a few centimeters wide. In addition, the process of arranging the tapes into wires and further into coils is long and prone to errors.

[0010] Therefore, it can be concluded that there is a significant need for MRI machines that can be constructed in different shapes and sizes. There is also a need for alternatives to large magnetic coils that can produce effective magnetic fields even when the housing has a unique shape such as a semi-cylinder or a cube. In addition, any solution to the current limitations of MRI machines must also address that the machine may not aggravate conditions related to anxiety or claustrophobia, must provide a substantially quieter alternative, and should reduce overall cost and design complexity. All of these are limitations of current technology. Summary of the invention

[0011] One embodiment addresses all or some of the disadvantages of known magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines.

[0012] One embodiment provides a modular magnetic resonance imaging machine, which includes an assembly formed by a plurality of modules connected to each other, wherein the plurality of modules have a shape and / or size adapted to the shape of the assembly, each module is adapted to conduct electric current to form a magnetic field, and each module has a first structural segment assembled with a second structural segment, the first structural segment having a groove dividing the module into at least two different conductive areas.

[0013] In one embodiment, the grooves of the plurality of modules are adapted to direct current flow through the plurality of modules in a particular direction or different paths, and the characteristics of the flow of current through the plurality of modules determine the shape of the magnetic field in the machine.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, at least one module among the plurality of modules is mechanically and / or electrically connected to another module among the plurality of modules; and / or, the second structural segment of at least one module among the plurality of modules includes a connecting device, which is suitable for connecting the module to another module among the plurality of modules, and the connecting device is, for example, a mechanical connector of a hinge or a flange; and / or, at least one module among the plurality of modules includes at least one channel, which passes through the first structural segment, for example to enable a cooling fluid such as nitrogen or helium to flow through the module, and / or to allow a wire to pass through the module, each channel being suitable for forming a single channel, for example with a channel of another module among the plurality of modules; and / or the first segment and the second segment of at least one module among the plurality of modules are suitable for separation.

[0015] In one embodiment, at least one module, for example a plurality of modules, is configured to have superconducting properties.

[0016] In one embodiment, at least one module among the multiple modules includes a stack formed of different materials, the stack including at least: a structural layer, the structural layer, for example, consisting of or covered by a material such as Hastelloy; and a superconducting layer located on the structural layer, the superconducting layer including a superconducting material such as yttrium barium copper oxide or rare earth barium copper oxide; wherein the grooves of at least one module are patterned at least in the superconducting layer.

[0017] In one embodiment, the structural layer comprises at least one channel, which enables, for example, a cooling fluid such as nitrogen or helium to flow through the module, and / or allows wiring to pass through the module.

[0018] In one embodiment, the stack further comprises at least one buffer layer, preferably a plurality of buffer layers, between the structural layer and the superconducting layer, the at least one buffer layer being made, for example, of a material such as aluminum oxide, yttrium oxide, magnesium oxide and / or lanthanum manganate; wherein grooves are patterned in the at least one buffer layer and the superconducting layer.

[0019] In one embodiment, the stack further includes a shunt layer located on the superconducting layer and in the groove, the shunt layer being made of a metal such as silver.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the stack also includes: a repeating layer located below the shunt layer, the repeating layer including repetitions of a buffer layer and a superconducting layer, preferably including multiple repetitions, for example 4 to 80 repetitions, grooves being patterned in the buffer layer, the superconducting layer and the repeating layer; and / or a finishing layer located on the shunt layer, the finishing layer including another superconducting layer, and the other superconducting layer is preferably not perforated.

[0021] In a specific embodiment, the first structural segment includes a structural layer, at least one buffer layer, a superconducting layer, a repeating layer, a groove, and a shunt layer; and / or the second structural segment includes a finishing layer.

[0022] One embodiment provides a module suitable for use in a modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to an embodiment.

[0023] One embodiment provides a module, which is one module among a plurality of modules coupled to each other included in a modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to the embodiment.

[0024] These modules can be arranged into shapes such as tunnels, cylinders, half cylinders, armbands, half pipes, parallelepipeds, boxes, etc.

[0025] One embodiment provides a method for manufacturing a module according to an embodiment, the method comprising: providing a structural layer; depositing a superconducting layer on the structural layer, for example by metal organic chemical vapor deposition; and removing material from at least the superconducting layer to form a groove, for example using a laser engraving technique; depositing a layer of metal on the superconducting layer, wherein depositing a layer of metal on the superconducting layer comprises: filling the groove with the metal, such as silver, to form a shunt layer.

[0026] In one embodiment, the method further comprises: before forming the superconducting layer, forming at least one buffer layer, preferably forming a plurality of buffer layers, for example using a sputtering technique, the at least one buffer layer being made of a material such as aluminum oxide, yttrium oxide, magnesium oxide and / or lanthanum manganate.

[0027] In one embodiment, removing material further comprises removing material from at least one buffer layer.

[0028] In one embodiment, the method further comprises: forming a repeating layer before forming the groove, the repeating layer comprising repetitions of a buffer layer and a superconducting layer, preferably comprising multiple repetitions, for example 4 to 80 repetitions; and / or, forming a finishing layer on the shunt layer, the finishing layer comprising another superconducting layer, the other superconducting layer preferably being unperforated.

[0029] advantage

[0030] The advantages of one embodiment of a modular MRI machine can be listed as follows: a simpler, less error-prone structure of different modules allows for faster assembly; a highly retained magnetic field, due to the layers allowing at least partial repulsion of magnetic fields, such as the Meissner effect or similar effects; easier maintenance and faster replacement of each module, making the device cheaper and cutting overall costs; coils can be easily replaced when maintaining the device and testing it; a larger magnetization volume, allowing anxious, claustrophobic patients to undergo medical imaging, and making all patients more comfortable, possibly including imaging multiple patients at the same time; on the other hand, a smaller magnetization volume makes the device portable and suitable for imaging limbs. Other technical advantages will be clear to those skilled in the art through the detailed description, drawings and claims. In addition, although specific advantages have been listed above, different embodiments may include or exclude all or part of the advantages listed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The above-mentioned features and advantages as well as other features and advantages will be described in detail in the following description of specific embodiments given by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 is a general perspective view of a first embodiment of a module of the disclosed modular magnetic resonance imaging machine.

[0033] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a module of the disclosed modular magnetic resonance imaging machine.

[0034] Figure 3 is a perspective close-up view of a recess in a module of a first embodiment of the disclosed modular magnetic resonance imaging machine.

[0035] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a modular magnetic resonance imaging machine assembled from modules according to the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a modular magnetic resonance imaging machine assembled from modules according to the first embodiment, showing magnetic field lines.

[0037] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a modular magnetic resonance imaging machine assembled from the disclosed modules.

[0038] Figure 7 is a perspective close-up view of a second embodiment of a modular magnetic resonance imaging machine assembled from the disclosed modules, showing the modular magnetic resonance imaging machine in an open configuration and illustrating the modules being separated.

[0039] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a modular magnetic resonance imaging machine assembled from the disclosed modules.

[0040] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a modular magnetic resonance imaging machine assembled from the disclosed modules. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In the various figures, similar features are represented by similar reference numerals. In particular, common structural and / or functional features in various embodiments may have the same reference numerals and may exhibit the same structure, size, and material properties.

[0042] For clarity, only the operations and elements that are helpful for understanding the embodiments described herein are shown and described in detail.

[0043] Unless otherwise specified, when referring to two elements being connected together, this means a direct connection without any intermediate elements other than conductors, and when referring to two elements being coupled together, this means the two elements may be connected or coupled through one or more other elements.

[0044] In the following disclosure, unless otherwise stated, when referring to absolute position qualifiers, such as the terms "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc., or relative position qualifiers, such as "above", "below", "higher", "lower", etc., or orientation qualifiers, such as "horizontal", "vertical", etc., reference is made to the orientation shown in the figure.

[0045] Unless otherwise indicated, expressions such as "about", "approximately" and "on the order of" mean within 10%, preferably within 5%.

[0046] These figures are not drawn to scale. It should be noted that when no ambiguity is intended, the drawings refer to embodiments of the disclosed modular magnetic resonance imaging machine, sometimes also referred to simply as equipment or machines. Other embodiments are possible, as can be easily understood by a properly trained person. The actual size and / or shape of each component of the embodiment may vary. Only the important details of the embodiment are shown, but a person of ordinary skill in the art can understand how to construct the entire device without undue experimentation. Some details are omitted in the drawings, but the inventor believes that it is unnecessary to add these details in order to fully understand the features of the disclosed invention. These omitted details include, in particular, elements for holding or fixing the device or its functional parts, etc. For ease of understanding, some features of the embodiment are exaggerated. The disclosed embodiments and the alternatives discussed should not be construed as limiting the present invention in any way.

[0047] In a first embodiment of the disclosed modular magnetic resonance imaging machine, the modular magnetic resonance imaging machine is composed of a plurality of modules 100. One possible configuration of the modules 100 is Figure 1 100. The module 100 may be divided into two parts, namely a first structural section 106 formed with a channel 108 and a second structural section 102. The channel 108 in the first structural section 106 may be used to transport a cooling fluid or some other type of material to cool the module 100 or otherwise ensure the normal operation of the module 100. For example, the channel 108 may also be used as a housing for wiring. The second structural section 102 may be formed with a device for connecting the modules 100 to each other. In a first embodiment, the device may be in the form of a hinge 104, but may also be a flange, a connector or other device.

[0048] Without limiting the disclosed invention, any module 100 may be constructed in a manner that allows it to be divided into a first structural section 106 and a second structural section 102, such as Figure 2 The first structural segment 106 may include a pattern defined by ridges, wedges, or grooves 202 .

[0049] The grooves 202 separate the first structural segment 106 into different conductive areas, so that current can flow in a specific direction or along different paths according to the needs of specific applications.

[0050] A module may include multiple recesses.

[0051] The width of the groove may be between 0.1 mm and 20 mm, for example between 1 mm and 5 mm, for example equal to about 1 mm.

[0052] The distance between adjacent grooves of adjacent modules and / or between adjacent grooves in the same module may be between 0.5 cm and 30 cm, for example between 2 cm and 10 cm.

[0053] Adjacent grooves between adjacent modules and / or adjacent grooves in the same module may be unevenly spaced.

[0054] When referring to grooves, grooves also include ridges or wedges.

[0055] Example of module construction

[0056] The construction of each module 100 allows the formation of a magnetic field. Therefore, any module 100 must conduct current to form a magnetic field. In the first embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, current conduction is achieved by the construction of the module 100. The construction of the module 100 according to this first embodiment may be achieved by deposition, for example metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) or the like.

[0057] exist Figure 3 In the first embodiment shown, the first structural segment 106 includes a structural layer 300, which is composed of a material such as Hastelloy or a material constructed of a different material and covered by Hastelloy. A superconducting layer 302 is located on top of the Hastelloy structural layer 300, forming a layer stack. The superconducting layer 302 can be deposited using a technique such as metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) and is composed of REBCO, YBCO or other suitable superconducting materials. Multiple buffer layers can be placed between the structural layer 300 and the superconducting layer 302. The buffer layers can be made of several other materials such as aluminum oxide, yttrium oxide, magnesium oxide and lanthanum manganate. Prior to depositing the superconducting layer 302, these buffer layers can be deposited by techniques such as sputtering. The buffer layers can form a suitable template for forming the superconducting layer.

[0058] The grooves 202 may be generated at least through the superconducting layer 302 using a patterning method such as laser engraving or another technique such as mechanical techniques or photolithography. In some embodiments, the grooves may also be generated through the buffer layer.

[0059] Shunt layer 304 may be located on top of superconducting layer 302 and fills groove 202. Shunt layer 304 may provide a path when superconducting layer 302 is quenched. Shunt layer 304 may be formed of a material that is a good conductor of electricity, such as silver. Shunt layer 304 is optional. There are other solutions to the quenching problem, such as operating at sufficiently low current, temperature, and / or magnetic field. Quenching is generally a problem of superconductivity, which is not relevant to the problem solved by the embodiments.

[0060] This sequence of buffer layers and superconducting layers can be repeated several times (forming a repeating layer) before forming the grooves 202, with the best results being achieved when the layer sequence is repeated between 4 and 80 times, for example, for a magnetic field with a magnetic flux density of about 10 Tesla, the layer sequence is repeated between 20 and 40 times. Afterwards, grooves can also be formed in the repeating layer.

[0061] For example, for a sequence of buffer layers and superconducting layers, the depth of the groove 202 is between 3 μm and 5 μm. If the sequence is repeated, the depth of the groove can be multiplied by the number of sequences. For example, the depth of the groove is between 3xN and 5xN μm, where N is the number of sequences.

[0062] A finishing layer 306 may be deposited on top of the shunt layer 304. The finishing layer 306 has a layer of superconducting material that is preferably not perforated (and not slotted) in order to at least partially create a phenomenon known as the Meissner effect or similar. The Meissner effect prevents magnetic fields from passing through the finishing layer 306.

[0063] The finishing layer 306 may form part of the second structural segment 102. In some embodiments, the first structural segment 106 may also include the superconducting layer 302 and the shunt layer 304, and in some cases, the repeating layer and the grooves 202. The first structural segment 106, in particular the structural layer 300, may also include the channel 108 through which the coolant may flow to allow cooling of the entire structure. In particular, the superconducting layer 302 may require adequate cooling during operation.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the module is a modular coil.

[0065] Other layer configurations and / or methods for constructing modules (e.g., modular coils) as stacked layers of different materials should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Another example of a method or modular coil is given in European patent application No. EP22305437, entitled "Method and device for manufacturing superconducting coils", filed on April 4, 2022 by the same applicant "RENAISSANCE FUSION", which is incorporated herein by reference to the maximum extent permitted by law.

[0066] like Figure 4As shown, multiple modules 100 can be assembled into a modular magnetic resonance imaging machine. A modular magnetic resonance imaging machine assembled in this configuration can be referred to as a tunnel 400. The tunnel 400 is assembled from multiple modules 100. Multiple modules 100 can be configured into different sizes and shapes according to specific usage needs. In this first embodiment, the tunnel 400 is large enough to accommodate a person 402, and can be long enough to allow a person to walk from one side to the other.

[0067] Operation Example

[0068] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The tunnel 400 shown depicts an example of the operation of a modular magnetic resonance imaging machine. During operation, the plurality of modules 100 that form the structure of the tunnel 400 conduct electric current 502. The conduction of the electric current generates a magnetic field, and the magnetic field field lines will pass through the interior of the tunnel 400. For applications in magnetic resonance imaging, the magnetic field lines may need to be particularly straight, and the magnetic field may need to be particularly uniform relative to space. The configuration of the magnetic field may be altered by changing the characteristics of the electric current 502 carried by the plurality of modules 100. For example, the intensity of the electric current 502 may be altered, or the path of the electric current 502 may also be modified.

[0069] Tunnel 400 is large enough that person 402 can walk comfortably inside. Therefore, a person using tunnel 400 for medical examinations will not suffer from anxiety associated with conditions such as claustrophobia. However, it should be understood that the modules can be constructed in any size and other embodiments are possible.

[0070] Additional Embodiments

[0071] The plurality of modules 100 may have different shapes and sizes as required for a particular application. Other embodiments that may be constructed by utilizing other module 100 shapes and sizes are described below.

[0072] Figure 6 , a second embodiment of a modular magnetic resonance imaging machine is shown in FIG. The second embodiment may be referred to as an armband or armband 600. The armband 600 is constructed by assembling a plurality of modules 100, and a hinge 104 may be used to assemble several modules of the plurality of modules 100 together. The size of the armband 600 is designed to allow a leg or arm 602 to fit comfortably therein.

[0073] The armband 600 may be constructed in a manner that allows it to be easily opened and closed, such as Figure 7 In addition, Figure 7As shown, the multiple modules 100 may have different sizes, and some of them may not have hinges 104. In the case of not using hinges, other methods should be used to connect the modules 100 together. Depending on the needs of use, the connection of the multiple modules 100 can be mechanical and electrical.

[0074] Figure 8 Another embodiment is shown in . In this third embodiment, multiple modules 100 are assembled into a half-pipe structure 800 that is large enough for a person 402 to walk in.

[0075] Fig. 9 A fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. In this fourth embodiment, a plurality of modules 100 are assembled into a box-shaped structure 900 that is large enough for a person 402 to walk inside.

[0076] Example embodiments of the present invention are summarized here. Other embodiments may also be understood from the entire specification and claims submitted herein.

[0077] Example 1: A modular magnetic resonance imaging machine (400; 600; 800; 900), comprising a component formed by a plurality of modules (100) connected to each other, wherein the plurality of modules have a shape and / or size adapted to the shape of the component, each module (100) is adapted to conduct electric current to form a magnetic field, and each module (100) has a first structural segment (106) assembled with a second structural segment (102), the first structural segment having a groove (202), the groove (202) dividing the module into at least two different conductive areas.

[0078] Example 2: A modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to Example 1, wherein the grooves of the multiple modules are suitable for guiding current to flow through the multiple modules in a specific direction or different paths, and the characteristics of the flow of current through the multiple modules determine the shape of the magnetic field in the modular magnetic resonance imaging machine.

[0079] Example 3: A modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to example 1 or 2, wherein at least one module (100) of the plurality of modules is mechanically and / or electrically coupled to another module of the plurality of modules.

[0080] Example 4: A modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the second structural segment (102) of at least one module (100) among the plurality of modules comprises a connecting device (104), wherein the connecting device (104) is suitable for connecting the module to another module among the plurality of modules, and the connecting device (104) is, for example, a mechanical connector such as a hinge or a flange.

[0081] Example 5: A modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein at least one module (100) of the plurality of modules comprises at least one channel (108) passing through the first structural segment (106), for example enabling a cooling fluid such as nitrogen or helium to flow through the module, and / or allowing wiring to pass through the module, each channel being suitable for forming a single channel with a channel of another module of the plurality of modules.

[0082] Example 6: A modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the first section (106) and the second section (102) of at least one module (100) of the plurality of modules are adapted to be separated.

[0083] Example 7: A modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein at least one module, for example a plurality of modules (100), is constructed to have superconducting properties.

[0084] Example 8: A modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein at least one module of the plurality of modules comprises a stack of different materials, the stack comprising at least:

[0085] a structural layer (300) composed of or covered with a material such as Hastelloy; and

[0086] A superconducting layer (302) is located on the structural layer (300), the superconducting layer comprising a superconducting material such as yttrium barium copper oxide or rare earth barium copper oxide; wherein the grooves (202) of at least one module are patterned at least in the superconducting layer.

[0087] Example 9: A modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to Example 8, wherein the structural layer (300) includes at least one channel (108), the at least one channel (108) enabling a cooling fluid such as nitrogen or helium to flow through the module, and / or allowing wiring to pass through the module.

[0088] Example 10: A modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to Example 8 or 9, wherein the stack further comprises at least one buffer layer, preferably a plurality of buffer layers, between the structural layer and the superconducting layer, the at least one buffer layer being made of a material such as aluminum oxide, yttrium oxide, magnesium oxide and / or lanthanum manganate; wherein grooves (202) are patterned in at least one buffer layer and the superconducting layer.

[0089] Example 11: A modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to any one of Examples 8 to 10, wherein the stack further comprises a shunt layer (304) located on the guide layer (302) and in the groove (202), the shunt layer being made of a metal such as silver.

[0090] Example 12: The modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to Example 11 in combination with Example 10, wherein the stack further comprises:

[0091] A repeating layer located below the shunt layer (304), the repeating layer comprising a buffer layer and a superconducting layer, preferably comprising multiple repetitions, such as 4 to 80 repetitions; grooves (202) are patterned in the buffer layer, the superconducting layer and the repeating layer; and / or

[0092] A finishing layer (306) is located on the shunt layer (304), the finishing layer comprising another superconducting layer, the other superconducting layer preferably being non-perforated.

[0093] Example 13: A modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to Example 12, wherein the first structural segment (106) includes a structural layer (300), at least one buffer layer, a superconducting layer (302), a repeating layer, grooves (202) and a shunt layer (304); and / or the second structural segment (102) includes a finishing layer (306).

[0094] Example 14: A module suitable for use in a magnetic resonance imaging machine according to any one of Examples 1 to 13.

[0095] Example 15: A method for manufacturing a module according to Example 14, the method comprising:

[0096] providing a structural layer (300);

[0097] Depositing a superconducting layer (302) on the structural layer (300), for example, by metal organic chemical vapor deposition; and

[0098] removing material from at least the superconducting layer, such as using a laser engraving technique, to form a groove (202);

[0099] Depositing a layer of metal on the superconducting layer, the depositing a layer of metal on the superconducting layer comprising:

[0100] The grooves are filled with the metal, such as silver, to form a shunt layer (304).

[0101] Example 16: A method according to Example 15, wherein the method further includes forming at least one buffer layer, preferably forming multiple buffer layers, before forming the superconducting layer, for example using a sputtering technique, and the at least one buffer layer is, for example, composed of a material such as aluminum oxide, yttrium oxide, magnesium oxide and / or lanthanum manganate.

[0102] Example 17: The method of Example 16, wherein removing material further comprises:

[0103] Material is removed from at least one buffer layer.

[0104] Example 18: The method according to any one of Examples 15 to 17, wherein the method further comprises:

[0105] Before forming the groove (202), a repeating layer is formed, the repeating layer comprising a buffer layer and a superconducting layer, preferably comprising a plurality of repetitions, for example 4 to 80 repetitions; and / or

[0106] A finishing layer (306) is formed on the shunt layer (304), the finishing layer comprising another superconducting layer, which is preferably not perforated.

[0107] Various embodiments and variations have been described herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain features of these embodiments may be combined, and those skilled in the art will readily conceive of other variations.

[0108] Finally, based on the functional description provided above, actual implementation of the embodiments and variations described herein is within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.

[0109] List of abbreviations:

[0110] MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging

[0111] MOCVD: Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition

[0112] REBCO: Rare Earth Barium Copper Oxide

[0113] YBCO: yttrium barium copper oxide.

Claims

1. A modular magnetic resonance imaging machine (400; 600; 800; 900), comprising an assembly formed by a plurality of modules (100) coupled to each other, wherein the plurality of modules have a shape and / or size adapted to the shape of the assembly, each of the modules (100) being adapted to conduct an electric current to form a magnetic field, and each of the modules (100) having a first structural section (106) assembled with a second structural section (102), the first structural section having a groove (202), the groove (202) dividing the module into at least two different conductive areas.

2. The modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of grooves of the plurality of modules are adapted to direct current to flow through the plurality of modules in a particular direction or different paths, and characteristics of the flow of the current through the plurality of modules determine the shape of the magnetic field in the modular magnetic resonance imaging machine.

3. A modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least one module (100) of the plurality of modules is mechanically and / or electrically coupled to another module of the plurality of modules; and / or The second structural section (102) of at least one module (100) of the plurality of modules comprises a connecting device (104) adapted to connect the module to another module of the plurality of modules, the connecting device (104) being, for example, a mechanical connector such as a hinge or a flange; and / or at least one module (100) of the plurality of modules comprises at least one channel (108) passing through the first structural section (106), for example enabling a cooling fluid such as nitrogen or helium to flow through the module, and / or allowing wiring to pass through the module, each of the channels being for example adapted to form a single channel with a channel of another module of the plurality of modules; and / or The first section (106) and the second section (102) of at least one module (100) of the plurality of modules are adapted to be separated.

4. The modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: At least one module, such as the plurality of modules (100), is configured to have superconducting properties.

5. The modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: At least one module of the plurality of modules comprises a stack formed of different materials, the stack comprising at least: a structural layer (300), the structural layer (300) consisting of or covered by a material such as Hastelloy, for example; and A superconducting layer (302) is located on the structural layer (300), the superconducting layer comprising a superconducting material such as yttrium barium copper oxide or rare earth barium copper oxide; wherein the groove (202) of the at least one module is patterned at least in the superconducting layer.

6. The modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to claim 5, wherein: The structural layer (300) includes at least one channel (108) that enables, for example, a cooling fluid such as nitrogen or helium to flow through the module and / or allows wiring to pass through the module.

7. The modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The stack further comprises at least one buffer layer, preferably a plurality of buffer layers, between the structural layer and the superconducting layer, the at least one buffer layer being made, for example, of a material such as aluminium oxide, yttrium oxide, magnesium oxide and / or lanthanum manganate; wherein the grooves (202) are patterned in the at least one buffer layer and the superconducting layer.

8. A modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein: The stack also includes a shunt layer (304) located on the superconducting layer (302) and in the groove (202), the shunt layer being made of a metal such as silver.

9. A modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to claim 8 as appended to claim 7, wherein: The stack further comprises: a repeating layer located below the shunt layer (304), the repeating layer comprising a repetition of the buffer layer and the superconducting layer, preferably comprising a plurality of repetitions, for example 4 to 80 repetitions; the grooves (202) are patterned in the buffer layer, the superconducting layer and the repeating layer; and / or A finishing layer (306) is located on the shunt layer (304), the finishing layer comprising another superconducting layer, the other superconducting layer is preferably not perforated.

10. The modular magnetic resonance imaging machine according to claim 9, wherein: The first structural segment (106) includes the structural layer (300), the at least one buffer layer, the superconducting layer (302), the repeating layer, the groove (202) and the shunt layer (304); and / or the second structural segment (102) includes the finishing layer (306).

11. A module, the module being one of the plurality of modules coupled to each other and included in the magnetic resonance imaging machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A method for manufacturing a module according to claim 11, the method comprising: providing a structural layer (300); Depositing a superconducting layer (302) on the structural layer (300), for example, by metal organic chemical vapor deposition; and removing material from at least the superconducting layer to form grooves (202), for example using a laser engraving technique; Depositing a layer of metal on the superconducting layer, wherein depositing a layer of metal on the superconducting layer comprises: The grooves are filled with the metal, such as silver, to form a shunt layer (304).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The method further comprises: Before forming the superconducting layer, at least one buffer layer, preferably a plurality of buffer layers, is formed, for example, using a sputtering technique. The at least one buffer layer is composed of a material such as aluminum oxide, yttrium oxide, magnesium oxide and / or lanthanum manganate.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Material removal also includes: Material is removed from the at least one buffer layer.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: The method further comprises: Before forming the groove (202), a repeating layer is formed, wherein the repeating layer includes the repeating of the buffer layer and the superconducting layer, preferably includes multiple repeating, for example, 4 to 80 repeating; and / or A finishing layer (306) is formed on the shunt layer (304), the finishing layer comprising another superconducting layer, the other superconducting layer preferably being non-perforated.

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