Superconducting magnet and gradient coil integrated structure

Abstract

The invention provides a superconducting magnet and gradient coil integrated structure, and relates to the technical field of magnetic resonance imaging. A superconducting magnet and gradient coil integrated structure comprises a superconducting magnet assembly, a gradient coil and a barrel mold. The superconducting magnet assembly comprises an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder and two sealing plates. The inner cylinder is sleeved with the outer cylinder, a first mounting cavity is formed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder, and sealing plates are arranged at the two ends of the first mounting cavity. A superconducting magnet coil is arranged in the first mounting cavity in the circumferential direction, and the superconducting magnet coil is arranged around the outer wall of the inner cylinder. The barrel mold is coaxially arranged in the inner barrel, a second mounting cavity is formed between the barrel mold and the inner barrel, the gradient coil is arranged in the second mounting cavity and wound on the barrel mold, and a solidification layer is poured in the second mounting cavity. According to the invention, the superconducting magnet and the gradient coil can be integrated, the problem that the gradient coil is inconvenient to install can be avoided, and the assembly efficiency is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of magnetic resonance imaging technology, and more specifically, to an integrated structure of a superconducting magnet and a gradient coil. Background Technology

[0002] The hardware components of an MRI machine mainly include a superconducting magnet, gradient coil, radio frequency coil, outer casing, and patient bed. Currently, the superconducting magnet and gradient coil are separate main components, developed and manufactured using different designs and processes. After the magnet and gradient coil components have been tested separately, they need to be assembled. The assembly process presents several challenges: First, a gap of 3-5 mm needs to be left when assembling the gradient coil and the superconducting magnet. Inserting the gradient coil into the room temperature chamber of the magnet leaves it suspended in mid-air. This necessitates the design of specialized assembly fixtures or a moving trolley to push the gradient coil into the room temperature chamber and secure it. Second, to ensure concentricity, the relative positions of the two components, such as axial and radial distances, need to be adjusted after the gradient coil enters the room temperature chamber. This adjustment is very inconvenient, and after adjustment, a special fixing block needs to be welded onto the superconducting magnet to secure the gradient coil. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an integrated structure of superconducting magnet and gradient coil, which can integrate the superconducting magnet and gradient coil, avoid the problem of inconvenient installation when installing gradient coil, and greatly improve assembly efficiency.

[0004] The embodiments of the present invention are implemented as follows: This application provides an integrated structure of a superconducting magnet and a gradient coil, including a superconducting magnet assembly, a gradient coil, and a cylindrical mold. The superconducting magnet assembly includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, and two sealing plates. The outer cylinder is sleeved on the inner cylinder, and a first mounting chamber is formed between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder. The two sealing plates are respectively disposed at both ends of the first mounting chamber, and the sealing plates are respectively sealed to the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder. A superconducting magnet coil is circumferentially disposed in the first mounting chamber, and the superconducting magnet coil is disposed around the outer wall of the inner cylinder. The cylindrical mold is coaxially disposed within the inner cylinder, forming a second mounting chamber between the cylindrical mold and the inner cylinder. The gradient coil is disposed within the second mounting chamber and wound around the cylindrical mold. A solidified layer is cast within the second mounting chamber.

[0005] In some embodiments of the present invention, a radiation screen is provided in the first mounting chamber, the radiation screen is an annular chamber structure, and the superconducting magnet coil is circumferentially disposed in the annular chamber structure.

[0006] In some embodiments of the present invention, a refrigeration component is also included, the refrigeration component including a refrigeration unit, the heat exchange end of the refrigeration unit being connected to the radiation screen.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, the gradient coil includes gradient coil X, gradient coil Y and gradient coil Z nested in sequence, and the end faces of gradient coil X, gradient coil Y and gradient coil Z are all connected with leads.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, cooling water pipes are provided inside the gradient coils X, Y and Z, and a cooling water pipe connector is provided at one end of the gradient coil, the cooling water pipe connector being connected to the cooling water pipe.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the sealing plate is an annular structure, an inner ring edge plate is provided on the end face of the outer cylinder, an outer ring edge plate is provided on the end face of the inner cylinder, the sealing plate is adapted to fit and fit on the inner ring edge plate and the outer ring edge plate, and is connected to the inner ring edge plate and the outer ring edge plate respectively by bolts.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, both the inner and outer ring plates are provided with annular sealing grooves on their contact surfaces with the sealing plate, and a sealing ring is provided in each of the annular sealing grooves.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the solidified layer is an epoxy resin layer.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of the present invention have at least the following advantages or beneficial effects: This invention provides an integrated structure for a superconducting magnet and gradient coil. It primarily utilizes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, and a sealing plate to form a first mounting chamber. A superconducting magnet coil is placed within this first mounting chamber, while a gradient coil is placed on the inner wall of the inner cylinder. This allows the superconducting magnet coil and gradient coil to be positioned on opposite sides of the inner cylinder wall, saving overall space. It also ensures that the superconducting magnet coil and gradient coil are coaxial, improving their fitting accuracy. By pouring a solidified layer into the aforementioned second mounting chamber, the solidified layer fills the gaps between the gradient coils and, after solidification, is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the inner cylinder. This allows the gradient coil to be securely connected to the inner wall of the inner cylinder, with the inner cylinder providing support. After the solidified layer has solidified, the cylinder mold can be removed. Thus, the superconducting magnet and gradient coil are essentially integrated by sharing a single inner cylinder, avoiding the need to reserve gaps between the inner cylinder and gradient coil during installation. The superconducting magnet coil, outer cylinder, inner cylinder, and sealing plate constitute the superconducting magnet. During the assembly process, it is only necessary to pour the solidified layer into the second chamber to fix the gradient coil on the inner cylinder. The gradient coil can be supported by the inner cylinder. No special assembly tooling is required, nor is it necessary to set up fixing blocks or other fixing parts to fix and support the gradient coil. It can also ensure the installation and fitting accuracy between the superconducting magnet coil and the gradient coil, which can effectively improve the assembly efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the planar cross-sectional structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point B in the middle; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional cross-sectional structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point C in the middle.

[0015] Icons: 1-Gradient coil; 2-Cylinder mold; 201-Sealing ring; 202-Mold body; 3-Outer cylinder; 4-Inner cylinder; 5-Sealing plate; 6-First mounting chamber; 7-Second mounting chamber; 8-Condensed layer; 9-Radiation screen; 10-Refrigeration unit; 11-Cooling water pipe joint; 12-Inner ring edge plate; 13-Outer ring edge plate; 14-Bolt; 15-Annular sealing groove; 16-Sealing ring; 17-Superconducting magnet coil. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0017] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0018] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0019] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that if terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of the invention is in use, they are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0020] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" does not imply that the component must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that it can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0021] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, "multiple" means at least two.

[0022] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0023] Example Please refer to Figures 1-5 This embodiment provides an integrated structure of a superconducting magnet and a gradient coil, including a superconducting magnet assembly, a gradient coil 1, and a cylindrical mold 2. The superconducting magnet assembly includes an outer cylinder 3, an inner cylinder 4, and two sealing plates 5. The outer cylinder 3 is sleeved on the inner cylinder 4, and a first mounting chamber 6 is formed between the outer cylinder 3 and the inner cylinder 4. The two sealing plates 5 are respectively disposed at both ends of the first mounting chamber 6, and the sealing plates 5 are respectively sealed to the outer cylinder 3 and the inner cylinder 4. A superconducting magnet coil 17 is circumferentially disposed in the first mounting chamber 6, and the superconducting magnet coil 17 is disposed around the outer wall of the inner cylinder 4. The cylindrical mold 2 is coaxially disposed in the inner cylinder 4, and a second mounting chamber 7 is formed between the cylindrical mold 2 and the inner cylinder 4. The gradient coil 1 is disposed in the second mounting chamber 7 and is wound around the cylindrical mold 2. A solidified layer 8 is cast in the second mounting chamber 7.

[0024] In this embodiment, the outer cylinder 3, inner cylinder 4, and sealing plate 5 constitute the first mounting chamber 6. A superconducting magnet coil 17 is installed within the first mounting chamber 6, while a gradient coil 1 is installed on the inner wall of the inner cylinder 4. This allows the superconducting magnet coil 17 and gradient coil 1 to be positioned on opposite sides of the inner cylinder 4, saving overall space. Simultaneously, it ensures that the superconducting magnet coil 17 and gradient coil 1 are coaxial, improving their fitting accuracy. By pouring a solidified layer 8 into the second mounting chamber 7, the solidified layer 8 fills the gaps between the gradient coils 1. After solidification, the solidified layer 8 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the inner cylinder 4, allowing the gradient coil 1 to be securely connected to the inner wall of the inner cylinder 4. The inner cylinder 4 provides support for the gradient coil 1. After the solidified layer 8 has solidified, the cylinder mold 2 is removed. Thus, the superconducting magnet and gradient coil 1 are essentially integrated by sharing a single inner cylinder 4, avoiding the need for pre-reserved gaps between the inner cylinder 4 and gradient coil 1 during installation. The superconducting magnet coil 17, outer cylinder 3, inner cylinder 4, and sealing plate constitute the superconducting magnet. During assembly, only the solidified layer 8 needs to be poured into the second chamber to fix the gradient coil 1 onto the inner cylinder 4. The inner cylinder 4 provides support for the gradient coil 1, eliminating the need for specialized assembly fixtures or fixing blocks to specifically support the gradient coil 1. This ensures precise installation and fit between the superconducting magnet coil 17 and gradient coil 1, effectively improving assembly efficiency.

[0025] Please refer to Figure 2 It is worth noting that the outer wall of the gradient coil 1 is attached and fixed along the inner wall of the inner cylinder 4 by the solidification layer 8, so that the inner cylinder 4 constitutes the support of the gradient coil 1, and can also effectively constrain the gradient coil 1 within the inner cylinder 4, preventing it from moving radially and causing accuracy deviation.

[0026] It should be noted that after the solidified layer 8 is poured into the second chamber and solidifies, the cylindrical mold 2 needs to be separated from the gradient coil 1 to facilitate the assembly and use of other components. Since the solidified layer 8 will fill the gaps between the gradient coils 1 after solidification, the gradient coils 1 in the winding state can be shaped to ensure that the cylindrical mold 2 can be effectively supported and maintained in the winding state even after separation from the gradient coils 1.

[0027] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4In some embodiments of the present invention, a radiation screen 9 is provided inside the first mounting chamber 6. The radiation screen 9 has an annular chamber structure, and the superconducting magnet coil 17 is circumferentially disposed within the annular chamber structure. The radiation screen 9 is made of a material with low thermal conductivity, which can effectively reduce the conduction of external heat into the first mounting chamber 6, maintain the low-temperature environment inside the first mounting chamber 6, and provide stable low-temperature superconducting conditions for the superconducting magnet coil 17. The annular chamber structure of the radiation screen 9 is compatible with the circumferential arrangement of the superconducting magnet coil 17, and can provide all-round thermal protection for the superconducting magnet coil 17, ensuring the stable performance of the superconducting magnet coil 17 during operation.

[0028] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 Furthermore, this embodiment also includes a refrigeration assembly, which includes a refrigeration unit 10. The refrigeration unit 10 is disposed on the outer cylinder 3, and its heat exchange end extends into and is connected to the radiation screen 9. The refrigeration unit 10 is used to continuously provide a cold source and exchanges heat with the superconducting magnet coil 17 through its heat exchange end, so that the temperature of the superconducting magnet coil 17 can be reduced to the superconducting state temperature.

[0029] Preferably, in some embodiments of this example, the gradient coil 1 includes gradient coil 1X, gradient coil 1Y, and gradient coil 1Z sequentially nested together, with leads connected to the end faces of each of the gradient coils 1X, 1Y, and 1Z. The gradient coils 1X, 1Y, and 1Z generate gradient magnetic fields in the three directions of the magnetic resonance gradient field, respectively.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, cooling water pipes (not shown in the figure) are provided inside the gradient coil 1X (not shown in the figure), gradient coil 1Y (not shown in the figure), and gradient coil 1Z (not shown in the figure). A cooling water pipe connector 11 is provided at one end of the gradient coil 1, and the cooling water pipe connector 11 is connected to the cooling water pipe. The cooling water pipe is used to circulate coolant. The flow of coolant within the cooling water pipe carries away the heat generated by the gradient coil 1 during operation, thereby effectively controlling the temperature of the gradient coil 1 and ensuring that the gradient coil 1 operates in a stable temperature environment, avoiding the impact on its performance and stability due to excessive temperature. The cooling water pipe connector 11 facilitates the connection of the cooling water pipe to an external cooling system, making the supply and circulation of coolant more convenient and efficient. The arrangement of the cooling water pipe and the gradient coil 1 adopts a conventional structure known in the art; the gradient coils 1X, 1Y, and 1Z, and their connection methods to form the gradient coil 1, are all existing mechanisms. If anything is unclear, please refer to the prior art.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the solidified layer 8 is an epoxy resin layer. That is, epoxy resin material is poured into the second chamber. The gradient coils 1X, 1Y, and 1Z are bonded and cured to the inner wall of the inner cylinder 4 with epoxy resin. In this way, the gradient coils 1 can be fixed, and the gradient coils 1 are constrained in both the axial and radial directions, which can further improve the matching accuracy with the superconducting magnet coil 17.

[0032] Furthermore, the epoxy resin layer possesses excellent insulation properties, effectively preventing safety issues such as leakage between the gradient coil 1 and the inner cylinder 4, thus ensuring the safe operation of the entire integrated structure. Simultaneously, the epoxy resin material has a certain degree of elasticity, which can buffer vibrations generated during the operation of the gradient coil 1, reducing the impact of vibrations on the gradient coil 1 and the superconducting magnet coil 17, and extending the service life of the equipment. In addition, the epoxy resin layer is stable in shape after curing and is not easily deformed, maintaining its fixation effect on the gradient coil 1 for a long time, ensuring that the gradient coil 1 is always in the accurate working position.

[0033] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Preferably, the sealing plate 5 is an annular structure. An inner annular flange 12 is provided on the end face of the outer cylinder 3, and an outer annular flange 13 is provided on the end face of the inner cylinder 4. The sealing plate 5 is adapted to fit and adhere to the inner annular flange 12 and the outer annular flange 13, and is connected to the inner annular flange 12 and the outer annular flange 13 respectively by bolts 14. The sealing plate 5 is fixed to the corresponding ends of the outer cylinder 3 and the inner cylinder 4 respectively by bolts 14.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Preferably, both the inner ring plate 12 and the outer ring plate 13 have annular sealing grooves 15 on their contact surfaces with the sealing plate 5, and each annular sealing groove 15 contains a sealing ring 16. The annular sealing grooves 15 and the sealing rings 16 cooperate to achieve a sealed connection between the sealing plate 5 and the outer cylinder 3 and the inner cylinder 4, effectively sealing the first mounting chamber 6 to facilitate subsequent vacuuming of the first mounting chamber 6.

[0035] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2It is worth noting that in this embodiment, the cylindrical mold 2 includes a mold body 202 and two sealing rings 201 disposed at both ends of the mold body 202. The sealing rings 201 are used to seal the cylindrical mold 2 and the inner cylinder 4, thereby ensuring that the second mounting chamber 7 is in a sealed state. A pouring port (not shown in the figure) and an vent (not shown in the figure) are provided on the sealing rings 201 to facilitate the pouring of the solidified layer 8 and the venting during pouring. The sealing rings 201 and the inner cylinder 4 are actually detachably connected. After the solidified layer 8 solidifies, the sealing rings 201 can be disassembled from the inner cylinder 4 to facilitate the separation of the cylindrical mold 2 from the gradient coil 1. Simultaneously, the sealing rings 201 and the inner cylinder 4 are coaxial, allowing the gradient coil 1 to be coaxial with the superconducting magnet coil 17.

[0036] In other embodiments, the sealing plate 5 can also be directly sealed and welded to the outer cylinder 3 and the inner cylinder 4.

[0037] In use, the cable is first wound around the cylindrical mold 2 to form corresponding gradient coils 1X, 1Y, and 1Z. Then, the gradient coils 1 and the cylindrical mold 2 are inserted into the inner cylinder 4, and the sealing ring 201 on the cylindrical mold 2 is coaxially connected to the inner cylinder 4. Subsequently, liquid epoxy resin is poured through the pouring port. After pouring, the epoxy resin solidifies, forming an epoxy resin layer. The epoxy resin layer adheres and cures to the inner wall of the inner cylinder 4, also curing the gradient coils 1 as a whole. After completing the above steps, the sealing ring 201 on the cylindrical mold 2 is separated from the inner cylinder 4, thus separating the cylindrical mold 2 from the gradient coils 1.

[0038] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated structure of a superconducting magnet and a gradient coil, characterized in that, The device includes a superconducting magnet assembly, a gradient coil, and a cylindrical mold. The superconducting magnet assembly includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, and two sealing plates. The outer cylinder is fitted onto the inner cylinder, forming a first mounting chamber between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder. The two sealing plates are respectively disposed at both ends of the first mounting chamber and are respectively sealed to the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder. A superconducting magnet coil is circumferentially disposed within the first mounting chamber, and the superconducting magnet coil is arranged around the outer wall of the inner cylinder. The cylindrical mold is coaxially disposed within the inner cylinder, forming a second mounting chamber between the cylindrical mold and the inner cylinder. The gradient coil is disposed within the second mounting chamber and wound around the cylindrical mold. A solidified layer is cast within the second mounting chamber.

2. The integrated structure of superconducting magnet and gradient coil according to claim 1, characterized in that, A radiation screen is fixedly installed in the first installation chamber. The radiation screen is an annular chamber structure and is coaxial with the outer cylinder. The superconducting magnet coil is circumferentially arranged in the annular chamber structure.

3. The integrated structure of superconducting magnet and gradient coil according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a cooling component, which includes a refrigerator, the heat exchange end of which extends into the radiation screen and is connected to the superconducting magnet coil.

4. The integrated structure of superconducting magnet and gradient coil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gradient coil includes gradient coil X, gradient coil Y and gradient coil Z nested in sequence, and the end faces of gradient coil X, gradient coil Y and gradient coil Z are all connected with leads.

5. The integrated structure of superconducting magnet and gradient coil according to claim 4, characterized in that, Cooling water pipes are installed inside the gradient coils X, Y, and Z. A cooling water pipe connector is installed at one end of each gradient coil, and the cooling water pipe connector is connected to the cooling water pipe.

6. The integrated structure of superconducting magnet and gradient coil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing plate is an annular structure. An inner ring edge plate is provided on the end face of the outer cylinder, and an outer ring edge plate is provided on the end face of the inner cylinder. The sealing plate is adapted to fit and fit on the inner ring edge plate and the outer ring edge plate, and is connected to the inner ring edge plate and the outer ring edge plate respectively by bolts.

7. The integrated structure of superconducting magnet and gradient coil according to claim 6, characterized in that, Both the inner and outer ring plates have annular sealing grooves on their contact surfaces with the sealing plate, and a sealing ring is provided in each annular sealing groove.

8. The integrated structure of superconducting magnet and gradient coil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solidified layer is an epoxy resin layer.

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