Gradient coil replacing device

Abstract

The utility model provides a gradient coil replacing device which is used for installing a gradient coil in a resonance assembly and removing the gradient coil from the resonance assembly of a magnetic resonance imaging system, the gradient coil replacing device comprises a supporting assembly and a moving assembly, at least one part of the supporting assembly is used for being inserted into the gradient coil, and the moving assembly is used for moving the gradient coil. The inner wall of the gradient coil is movably abutted against the inner wall of the gradient coil; the moving assembly is used for supporting the supporting assembly and enabling the gradient coil to move relative to the resonance assembly so as to enter and exit from the resonance assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of maintenance equipment, and particularly relates to a gradient coil replacement device. Background Art

[0002] In order to better detect the lesion site of patients, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems are widely used in clinical medicine. The gradient coil is a core component in the MRI system. The main function of the gradient coil is to provide an alternating gradient magnetic field in three directions for the MRI system, so as to achieve the spatial positioning, phase encoding and frequency encoding of the imaged object. Therefore, the performance quality of the gradient coil will directly affect the imaging quality and imaging speed of the MRI system. Due to the large weight and size of the gradient coil, the existing gradient coil replacement devices generally also have a large size to stably support the gradient coil. For example, the gradient coil can be replaced by a forklift under the condition of demagnetization. Or, two sets of tools are required to separately achieve the disassembly and installation of the gradient coil. Therefore, the existing replacement devices are difficult to efficiently install and disassemble the gradient coil, and require a large amount of space. Summary of the Utility Model

[0003] In order to overcome the above defects of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present utility model is to provide a gradient coil replacement device.

[0004] The above object of the present utility model can be achieved by the following technical solutions. The present utility model provides a gradient coil replacement device, which is used to install a gradient coil into a resonance component of an MRI system and to remove the gradient coil from the resonance component. The device includes:

[0005] A support component, at least a part of which is used to be inserted into the gradient coil and is movably abutted against the inner wall of the gradient coil;

[0006] A moving component, which is used to support the support component and move the gradient coil relative to the resonance component to enter and exit the resonance component.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the support component includes a support member and a plurality of support structures. The support member can be inserted into the gradient coil along the axial direction of the gradient coil, and the plurality of support structures are spaced apart on the support member. The support structures are used to be movably abutted against the inner wall of the gradient coil.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the support structure includes a support frame disposed on the support member and a plurality of rolling members disposed on the support frame. The plurality of rolling members are arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the support member, and at least one of the rolling members is disposed above the support member.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the moving component includes a first moving unit and a second moving unit. The first moving unit supports one end of the support component, and the second moving unit supports the other end of the support component.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the first moving unit includes a first lifting mechanism and a first moving wheel fixed below the first lifting mechanism. The upper part of the first lifting mechanism is detachably connected to one end of the support component; the second moving unit includes a second lifting mechanism and a second moving wheel fixed below the second lifting mechanism. The upper part of the second lifting mechanism is detachably connected to the other end of the support component.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present utility model, when installing or disassembling the gradient coil, the second moving unit moves in and out of the inner cavity of the resonance component along the axial direction of the gradient coil, and the second moving wheel abuts against the inner cavity of the resonance component, and the first moving wheel abuts against the ground.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the moving component further includes a third moving unit, and the third moving unit is detachably disposed on the second moving unit.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the third moving unit includes a third lifting mechanism and a third moving wheel fixed below the third lifting mechanism. The third lifting mechanism is detachably installed at a first position or a second position of the second moving unit.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present utility model, when disassembling the gradient coil, the third lifting mechanism is first installed at the first position. After the gradient coil is completely removed from the resonance component, the third lifting mechanism is installed at the second position;

[0015] When installing the gradient coil, the third lifting mechanism is first installed at the second position. After the gradient coil is completely moved into the resonance component, the third lifting mechanism is installed at the first position.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present utility model, when installing or disassembling the gradient coil, the third moving wheel abuts against the ground; and the third lifting mechanism rises or falls synchronously with the first lifting mechanism of the first moving unit.

[0017] The technical solution of the present utility model has the following remarkable beneficial effects:

[0018] When the gradient coil replacement device of the present utility model is in use, at least a part of the support component is inserted into the gradient coil and is movably abutted against the inner wall of the gradient coil, so that the gradient coil can freely adjust on the support component under the action of its gravity, and then a more stable support state is formed with the support component. Moreover, the moving component can support both the support component and the gradient coil on the support component and drive the support component and the gradient coil to move synchronously, so that a single replacement device can be used to install the gradient coil in the resonance component and remove the gradient coil from the resonance component, improving the replacement efficiency of the gradient coil. The replacement device requires a small space, can be compatible with the replacement of gradient coils of various sizes, and can simplify the replacement process. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present utility model. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0020] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure of the present utility model in any way. Additionally, the shapes and proportional dimensions of the various components in the drawings are only schematic and are used to assist in understanding the present utility model, rather than specifically limiting the shapes and proportional dimensions of the various components of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can select various possible shapes and proportional dimensions according to specific circumstances to implement the present utility model under the teaching of the present utility model.

[0021] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the magnetic resonance imaging system in the embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the first three-dimensional perspective of an embodiment of the gradient coil replacement device in the embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the second three-dimensional perspective of an embodiment of the gradient coil replacement device in the embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of a plurality of rolling members 322 supporting the gradient coil in the embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the third moving unit 430 installed in the first position in the embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram showing the installation of the third mobile unit 430 in the second position according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram showing a usage state of a gradient coil replacement device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram showing a usage state of a gradient coil replacement device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram showing a usage state of a gradient coil replacement device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram showing a usage state of a gradient coil replacement device according to an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0031] Referring to the accompanying drawings, through the following description, the foregoing and other features of the embodiments of the present application will become apparent. In the description and drawings, specific embodiments of the present application are specifically disclosed, which show some embodiments in which the principles of the embodiments of the present application can be adopted. It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the described embodiments. On the contrary, the embodiments of the present application include all modifications, variations, and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0032] In the embodiments of the present application, terms such as "first", "second", etc. are used to distinguish different elements in terms of name, but do not represent the spatial arrangement or time sequence of these elements, and these elements should not be limited by these terms. The term "and / or" includes any one and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms. Terms such as "comprise", "include", "have", etc. mean the existence of the stated features, elements, components or assemblies, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components or assemblies.

[0033] In the embodiments of the present application, the singular forms "a", "the", etc. include the plural forms and should be broadly understood as "a kind of" or "a class of" rather than being limited to the meaning of "one"; in addition, the term "the" should be understood to include both the singular form and the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, the term "according to" should be understood as "at least partially according to...", and the term "based on" should be understood as "at least partially based on...", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] Features described and / or shown for one embodiment can be used in the same or similar way in one or more other embodiments, combined with features in other embodiments, or replace features in other embodiments. The term "comprising" as used herein refers to the presence of features, whole, steps or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, whole, steps or components.

[0035] The gradient coil is a core component in a magnetic resonance imaging system. For ease of understanding, Figure 1 A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system 100 of some embodiments of the present invention is shown to illustrate the gradient coil.

[0036] The MRI system 100 includes a scanning unit 111. The scanning unit 111 is configured to perform magnetic resonance scanning on an object (such as a human body) 170 to generate a reconstructed image of an area of interest of the object 170, and the area of interest may be a predetermined anatomical site or anatomical tissue.

[0037] The operation of the MRI system 100 is controlled by an operator workstation 110, which includes an input device 114, a control panel 116, and a display 118. The input device 114 may be a joystick, keyboard, mouse, trackball, touch-activated screen, voice control, or any similar or equivalent input device. The control panel 116 may include a keyboard, touch-activated screen, voice control, buttons, sliders, or any similar or equivalent control device. The operator workstation 110 is coupled to and communicates with a computer system 120, which enables the operator to control the generation and viewing of images on the display 118. The computer system 120 includes a plurality of components that communicate with each other via an electrical and / or data connection module 122. The connection module 122 may be a direct wired connection, a fiber optic connection, a wireless communication link, etc. The computer system 120 may include a central processing unit (CPU) 124, a memory 126, and an image processor 128. In some embodiments, the image processor 128 may be replaced by an image processing function implemented in the CPU 124. The computer system 120 may be connected to an archival media device, a permanent or backup memory, or a network. The computer system 120 may be coupled to and communicate with a separate MRI system controller 130.

[0038] The MRI system controller 130 includes a set of components that communicate with each other via an electrical and / or data connection module 132. The connection module 132 can be a direct wired connection, a fiber optic connection, a wireless communication link, etc. The MRI system controller 130 can include a CPU 131, a sequence pulse generator 133 that communicates with the operator workstation 110, a transceiver (or RF transceiver) 135, a memory 137, and an array processor 139. In some embodiments, the sequence pulse generator 133 can be integrated into the resonance component 140 of the scan unit 111 of the MRI system 100. The MRI system controller 130 can receive commands from the operator workstation 110, be coupled to the scan unit 111 to indicate the MRI scan sequence to be executed during an MRI scan, and be used to control the scan unit 111 to execute the process of the above-mentioned magnetic resonance scan. The MRI system controller 130 is also coupled to and communicates with a gradient driver system 150, which is coupled to a gradient coil assembly 142 to generate magnetic field gradients during an MRI scan.

[0039] The sequence pulse generator 133 may also receive data from a physiological acquisition controller 155, which receives signals from a plurality of different sensors (such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal from electrodes attached to a patient), and these sensors are connected to an object or patient 170 undergoing an MRI scan. The sequence pulse generator 133 is coupled to and communicates with a scan room interface system 145, which receives signals from various sensors associated with the state of the resonance component 140. The scan room interface system 145 is also coupled to and communicates with a patient positioning system 147, which sends and receives signals to control the movement of the patient table to a desired position for an MRI scan.

[0040] The MRI system controller 130 provides a gradient waveform to the gradient driver system 150, which includes G x (in the x direction), G y (in the y direction), and G z (in the z direction) amplifiers, etc. Each G x , G y , and G zGradient amplifiers each drive a corresponding gradient coil 141 in gradient coil assembly 142 to generate magnetic field gradients for spatially encoding MR signals during an MRI scan. The gradient coil assembly 142 is disposed within a resonance assembly 140 that also includes a superconducting magnet having a superconducting coil 144 that, in operation, provides a static, uniform longitudinal magnetic field B0 through a cylindrical imaging volume 146. The resonance assembly 140 also includes an RF body coil 148 that, in operation, provides a transverse magnetic field B1 that is substantially perpendicular to B0 throughout the cylindrical imaging volume 146. The resonance assembly 140 may also include an RF surface coil 149 for imaging different anatomical structures of a patient undergoing an MRI scan. The RF body coil 148 and the RF surface coil 149 may be configured to operate in a transmit and receive mode, a transmit mode, or a receive mode. The resonance assembly 140 may also include a housing in which the superconducting magnet, gradient coils 141, body coil 148, etc., described above, may be housed.

[0041] The x-direction may also be referred to as the frequency encoding direction or k-direction in k-space, and the y-direction may be referred to as the phase encoding direction or k-direction in k-space. x The G may be used for frequency encoding or signal readout and is commonly referred to as the frequency encoding gradient or readout gradient. The G may be used for phase encoding and is commonly referred to as the phase encoding gradient. The G may be used for slice (layer) position selection to obtain k-space data. It should be noted that the slice selection direction, phase encoding direction, and frequency encoding direction may be modified according to actual needs. y direction. x can be used for frequency encoding or signal readout and is commonly referred to as the frequency encoding gradient or readout gradient. y can be used for phase encoding and is commonly referred to as the phase encoding gradient. z can be used for slice (layer) position selection to obtain k-space data. It should be noted that the slice selection direction, phase encoding direction, and frequency encoding direction may be modified according to actual needs.

[0042] An object or patient 170 undergoing an MRI scan may be positioned within the cylindrical imaging volume 146 of the resonance assembly 140. A transceiver 135 in an MRI system controller 130 generates RF excitation pulses that are amplified by an RF amplifier 162 and provided to the RF body coil 148 via a transmit / receive switch (T / R switch) 164.

[0043] As described above, the RF body coil 148 and the RF surface coil 149 can be used to transmit RF excitation pulses and / or receive the resulting MR signals from a patient undergoing an MRI scan. The MR signals emitted by the excited nuclei within the patient being scanned by MRI can be sensed and received by the RF body coil 148 or the RF surface coil 149 and sent back to the preamplifier 166 via the T / R switch 164. The T / R switch 164 can be controlled by a signal from the sequence pulse generator 133 to electrically connect the RF amplifier 162 to the RF body coil 148 during the transmit mode and connect the preamplifier 166 to the RF body coil 148 during the receive mode. The T / R switch 164 can also enable the RF surface coil 149 to be used in the transmit mode or the receive mode.

[0044] In some embodiments, the MR signals sensed and received by the RF body coil 148 or the RF surface coil 149 and amplified by the preamplifier 166 are stored in the memory 137 as an array of raw k-space data for post-processing. A reconstructed magnetic resonance image can be obtained by transforming / processing this stored raw k-space data.

[0045] In some embodiments, the MR signals sensed and received by the RF body coil 148 or the RF surface coil 149 and amplified by the preamplifier 166 are demodulated, filtered, and digitized in the receive section of the transceiver 135 and transmitted to the memory 137 in the MRI system controller 130. For each image to be reconstructed, this data is rearranged into a separate k-space data array, and each of these separate k-space data arrays is input to an array processor 139, which is operated to Fourier transform the data into an array of reconstructed images.

[0046] The array processor 139 uses a transform method, most commonly the Fourier transform, to create images from the received MR signals. These images are transferred to the computer system 120 and stored in the memory 126. In response to commands received from the operator workstation 110, the data used to reconstruct the images can be stored in long-term memory or can be further processed by the image processor 128 and transferred to the operator workstation 110 for presentation on the display 118.

[0047] In various embodiments, the components of the computer system 120 and the MRI system controller 130 can be implemented on the same computer system or on multiple computer systems. It should be understood that Figure 1 the illustrated MRI system 100 is for illustrative purposes. A suitable MRI system can include more, fewer, and / or different components.

[0048] The MRI system controller 130 and the image processor 128 may respectively or jointly include a computer processor and a storage medium, on which a program for predetermined data processing to be executed by the computer processor is recorded. For example, programs for implementing scanning processes (such as scanning procedures, imaging sequences), image reconstruction, image processing, etc. may be stored on the storage medium. For example, a program for implementing the magnetic resonance imaging method of the embodiments of the present invention may be stored. The above storage medium may include, for example, ROM, floppy disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, or non-volatile memory cards.

[0049] The following will be described in conjunction with embodiments.

[0050] An embodiment of the present invention provides a gradient coil replacement device. Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the gradient coil replacement device of the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 2 and 3 shown, the gradient coil replacement device 200 is used to install the gradient coil 141 shown in Figure 1 into the resonance component 140 of a magnetic resonance imaging system, and to remove the gradient coil 141 from the resonance component 140. The gradient coil replacement device 200 includes a support component 300 and a moving component 400. At least a part of the support component 300 is used to be inserted into the gradient coil 141 and is movably abutted against the inner wall of the gradient coil 141; the moving component 400 is used to support the support component 300 and move the gradient coil 141 relative to the resonance component 140 to move in and out of the resonance component.

[0051] As can be seen from the above embodiments, when the gradient coil replacement device 200 is used, at least a part of the support component 300 can be inserted into the gradient coil 141 and is movably abutted against the inner wall of the gradient coil 141, so that the gradient coil 141 can freely adjust on the support component 300 under the action of its gravity, and then form a more stable support state with the support component 300. Moreover, through the moving component 400, the support component 300 and the gradient coil 141 on the support component 300 can be supported, and the support component 300 and the gradient coil 141 can be driven to move synchronously, so that a single replacement device can be used to install the gradient coil into the resonance component and remove the gradient coil from the resonance component, improving the replacement efficiency of the gradient coil. The replacement device requires a small space, can be compatible with the replacement of gradient coils of various sizes, and can simplify the replacement process.

[0052] The structures of the support component 300 and the moving component 400 will be described separately below.

[0053] In some embodiments, the support component 300 includes a support member 310 and a plurality of support structures 320. For example, asFigure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in Figure 1 , the support assembly 300 includes three support structures 320. The support member 310 can be inserted into the gradient coil 141 along the axial direction of the gradient coil 141 (such as the X direction in Figure 1 ), and the multiple support structures 320 are arranged at intervals on the support member 310. The support structure 320 is used to abut against the inner wall of the gradient coil 141 movably. Figure 1 and Figure 7 The multiple support structures 320 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the gradient coil 141, so that the multiple support structures 320 can cooperate to form a multi-point support effect, significantly improving the support stability of the support assembly 300 for the gradient coil 141.

[0054] By arranging multiple support structures 320 on the support member 310 and arranging the multiple support structures 320 at intervals along the axial direction of the gradient coil 141, the multiple support structures 320 can cooperate to form a multi-point support effect, significantly improving the support stability of the support assembly 300 for the gradient coil 141.

[0055] In some embodiments, the specific structure of the support member 310 can be adjusted according to the use needs, and no specific limitation is made here. For example, the support member 310 includes a support cross beam, and multiple support structures 320 are arranged at intervals on the support cross beam. When using this replacement device to replace the gradient coil, at least a part of the support cross beam is inserted into the gradient coil 141. At least one support structure 320 is arranged on the at least a part. When using this replacement device to replace the gradient coil, the two ends of the support cross beam are not located in the gradient coil, but are connected to the subsequent moving assembly 400. The cross-sectional shape of the support cross beam in the length direction can be "I"-shaped, but the embodiments of the present application do not take this as a limitation.

[0056] Since the center of gravity of the gradient coil 141 is not located at the center of the coil, by abutting the support structure 320 against the inner wall of the gradient coil 141 movably, the gradient coil 141 can rotate relative to the support assembly 300 to more conveniently adjust the relative position between the gradient coil and the inner cavity of the magnet, for example, making the predetermined position of the gradient coil and the inner cavity of the magnet align at the 12 o'clock direction.

[0057] In some embodiments, the support structure 320 includes a support frame 321 arranged on the support member 310 and multiple rolling members 322 arranged on the support frame 321. The multiple rolling members 322 are arranged at intervals in a circumferential ring shape along the support member 310, and at least one rolling member 322 is placed above the support member 310.

[0058] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the multiple rolling members 322 supporting the gradient coil in the embodiments of the present application. The multiple rolling members 322 arranged on the support frame 321 can play a multi-point support role on the inner wall of the gradient coil 141, and the rolling members 322 can abut against the inner wall of the gradient coil 141 movably with the support structure 320, so that the gradient coil 141 can rotate relative to the support assembly 300.

[0059] In some embodiments, the support frame 321 includes a first rod vertically arranged, and second and third rods oppositely arranged on both sides of the first rod in the horizontal direction. The rolling member 322 is a roller, and rollers are provided at the ends of the first rod, the second rod, and the third rod. For example, the first rod can be fixed to the top surface of the I-shaped support crossbeam, and the second and third rods can be fixed to both sides of the vertical surface of the I-shaped support crossbeam. The embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0060] In the above embodiments, the number of settings and the specific structure of the support structure and the rolling member are not specifically limited herein. For example, the support structure can also be a three-jaw chuck, which will not be elaborated here one by one.

[0061] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the moving component 400 includes a first moving unit 410 and a second moving unit 420. When replacing the gradient coil, at least a part of the support component is inserted into the gradient coil 141, and both ends of the support component are not located in the gradient coil. The first moving unit 410 supports one end of the support component 300, and the second moving unit 420 supports the other end of the support component 300.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first moving unit 410 includes a first lifting mechanism 411 and a first moving wheel 412 fixed below the first lifting mechanism 411. The upper part of the first lifting mechanism 411 is detachably connected to one end of the support component 300; the second moving unit 420 includes a second lifting mechanism 421 and a second moving wheel 422 fixed below the second lifting mechanism 421. The upper part of the second lifting mechanism 421 is detachably connected to the other end of the support component 300.

[0063] By detachably connecting the first lifting mechanism 411 to the support component 300 and the second lifting mechanism 421 to the support component 300, when the gradient coil replacement device 200 is not in use, it is convenient to disassemble and store the support component 300 and the moving component 400, reducing the overall volume of the gradient coil replacement device 200. Moreover, the gradient coil 141 can be moved relative to the resonance component 140 by the first moving wheel 412 and the second moving wheel 422.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first moving unit 410 further includes a frame 413. A first lifting mechanism 411 is fixed on the frame 413. A plurality of first moving wheels 412 are arranged below the frame 413. The plurality of first moving wheels 412 can form a first moving wheel group, and the first moving wheel group can play a role in more stable transportation. The set number and arrangement position of the first moving wheels 412 can be adjusted according to the usage requirements. For example, the number of the first moving wheels 412 can be set to two, three, four, etc., and no specific limitation is made here.

[0065] In some embodiments, when using the replacement device, the top of the first lifting mechanism 411 is fixedly connected to one end of the support assembly 300 through a connecting part. For example, the top of the first lifting mechanism 411 can be in contact and fixed with the bottom surface of the I-shaped support cross beam. The connecting part can be a screw, or a mortise and tenon structure, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this. The first lifting mechanism 411 can include one or more lifting columns that can be synchronously lifted, and no further examples are given here.

[0066] In some embodiments, the second moving unit 420 further includes a mounting frame 423. A second lifting mechanism 421 is fixed on the mounting frame 423. A second moving wheel 422 is arranged below the second lifting mechanism 421. The set number and arrangement position of the second moving wheels 422 can be adjusted according to the usage requirements, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0067] In some embodiments, when using the replacement device, the top of the second lifting mechanism 421 is fixedly connected to the other end of the support assembly 300 through a connecting part. For example, the top of the second lifting mechanism 421 can be in contact and fixed with the bottom surface of the I-shaped support cross beam. The connecting part can be a screw, or a mortise and tenon structure, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this. The second lifting mechanism 421 can include one or more lifting columns that can be synchronously lifted, and no further examples are given here.

[0068] In some embodiments, a first mounting structure and a second mounting structure are formed on the mounting frame 423 at intervals. The first mounting structure forms a first position 401, and the second mounting structure forms a second position 402. Among them, the mounting frame 423 does not move up and down synchronously with the second lifting mechanism 421.

[0069] When installing or disassembling the gradient coil, the second moving unit moves in and out of the inner cavity of the resonance assembly along the axial direction of the gradient coil, and the second moving wheel 422 abuts against the inner cavity of the resonance assembly, and the first moving wheel 412 abuts against the ground. Through the above abutment, a supporting force is provided. The first moving unit and the second moving unit jointly support both ends of the support assembly 300. By moving the moving wheels, the gradient coil 141 moves relative to the resonance assembly 140 to make the gradient coil move in and out of the resonance assembly. How to move will be described in the subsequent replacement process.

[0070] To more conveniently move the gradient coil into or out of the resonance assembly, the movable assembly may optionally further include a third movable unit 430, which is detachably mounted on the second movable unit 420. The third movable unit 430 includes a third lifting mechanism 431 and third movable wheels 432 fixed below the third lifting mechanism 431. The third lifting mechanism 432 is detachably mounted on the first position or the second position of the second movable unit 420. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the third mobile unit 430 installed in the first position according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the third mobile unit 430 being installed in the second position according to an embodiment of the present application. When to install in the first position and when to install in the second position will be explained in the replacement process described later.

[0071] In some embodiments, the third moving unit includes one or more third lifting mechanisms 431 and one or more third moving wheels 432, but the present application is not limited thereto. For example, if two third lifting mechanisms 431 are provided, Figure 5 and 6 As shown, the first mounting structure of the second mobile unit includes two first mounting portions 424 relatively arranged at first positions on both sides of the second mobile unit 420, and the first mounting portions 424 can be detachably connected to the two third lifting mechanisms 431 through a connecting portion. The second mounting structure includes two second mounting portions 425 relatively arranged at second positions on both sides of the second mobile unit 420, and the second mounting portions 425 can be detachably connected to the two third lifting mechanisms 431 through a connecting portion. The connecting portion can be a screw, a mortise and tenon structure, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion can be composed of a rod, a block, or a plate, and are not specifically limited here.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the first moving wheel 412, the second moving wheel 422, and the third moving wheel 432 can be configured as universal wheels. The first lifting mechanism 411, the second lifting mechanism 421, and the third lifting mechanism 431 can be non-magnetic lifting mechanisms, such as hand jacks, etc., without specific limitation herein.

[0073] The above embodiments describe the structures of the supporting assembly and the moving assembly. The following describes how to assemble the replacement device and how to install and remove the gradient coil using the replacement device.

[0074] In some embodiments, when the gradient coil replacement device 200 is in use, the independent support component 300 and the moving component 400 can be transported to the location where the resonance component 140 is located separately. The volume of the support component 300 and the moving component 400 after being disassembled is smaller, thereby improving the transportation convenience and facilitating the deployment and use of the gradient coil replacement device 200 at the working site.

[0075] When disassembling the gradient coil 141, insert the support component 300 into the gradient coil 141. The support component 300 is first erected at the bottom inside the gradient coil, and the gradient coil provides the supporting force for the support component 300. Then, connect the two ends of the support component 300 to the first moving unit 410 and the second moving unit 420 respectively.

[0076] In some embodiments, when the replacement device 200 further includes a third moving unit 430, the third moving unit 430 can be installed at the first position 401. Then, use the first lifting mechanism 411 of the first moving unit 410 and the third lifting mechanism 431 of the third moving unit 430 to lift synchronously to lift the support component 300 to the top inside the gradient coil and abut against the top inside the gradient coil 141. At this time, the replacement device is assembled, and the schematic diagram of its position with the gradient coil is as Figure 7 shown. <s

[0077] In Figure 7 the state shown, the first moving wheel and the third moving wheel abut against the ground. Thus, the supporting force of the support component and the gradient coil is provided. Pushing the first moving unit 410 and the third moving unit 430 will drive the gradient coil 141 to move in the direction of the first moving unit 410 to move the gradient coil 141 out of the resonance component 140. During this process, as Figure 8 shown, the second moving unit 420 will gradually enter the resonance component 140. When the second moving wheel completely enters the resonance component 140, use the second lifting mechanism 421 to adjust the height of the second moving unit so as to jointly support the gradient coil 141 with the first lifting mechanism 411. At this stage, the second moving wheel abuts against the inner cavity of the resonance component, and the first moving wheel still abuts against the ground. Thus, the supporting force of the gradient coil is provided. That is to say, after the second moving unit 420 moves into the resonance component, the supporting force is not provided by the third moving wheel abutting against the ground, but the supporting force is transferred to be provided by abutting against the second moving wheel through the inner cavity of the resonance component. At this time, the third moving unit 430 can be disassembled from the first position of the second moving unit 420.

[0078] By controlling the volume of the second moving unit 420, the second moving unit 420 can move in and out of the inner cavity of the resonance component 140 along the axial direction of the gradient coil 141. Moreover, when installing or disassembling the gradient coil, the second moving wheel abuts against the inner cavity of the resonance component, and the resonance component provides the supporting force for the gradient coil. Therefore, the length of the supporting component can be shortened, the space required for the replacement device is small, and the replacement of gradient coils of various sizes can be compatible.

[0079] After the second moving unit 420 enters the resonance component, continuously pushing the first moving unit 410 will drive the gradient coil 141 to move in the direction of the first moving unit 410. When the first moving unit 410 and the second moving unit 420 cooperate to completely move the gradient coil 141 out of the resonance component 140, as Figure 9 shown, the second position 402 of the second moving unit 420 first moves out of the resonance component 140. At this time, the third moving unit 430 is installed at the second position 402, and the first lifting mechanism 411 and the third lifting mechanism 431 are used to support the gradient coil 141 synchronously. That is to say, after the second moving unit 420 moves out of the resonance component, the supporting force is not provided by the inner cavity of the resonance component abutting against the second moving wheel, but the supporting force is transferred again to be provided by the ground abutting against the third moving wheel.

[0080] As Figure 1 shown, continuously pushing the first moving unit 410 and the third moving unit 430 will drive the gradient coil 141 to move to the target position. By synchronously lowering the first lifting mechanism 411 and the third lifting mechanism 431, the old gradient coil 141 can be placed at the target position.

[0081] The above example uses the replacement device including the third mobile unit 430 as an example, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this. As another embodiment, the support assembly 300 is inserted into the gradient coil 141. The support assembly 300 is first installed at the bottom of the inner side of the gradient coil, and the gradient coil provides the support force of the support assembly 300. The two ends of the support assembly 300 are then connected to the first mobile unit 410 and the second mobile unit 420 respectively. A table with a height roughly the same as the lowest point of the resonance assembly can be set at the entrance and exit of the resonance assembly to support the second moving wheel of the second mobile unit. The first lifting mechanism 411 of the first mobile unit 410 and the second lifting mechanism 421 of the second mobile unit 420 are used to lift synchronously to lift the support assembly 300 to the top of the inner side of the gradient coil, so that it abuts against the inner top of the gradient coil 141. The first moving wheel contacts the ground, and the second moving wheel contacts the aforementioned table surface first, thereby providing support force for the support assembly and the gradient coil. Pushing the first moving unit 410 and the second moving unit 420 will drive the gradient coil 141 toward the direction of the first moving unit 410, thereby driving the gradient coil 141 to move out of the resonance assembly 140. The second moving unit 420 will gradually enter the resonance assembly 140 and leave the aforementioned table surface. When the second moving wheel completely enters the resonance assembly 140, the implementation method is the same as the aforementioned ​ The description is the same as that of FIG. , and will not be repeated here. After the first movable unit 410 and the second movable unit 420 cooperate to completely move the gradient coil 141 out of the resonance assembly 140, the second movable wheel of the second movable unit 420 moves out of the resonance assembly 140 and enters the table provided at the exit of the resonance assembly. In other words, after the second movable unit 420 moves out of the resonance assembly, the supporting force is no longer provided by the contact between the inner cavity of the resonance assembly and the second movable wheel. Instead, the supporting force is transferred to the contact between the table and the second movable wheel.

[0082] When installing the gradient coil 141, the support assembly 300 is inserted into the gradient coil 141. The support assembly 300 is first mounted on the bottom of the inner side of the gradient coil, with the gradient coil providing support for the support assembly 300. The two ends of the support assembly 300 are then connected to the first movable unit 410 and the second movable unit 420, respectively.

[0083] In some embodiments, when the replacement device 200 further includes a third movable unit 430, the third movable unit 430 can be installed in the second position 401. The first lifting mechanism 411 of the first movable unit 410 and the third lifting mechanism 431 of the third movable unit 430 are then synchronously lifted to lift the support assembly 300 to the top of the inner side of the gradient coil, where it abuts against the inner top of the gradient coil 141. Pushing the first movable unit 410 and the third movable unit 430 causes the gradient coil 141 to move toward the inside of the resonance assembly.

[0084] During this process, the second moving unit 420 gradually enters the resonance component 140. When the second moving wheel completely enters the resonance component 140, the height of the second moving unit is adjusted by the second lifting mechanism 421 so as to support the gradient coil 141 together with the first lifting mechanism 411. At this stage, the second moving wheel abuts against the inner cavity of the resonance component, and the first moving wheel still abuts against the ground. Thus, the supporting force of the gradient coil is provided. That is to say, after the second moving unit 420 moves into the resonance component, the supporting force is not provided by the third moving wheel abutting against the ground, but is transferred to be provided by the second moving wheel abutting against the inner cavity of the resonance component. At this time, the third moving unit 430 can be detached from the second position of the second moving unit 420.

[0085] After the second moving unit 420 enters the resonance component, continuously pushing the first moving unit 410 will drive the gradient coil 141 to move in the direction of the second moving unit 410. When the first moving unit 410 and the second moving unit 420 cooperate to completely move the gradient coil 141 into the resonance component 140, the first position 402 of the second moving unit 420 first moves out of the resonance component 140. At this time, the third moving unit 430 is installed at the first position 402, and the gradient coil 141 is supported synchronously by the first lifting mechanism 411 and the third lifting mechanism 431. Then, the first lifting mechanism 411 and the third lifting mechanism 431 are synchronously lowered so that the height of the support component 300 decreases and no longer abuts against the gradient coil. The support component 300 is lowered to the bottom inside the replaced gradient coil. At this time, the first lifting mechanism 411 and the third lifting mechanism 431 no longer provide the supporting force for the support component 300, but the support component is temporarily supported by the gradient coil. After the first moving unit, the second moving unit and the third moving unit are respectively detached, the support component is taken out from the gradient coil to complete the replacement of the gradient coil and the disassembly and assembly of the replacement device.

[0086] In the above example, the replacement device includes the third moving unit 430 as an example, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. As another implementation, the support component 300 is inserted into the gradient coil 141. The support component 300 is first erected at the bottom inside the gradient coil, and the gradient coil provides the support force for the support component 300. Then, both ends of the support component 300 are respectively connected to the first moving unit 410 and the second moving unit 420. A tabletop with a height approximately the same as the lowest point of the resonance component can be set at the entrance and exit of the resonance component to support the second moving wheels of the second moving unit. The first lifting mechanism 411 of the first moving unit 410 and the second lifting mechanism 421 of the second moving unit 420 are synchronously lifted to lift the support component 300 to the top inside the gradient coil and abut against the top inside the gradient coil 141. The first moving wheels abut against the ground, and the second moving wheels first abut against the aforementioned tabletop. Thus, the support force for the support component and the gradient coil is provided. Pushing the first moving unit 410 and the second moving unit 420 will cause the gradient coil 141 to move towards the inside of the resonance component. The second moving unit 420 will gradually enter the resonance component 140 and disengage from the aforementioned tabletop. The implementation manner when the second moving wheels completely enter the resonance component 140 is the same as the description of the aforementioned installation process and will not be elaborated here. When the first moving unit 410 and the second moving unit 420 cooperate to completely move the gradient coil 141 into the resonance component 140, the second moving wheels of the second moving unit 420 move out of the resonance component 140 and enter the tabletop set at the resonance component exit. That is to say, after the second moving unit 420 moves out of the resonance component, the support force is not provided by the inner cavity of the resonance component abutting against the second moving wheels, but the support force is transferred again to be provided by the tabletop abutting against the second moving wheels. Then, the first lifting mechanism 411 and the second lifting mechanism 421 are synchronously lowered so that the height of the support component 300 decreases and no longer abuts against the gradient coil. The support component 300 is lowered to be erected at the bottom inside the replaced gradient coil. At this time, the first lifting mechanism 411 and the second lifting mechanism 421 no longer provide the support force for the support component 300, but the gradient coil temporarily supports the support component. After the first moving unit and the second moving unit are respectively disassembled, the support component is taken out of the gradient coil to complete the replacement of the gradient coil and the disassembly and assembly of the replacement device.

[0087] As can be seen from the above embodiments, at least a part of the support component is inserted into the gradient coil and is movably abutted against the inner wall of the gradient coil, so that the gradient coil can be freely adjusted on the support component under the action of its gravity, and then a more stable support state is formed with the support component. Moreover, the moving component can support both the support component and the gradient coil on the support component and drive the support component and the gradient coil to move synchronously, so that a replacement device can be used to install the gradient coil in the resonance component and remove the gradient coil from the resonance component, improving the replacement efficiency of the gradient coil. The replacement device requires a small space, can be compatible with the replacement of gradient coils of various sizes, and can simplify the replacement process.

[0088] All articles and references disclosed, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference for various purposes. The term "consisting essentially of" describing a combination should include the identified elements, ingredients, components or steps and other elements, ingredients, components or steps that do not substantially affect the basic novel features of the combination. Using the terms "comprising" or "including" to describe the combinations of elements, ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplates embodiments consisting essentially of these elements, ingredients, components or steps. By using the term "may" herein, it is intended to indicate that any attribute described as "may" included is optional. Multiple elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step can be divided into separate multiple elements, ingredients, components or steps. The disclosure of "a" or "an" to describe an element, ingredient, component or step does not mean to exclude other elements, ingredients, components or steps.

[0089] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and the key point of each embodiment is to illustrate the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts among the various embodiments can be referred to each other. The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention, and their purpose is to enable those who are familiar with this technology to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly, and cannot be used to limit the protection scope of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made according to the spirit of the present invention should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gradient coil replacement device, wherein the gradient coil replacement device is used to install a gradient coil in a resonance assembly of a magnetic resonance imaging system and to remove a gradient coil from the resonance assembly, wherein: The gradient coil replacement device comprises: a support assembly, at least a portion of which is configured to be inserted into the gradient coil and movably abut against an inner wall of the gradient coil; The moving assembly is used to support the supporting assembly and enable the gradient coil to move relative to the resonance assembly so as to enter and exit the resonance assembly.

2. The gradient coil replacement device according to claim 1, wherein: The support assembly includes a support member and multiple support structures. The support member can be inserted into the gradient coil along the axial direction of the gradient coil. The multiple support structures are arranged on the support member at intervals. The support structures are used to movably abut against the inner wall of the gradient coil.

3. The gradient coil replacement device according to claim 2, wherein: The support structure includes a support frame arranged on the support member, and a plurality of rolling members arranged on the support frame. The plurality of rolling members are arranged in a ring at intervals along the circumference of the support member, and at least one of the rolling members is placed above the support member.

4. The gradient coil replacement device according to claim 1, wherein: The moving assembly includes a first moving unit and a second moving unit. The first moving unit is used to support one end of the supporting assembly, and the second moving unit is used to support the other end of the supporting assembly.

5. The gradient coil replacement device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first movable unit includes a first lifting mechanism and a first movable wheel fixed below the first lifting mechanism, and the top of the first lifting mechanism is detachably connected to one end of the support assembly; the second movable unit includes a second lifting mechanism and a second movable wheel fixed below the second lifting mechanism, and the top of the second lifting mechanism is detachably connected to the other end of the support assembly.

6. The gradient coil replacement device according to claim 5, characterized in that: When installing or removing the gradient coil, the second moving unit moves in and out of the inner cavity of the resonance assembly along the axial direction of the gradient coil, and the second moving wheel abuts against the inner cavity of the resonance assembly, and the first moving wheel abuts against the ground.

7. The gradient coil replacement device according to claim 4, wherein: The moving assembly further includes a third moving unit, and the third moving unit is detachably disposed on the second moving unit.

8. The gradient coil replacement device according to claim 7, wherein: The third movable unit includes a third lifting mechanism and a third movable wheel fixed below the third lifting mechanism. The third lifting mechanism is detachably mounted at the first position or the second position of the second movable unit.

9. The gradient coil replacement device according to claim 8, characterized in that: When disassembling the gradient coil, the third lifting mechanism is first installed in the first position, and after the gradient coil is completely removed from the resonance assembly, the third lifting mechanism is installed in the second position; When installing the gradient coil, the third lifting mechanism is first installed at the second position. After the gradient coil is completely moved into the resonance assembly, the third lifting mechanism is installed at the first position.

10. The gradient coil replacement device according to claim 8, wherein: When the gradient coil is installed or removed, the third moving wheel contacts the ground; and the third lifting mechanism rises or falls synchronously with the first lifting mechanism of the first moving unit.

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