Adjustable Tensioning Apparatus for MRI Superconducting Magnet
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cooling vessel suspending elements for superconducting magnets in MRI scanners require high torque for assembly, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complexity, especially when manual tools are insufficient and space is limited, while also occupying valuable space.
Innovation Solution
A tensioning apparatus with a main body, locating piece, and adjusting piece that allows for adjustable tensioning, reducing the need for high-torque assembly and minimizing space usage by being dismantlable, comprising a fixed end, a free end, a supporting part, and an operating part that adjusts the length of the supporting part to maintain tension during MRI operations and low-temperature load impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded connecting pieces are used to apply preload to suspending elements, then tension is maintained during impact load and alignment is ensured, but assembly torque exceeds manual tool capability and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspending element is divided into a fixed end portion and an adjustable end portion that can be independently assembled. The adjustable end portion includes an adjusting mechanism with a screw thread that allows incremental tension adjustment without requiring high torque assembly, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability under impact load and reducing assembly torque requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The suspending element incorporates an adjustable mechanism that transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The adjusting mechanism allows the tension to be optimized after assembly, enabling the system to maintain reliability under impact load while using only standard torque assembly tools
2Manufacturing precision
If threaded connecting pieces are used for preloading suspending elements, then vessel alignment is ensured, but assembly process complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suspending element is segmented into modular portions with the adjusting mechanism separated from the main suspension structure. This segmentation allows the alignment function to be achieved through the adjustable mechanism rather than complex threaded connections, reducing assembly process complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision for vessel alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting mechanism is designed to be self-adjusting, allowing operators to achieve proper vessel alignment without requiring complex assembly procedures or specialized tools. The mechanism serves its own alignment function through simple adjustment operations, reducing both device complexity and assembly process steps
3Volume of moving object
If cooling vessel dimensions are minimized, then space efficiency is improved, but suspending element complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting mechanism is nested within the suspending element structure, with the screw thread and adjusting components integrated into the existing suspension geometry. This nesting allows the complexity of the adjustable mechanism to be accommodated within minimized cooling vessel dimensions without increasing overall device complexity or manufacturing cost
Data Source
AI summary
A tensioning apparatus for supporting a low-temperature apparatus in a vacuum vessel of a superconducting magnet of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, has a main body that has a fixed end for fixing the main body, and a free end, a locating piece, situated between the fixed end and the free end; and an adjusting piece having a supporting part, supported between the free end and the locating piece, and an operating part, connected to the supporting part, and operable for adjusting the length of the supporting part in the direction of extension of the main body and thereby tensioning the main body.