Asymmetric Electromagnet Support for MRI Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI electromagnet assemblies are heavy and costly due to the need for strong support structures to handle both electromagnetic and external loads, leading to material inefficiency and potential performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
The electromagnet assembly features a non-uniformly distributed support structure with differently sized annular segments and a greater number of support elements on one side than the other, optimized to provide enhanced vertical support while minimizing material usage and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a strong support structure is used to bear electromagnetic loads and external loads, then the reliability and strength are improved, but the weight and material usage increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from uniform axisymmetric design to non-uniform design with different support densities in different regions. The first region has higher support density with support elements spaced closer together, while the second region has lower support density with support elements spaced farther apart, optimizing material usage while maintaining required strength where loads are highest.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure abandons the conventional axisymmetric uniform arrangement and adopts an asymmetric configuration where support elements are distributed non-uniformly around the annular region. This asymmetric distribution places more support elements in regions experiencing higher external loads during transportation while reducing them in regions with lower loads, thereby reducing overall weight and material usage.
2Ease of manufacture
If a uniform axisymmetric support structure is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ability to handle directional external loads during transportation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure uses non-uniform distribution of support elements with different spacing in different angular regions. The first region has support elements spaced at a first pitch while the second region has support elements spaced at a second pitch, allowing the structure to provide enhanced support in directions where external loads are most likely to occur during transportation while maintaining manufacturability.
3Reliability
If more support elements are added to handle external loads, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the material usage and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly increasing support element density throughout the entire annular region, the invention applies higher support density only in the first region where external loads are most critical during transportation, while maintaining lower support density in the second region. This localized approach provides necessary reliability where needed while minimizing overall material consumption and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure uses partial action by concentrating support elements only in regions where they are most needed to handle external loads during transportation, rather than providing uniform excessive support throughout. This allows the structure to achieve sufficient reliability for handling external loads while avoiding unnecessary material usage in regions where less support is required.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design achieves adequate support during transit and use while reducing material usage and weight, preventing performance degradation and enabling more efficient shipping and operation of MRI scanners.
Implementation Method 1
a first coil (222) spaced apart from the inner magnet (210) and configured to define the first annular region (230)
Implementation Method 2
a second coil (224) spaced apart from the inner magnet (210) and configured to define a second annular region (231) extending between the inner magnet (210) and the second coil (224)
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnet assembly has an inner magnet, an outer magnet, arranged around the inner magnet with an annular region extending between the inner magnet and the outer magnet, and a number of support elements extending through the annular region and dividing the annular region into a number of annular segments. The support elements are distributed in the annular region so as to form a small annular segment and a large annular segment.