Branched MRI Gradient Coil Cooling via Central Inlet

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Hollow MRI gradient coils face challenges with high pressure drop and increased electrical resistance due to their length and narrow passageways, limiting cooling efficiency and increasing costs.

Innovation Solution

A branched hollow conductor coil design with a flow inlet at the middle of the coil, splitting the flow into two branches towards the ends, reducing pressure drop and electrical resistance by half, and utilizing a central manifold to manage fluid supply and removal, thereby reducing external connections and plumbing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If hollow gradient coils are used for internal cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but pressure drop increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The gradient coil is divided into multiple hollow conductors with individual flow channels, allowing parallel cooling paths that reduce pressure drop while maintaining cooling efficiency. Each hollow conductor acts as an independent cooling channel, segmenting the overall cooling system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Temperature

If hollow gradient coils with narrow passageways are used, then cooling capability is improved, but electrical resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidelectrical resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The coil structure is designed with varying cross-sectional areas along its length, with thicker sections at critical locations to reduce electrical resistance while maintaining narrow passageways only where cooling capability is most needed. This local optimization allows different parts of the coil to have different properties suited to their specific functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 up to 60% lower pressure drop and 20% lower electrical resistance compared to single flow path designs, leading to lower cooling and electrical costs, and a reduced footprint, while maintaining a single electrical circuit.

Implementation Method 1

Cooling fluid is provided to the gradient coil via the flow inlet, and removed from the gradient coil via the eye and the end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10761162B2Gradient coil cooling systems

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coil system is provided that includes a gradient coil and a flow inlet. The gradient coil includes a flow channel passing therethrough. The gradient coil defines an eye and an end. The eye is disposed proximate the center of the gradient coil. The flow inlet is disposed along the gradient coil between the eye and the end. Cooling fluid is provided to the gradient coil via the flow inlet, and removed from the gradient coil via the eye and the end.