Concentric MRI Gradient Coil Interweaving for FOV Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems with larger Fields-of-View (FOVs) require more power and have reduced slew rates, leading to increased peripheral nerve stimulation, and existing solutions with separate gradient coils increase system complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A coil assembly comprising a primary gradient coil and a corrector coil, where at least a portion of the corrector coil is interwoven with the primary coil, allowing for modification of the FOV and performance characteristics, reducing complexity and cost by forming a single, concentric unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a gradient coil with a larger FOV is used, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the slew rate is reduced and peripheral nerve stimulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gradient coil is segmented into two distinct coils: a primary gradient coil for general imaging and a higher order gradient coil for FOV optimization. This segmentation allows each coil to be optimized for specific functions, enabling large FOV imaging without sacrificing slew rate performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The higher order gradient coil is positioned concentrically within or adjacent to the primary gradient coil, creating a nested configuration. This nesting allows the higher order coil to modify the magnetic field gradient in specific regions without interfering with the overall coil structure, enabling FOV adjustment while maintaining acceptable slew rates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a higher order gradient coil is mounted separately from the primary gradient coil, then the FOV can be optimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The higher order gradient coil and primary gradient coil are combined into a single integrated gradient coil assembly. The higher order coil is positioned concentrically within the primary coil structure, merging two functional elements into one unified device that reduces system complexity while maintaining FOV optimization capabilities.
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
Enables efficient modification of FOV and performance characteristics, reducing peripheral nerve stimulation and system complexity while maintaining high slew rates, suitable for both large and focused FOV applications.
Implementation Method 1
The corrector coil may be used to modify a field-of-view (FOV) of the primary gradient coil by varying a current through the corrector coil
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of the corrector coil being interwoven with a portion of the primary gradient coil such that the portion of the primary gradient coil is concentric with the portion of the corrector coil
Data Source
AI summary
A coil assembly for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system includes a primary gradient coil, and a corrector coil, at least a portion of the corrector coil being interwoven with a portion of the primary gradient coil such that the portion of the primary gradient coil is concentric with the portion of the corrector coil. An MRI imaging system and a method of fabricating the coil assembly are also provided.