Constrained Gradient Waveform for MRI Noise and Vibration Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face issues with image quality and mechanical stability due to distortion and vibrations caused by high-frequency gradient waveforms, leading to noise, vibrations, and heating, which can result in artifacts and discomfort for patients.

Innovation Solution

Designing and implementing a constrained gradient waveform that only contains predetermined frequencies, specifically removing resonant frequencies to reduce noise, vibrations, and heating, and limiting frequency content to prevent distortion, thereby enhancing image quality and system stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high frequency content is included in gradient waveforms to improve imaging performance, then imaging speed and resolution are improved, but distortion and image artifacts increase due to band limited nature of gradient system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging speedVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the frequency content parameters of gradient waveforms. Specifically, it removes frequency components that fall within resonant ranges of the MRI system, thereby changing the spectral characteristics of the waveform to eliminate distortion while preserving useful imaging information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If high frequency content is included in gradient waveforms to improve imaging performance, then imaging speed and resolution are improved, but vibrations and acoustic noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging speedVSAvoidvibrations and acoustic noise

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful resonant frequency components into beneficial exclusions by identifying and removing them from the gradient waveform. The harm (vibrations and noise) is eliminated by applying a filter that blocks resonant frequencies, transforming the problem into a solution through frequency-selective removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If resonant frequencies are included in gradient waveforms to improve imaging performance, then imaging speed is improved, but heating of superconducting structures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging speedVSAvoidheating of superconducting structures

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the harmful frequency components from the gradient waveform. By identifying resonant frequencies that cause heating in superconducting structures and extracting these specific frequency components, the patent reduces thermal load while preserving the essential imaging functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10545212B2Method and system of frequency constrained gradient waveform production

Publication Date: 2020.01.28 SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL INC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method and system of magnetic resonance imaging using a constrained gradient waveform. The constrained gradient waveform is designed to have only predetermined frequencies, for example excluding one or more identified resonant frequencies associated with the MRI system. The application of such a constrained gradient waveform during imaging may aid in reducing noise, vibration and/or heating of the MRI system during imaging.