Continuous Support Columns for MRI Cryogenic Structure Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for supporting cryogenic structures in MRI magnets using fiberglass members in tension increase endplate loads, requiring thicker endplates and additional structural reinforcement, which are costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
Replace the axial suspension configuration with compressively loaded support columns that utilize atmospheric pressure to impose a compressive load on the cryogenic structure, reducing endplate loads and eliminating the need for additional structural reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If tensile fiberglass members are used to support the cryogenic structure, then the cryogenic structure can be supported with minimal heat transfer, but the endplates require additional structural reinforcement and become thicker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional support approach by replacing tensile members with compressive support columns. Instead of using fiberglass members in tension that anchor to the endplates, the invention uses columns in compression that transfer loads to the vacuum chamber walls, thereby eliminating the need for reinforced endplates and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the support function from the endplates by introducing separate support columns that bear the structural loads. This separates the thermal isolation function (performed by the endplates) from the mechanical support function (performed by the columns), allowing the endplates to be thinner and less complex while still maintaining their thermal isolation role.
2Force
If axial suspension loads are reacted upon by toroidal flat plates on the ends of the magnet, then the cryogenic structure can be supported, but thicker endplates and additional structural reinforcement are required
Solution Approach 1:
The support columns act as intermediary elements that transfer the axial suspension loads from the cryogenic structure to the vacuum chamber walls. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for the endplates to directly bear these loads, thereby reducing the quantity of endplate material required while still providing adequate load support.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple tensile fiberglass members are used to support the cryogenic structure, then the cryogenic structure remains stable, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the support system from tensile to compressive loading. This parameter change allows the use of simpler, more cost-effective support columns while maintaining positional stability. The compressive columns provide rigid support that stabilizes the cryogenic structure without requiring the complexity of multiple pre-stretched tensile members.
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
Reduces endplate thickness and cost, while maintaining structural integrity and thermal isolation, allowing for efficient transport and handling of MRI devices.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure difference between an outside of the vacuum container and the vacuum inside the vacuum container imposes a compressive load on the support columns
Implementation Method 2
the cryogenic structure (i.e., a part of the magnet that is cooled to a cryogenic temperature) is surrounded by a vacuum chamber to control heat transfer into the cryogenic structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnet includes a vacuum container (10); a cryogenic structure (22) comprising superconducting windings (12), the cryogenic structure disposed inside the vacuum container; and support columns (40) connecting the cryogenic structure to an inner side wall of the vacuum container. In some examples, the support columns are under a first compressive load (L) when an interior of the vacuum container is at a vacuum pressure.