Folded Gradient Terminal Board End Connector for MRI Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

The construction of folded gradient coils in MRI systems is hindered by manufacturing limitations that cause spatial interference, resulting in nonsymmetry and reduced efficiency, requiring special parts to support the folded portions and increasing manufacturing complexity.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer terminal connection board with connection paths and vias is used to interconnect folded gradient coils, providing symmetry and eliminating spatial interference, allowing for efficient assembly and manufacturing of folded gradient coils without the need for special support parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional folded gradient coil structure is used, then the coil provides gradient field functionality, but manufacturing limitations cause spatial interference resulting in nonsymmetry and reduced efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoil symmetryVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coil assembly is segmented into separate primary and shield coil portions that can be manufactured independently and then connected through the terminal board, allowing each segment to be optimized separately while maintaining overall symmetry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A terminal board with connection paths and vias is introduced as an intermediary component to connect the primary and shield coil portions, providing a standardized interface that ensures symmetrical connections without requiring complex custom support structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If special parts are added to support folded portions, then spatial interference is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoil efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of support parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection function and support function are merged into a single terminal board structure, eliminating the need for separate support parts while maintaining coil symmetry and efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal board serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connections through vias, maintains spatial positioning, ensures symmetrical alignment, and supports the folded portions, replacing what would otherwise require multiple specialized components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Shape

If folded gradient coils are constructed with intercrossing coils, then symmetry is achieved, but spatial interference occurs preventing ideal coil stack-up structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoil symmetryVSAvoidspatial arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal board utilizes multiple layers and vertical vias to route connections in the third dimension, allowing coils to be stacked symmetrically without spatial interference in the planar dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20090167306A1Folded gradient terminal board end connector

Publication Date: 2009.07.02 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

A folded gradient terminal board end connector includes a multi-layer terminal connection board having a plurality of connection paths and vias configured to provide intercrossing between a plurality of folded gradient coils and further to provide symmetry between the plurality of folded gradient coils without spatial interference between folded portions of the plurality of folded gradient coils to optimize the folded gradient coil efficiency.