Forked Ferromagnetic MRI Frame to Reduce Eddy Current Artifacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI systems, particularly high-field systems, face challenges with increased weight, complexity, and eddy current-related artifacts due to the use of C-shaped designs, which affect image quality and manufacturing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A lighter, forked frame design is developed using ferromagnetic components to support B0 magnets, reducing material usage, eddy current conduction, and complexity, while enhancing magnetic field homogeneity and gradient field efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If C-shaped designs are used in conventional MRI systems, then structural support for B0 magnets is provided, but system weight increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple separate components including vertical posts, horizontal crossbars, and support elements that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for optimized material distribution that maintains structural support while reducing overall weight compared to a solid C-shaped design.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame utilizes composite construction combining ferromagnetic materials for magnetic field interaction with non-magnetic support structures. This allows the ferromagnetic components to be minimized in size and weight while still providing adequate structural support through the composite assembly.
2Strength
If C-shaped designs are used in conventional MRI systems, then structural support for B0 magnets is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple separate components including vertical posts, horizontal crossbars, and support elements that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for optimized material distribution that maintains structural support while reducing overall weight compared to a solid C-shaped design.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame components serve multiple functions: providing structural support, directing magnetic flux, and supporting B0 magnets. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures, thereby simplifying the overall design while maintaining adequate support capabilities.
3Strength
If conventional frame designs are used, then B0 magnets are supported, but eddy current-related artifacts affect image quality
Solution Approach 1:
Conductive materials that generate eddy currents are extracted or removed from the frame design. The frame utilizes non-conductive or minimally conductive materials in configurations that break continuous conductive paths, thereby eliminating eddy current generation while maintaining structural support for the magnets.
Solution Approach 2:
Non-conductive intermediary materials or coatings are introduced between ferromagnetic components to interrupt eddy current paths. These intermediaries allow magnetic flux to pass while blocking electrical current flow, thereby preventing eddy current artifacts without compromising magnet support.
4Strength
If more material is used in frame design, then structural support is improved, but manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple separate components including vertical posts, horizontal crossbars, and support elements that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for optimized material distribution that maintains structural support while reducing overall weight compared to a solid C-shaped design.
Solution Approach 2:
The design optimizes material parameters such as cross-sectional dimensions, wall thickness, and material distribution to achieve the minimum necessary material for adequate structural support. This parameter optimization reduces material usage and manufacturing complexity while maintaining required strength characteristics.
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
The forked frame design reduces system weight, simplifies manufacturing, improves image quality, and increases gradient field efficiency by minimizing eddy currents and shimming requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a ferromagnetic frame configured to capture and direct at least some of the magnetic field generated by the at least one permanent B0 magnet
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing a B0 magnetic field for a magnetic resonance imaging system. The apparatus includes at least one permanent B0 magnet to contribute a magnetic field to the B0 magnetic field for the MRI system and a ferromagnetic frame configured to capture and direct at least some of the magnetic field generated by the B0 magnet. The ferromagnetic frame includes a first post having a first end and a second end, a first multi-pronged member coupled to the first end, and a second multi-pronged member coupled to the second end, wherein the first and second multi-pronged members support the at least one permanent B0 magnet.