Gradient Coil Power Switching for Low-Noise Low-Field MRI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power components for high-field MRI systems are unsuitable for low-field MRI due to high cost, large size, and excessive noise, which degrades image quality and limits the availability of MRI scanners, especially in clinical settings where low-field systems are needed for cost and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A power component system for low-field MRI systems that includes a linear amplifier powered by multiple power terminals supplying different voltages, allowing for efficient and low-noise operation by selecting the appropriate voltage based on the output voltage, reducing inefficiencies and noise injection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional power components are used in high-field MRI systems, then strong magnetic field generation is achieved, but cost and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by implementing a power component system that dynamically switches between different voltage outputs (e.g., ±15V, ±5V, ±3.3V) based on the operational requirements of the gradient coil. This allows the system to use lower voltages during normal operation, reducing the overall power component specifications and system size while maintaining the capability to generate strong magnetic fields when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic voltage switching capability where the power component can change its output voltage level in real-time based on the gradient coil's operational needs. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between power efficiency and magnetic field strength, avoiding the need for continuously oversized power components that would be required if maximum voltage was always supplied.
2Power
If high voltage is continuously supplied to the linear amplifier, then maximum output power is available, but energy efficiency decreases and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic voltage switching where the power component alternates between different voltage levels (±15V, ±5V, ±3.3V) based on the operational phase and requirements. During high-demand phases, higher voltages are supplied; during low-demand phases, lower voltages are used. This periodic adaptation maintains maximum power capability when needed while improving energy efficiency during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the voltage parameter supplied to the linear amplifier based on real-time operational requirements. By switching between multiple voltage levels rather than continuously supplying maximum voltage, the system maintains the ability to deliver maximum power when needed while significantly improving energy efficiency during standard operations.
3Power
If high voltage is continuously supplied to the linear amplifier, then maximum output power is available, but noise injection increases degrading image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic voltage switching where the power component alternates between different voltage levels based on operational phase. During high-demand phases when gradient coils need maximum power, higher voltages (±15V) are supplied; during low-demand phases, lower voltages (±5V, ±3.3V) are used. This reduces the overall noise injection into the gradient coil while maintaining the capability to deliver maximum power when needed for image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the voltage parameter supplied to the linear amplifier based on real-time operational requirements. By switching between multiple voltage levels rather than continuously supplying maximum voltage, the system maintains the ability to deliver maximum power when needed while significantly reducing noise injection during standard operations, thereby improving image quality.
4Loss of energy
If multiple power terminals with different voltages are implemented, then energy efficiency and noise reduction improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply into multiple distinct voltage terminals (±15V, ±5V, ±3.3V) that can be independently selected and controlled. Each voltage level is provided through separate terminals with independent control logic, allowing the system to choose the appropriate voltage based on operational requirements. This segmentation enables efficient power delivery while keeping each individual voltage path relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The power component is designed with multi-functionality to supply multiple voltage levels from a single device. Rather than requiring separate power supplies for each voltage level, the invention integrates multiple voltage output capabilities into one universal power component that can adapt its output based on the gradient coil's needs, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining energy efficiency.
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 system provides efficient and low-noise power to magnetic coils, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and reducing costs, making low-field MRI systems more viable and accessible for clinical use by minimizing size and operational expenses.
Implementation Method 1
a linear amplifier configured to provide a current to the at least one gradient coil to produce a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to provide power for operating at least one gradient coil of a magnetic resonance imaging system. According to some aspects, the apparatus comprises a plurality of power terminals configured to supply different voltages of a first polarity, and a linear amplifier configured to provide at least one output to power the at least one gradient coil to produce a magnetic field in accordance with a pulse sequence, the linear amplifier configured to be powered by one or more of the plurality of power terminals, wherein the one or more of the plurality of power terminals powering the linear amplifier is selected based, at least in part, on the at least one output.