Gradient Coil Assembly with Radial Through Openings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Split gradient coils in MRI devices compromise sensitivity and shielding due to lower access requirements for combined medical modalities, necessitating improved design for enhanced access and sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A gradient coil assembly with radial through openings at specific angular positions allows access at finite positions, reducing the impact on coil efficiency and mechanical stability, while maintaining high sensitivity by positioning openings where conductor density is low, and using active shielding to counteract field generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the gradient coil assembly is split into two halves to provide access for other imaging modalities, then access for combined medical modalities is improved, but sensitivity and shielding are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gradient coil assembly is divided into two halves with a gap between them, allowing access for other imaging modalities while maintaining the functional integrity of each half. The conductors are arranged in multiple layers within each half, with through-openings provided in the carrier at specific angular positions to allow access without completely splitting the coil structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier structure is designed with through-openings at specific angular positions (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) to provide localized access for other imaging modalities while maintaining the integrity and shielding of the remaining areas. This allows access where needed while preserving sensitivity and shielding in other regions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gradient coil assembly is split into two halves to provide access, then access for combined medical modalities is improved, but shielding of stray field is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
An active shielding coil arrangement is introduced as an intermediary component between the gradient coils and the external environment. This shielding coil, wound around the gradient coils, actively compensates for stray fields generated by the gradient coils, simplifying the shielding task compared to passive shielding of a split assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If through openings are provided in the carrier for access, then access for additional modalities is improved, but gradient coil efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Through-openings are provided in the carrier at specific angular positions where they minimize disruption to the conductor paths. The conductors are arranged in multiple layers (inner and outer layers) such that the through-openings pass through areas with fewer conductors, reducing the impact on gradient coil efficiency while still providing necessary access.
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 design provides access for additional medical modalities with minimal reduction in gradient coil efficiency and improved mechanical stability, maintaining high sensitivity and shielding effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
conductors forming three gradient coils associated with three orthogonal physical gradient axes
Implementation Method 2
at least one electrical shield, which extends at least partially through the area of the carrier located circumferentially between the through openings
Data Source
AI summary
A gradient coil assembly for a magnetic resonance imaging device is disclosed. The gradient coil assembly comprises a cylindrical carrier with conductors forming three gradient coils associated with three orthogonal physical gradient axes. The cylindrical carrier comprises at least two radial through openings at different angular positions. At least one of the conductors runs through at least one area of the carrier located circumferentially between the through openings.