Gradient Coil Support Structure for MRI Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manufacturing process for gradient coils in MRI systems is prone to distortion and deformation of shimming molds under high forces, leading to potential rupture of epoxy resin and increased costs and assembly time due to the need for extensive use of filling materials like GRP grid curtains and bars.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating non-magnetic support structures made of thermoplastic or thermosetting plastics, such as epoxy resin, with raised and recessed faces and radial or circumferential support ribs to stabilize the secondary coil set, reducing the need for extensive filling materials and minimizing the risk of mold deformation during demolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If extensive filling materials like GRP grid curtains and bars are used to fill gaps between coil sets, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical support for the secondary coil set, fills gaps between coil sets, and maintains structural integrity. This eliminates the need for separate filling materials like GRP grid curtains and bars, thereby reducing assembly time and complexity while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a mechanical support element, a gap-filling material, and a structural reinforcement component. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized materials, reducing both manufacturing cost and assembly time while ensuring structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the shimming strip mold is ejected to form shimming slots, then the manufacturing process is completed, but the epoxy resin may be ruptured due to mold deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is pre-formed with integrated gap-filling and support functions before assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the shimming strip mold is ejected, the epoxy resin is already protected by the robust support structure, preventing rupture and ensuring successful mold ejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as a cushioning element that protects the epoxy resin from stress and deformation during the mold ejection process. By providing mechanical reinforcement in advance, it prevents the epoxy resin from rupturing when the shimming strip mold is ejected, ensuring reliable manufacturing.
3Manufacturing precision
If support structures with raised and recessed faces are used to stabilize the secondary coil set, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure combines stabilization functions with gap-filling and structural support in a single integrated component. The raised and recessed faces provide precise positioning and stabilization of the secondary coil set while the same structure fills gaps and maintains overall integrity, reducing device complexity despite improved manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A gradient coil for a magnetic resonance imaging system has a primary coil set in a cylindrical shape, a secondary coil set cylindrically sheathed on an outer periphery of the primary coil set, and one or more support structures located on the outer periphery of the primary coil set to support the secondary coil set in a radial direction of the gradient coil. This gradient coil can reduce the costs of filling material, reduce the time for assembling the gradient coil, and reduce the risk of breaking the gradient coil during demolding from a shimming mold.