Gradient Power Supply Boost Control for MRI Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face limitations in supplying sufficient power to gradient coils during high-demand imaging phases, leading to suboptimal image quality and potential system faults due to current and power threshold limitations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a boost control function in the gradient power supply apparatus, which temporarily increases the upper power limit beyond rated values during specific imaging phases, allowing for enhanced current and power delivery to gradient coils, and includes monitoring and control mechanisms to manage this boost mode effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the upper power limit is restricted to the rated value, then the system reliability is maintained, but the power supply capacity is insufficient during high-demand imaging phases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system dynamically adjusts the upper power limit based on the imaging phase. During high-demand phases (such as echo planar imaging), the control unit temporarily raises the power limit above the rated value. During normal phases, the limit remains at the rated value. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to meet peak power demands while maintaining overall reliability through controlled, time-limited exceedances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power limit parameter from a fixed rated value to a variable value that can be temporarily increased. The control unit monitors the imaging phase and adjusts the power limit parameter accordingly, allowing higher power during specific high-demand phases while returning to the rated limit during normal operation, thus resolving the contradiction between power capacity and reliability.
2Productivity
If the current and power thresholds are increased, then the gradient coil performance is improved, but the risk of system faults increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by allowing elevated current and power thresholds only during specific, predetermined high-demand imaging phases. The control unit enables higher thresholds temporarily when needed for gradient coil performance, then returns to normal thresholds afterward. This periodic, controlled exceedance improves productivity during critical phases while limiting fault risk through time-bound operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary action by predicting when high-demand imaging phases will occur and proactively adjusting the current and power thresholds before the actual demand arises. This allows the system to prepare adequate power levels in advance for gradient coil operation during high-demand phases while maintaining safety through controlled, predetermined threshold adjustments rather than reactive increases that could cause faults.
3Manufacturing precision
If the power limit is temporarily increased, then the image quality is improved, but the complexity of power management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements feedback by continuously monitoring the imaging phase and automatically adjusting the power limit based on real-time conditions. When the system detects a high-demand phase, it automatically increases the power limit; when normal operation resumes, it returns to the rated limit. This feedback mechanism improves image quality during critical phases while managing complexity through automated control rather than manual intervention.
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
This solution enables improved image quality by ensuring sufficient power supply during high-demand imaging, preventing system faults and optimizing gradient coil performance, while also monitoring and controlling the boost mode to prevent excessive usage.
Implementation Method 1
a gradient coil which generates a gradient magnetic field; power supply circuitry which supplies power to the gradient coil
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a gradient coil, power supply circuitry, and control circuitry. The gradient coil generates a gradient magnetic field. The power supply circuitry supply power to the gradient coil, the power being required by the gradient. The control circuitry temporarily change an upper limit value of power to be supplied by the power supply circuitry to a second value higher than a first value as a rated value based on the power required by the gradient coil.