Helical Superconductor Wire for Tight MRI Cryostat Bends

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional superconducting wires, particularly those made of MgB2, are brittle and prone to cracking when bent at radii below 15 cm, posing a challenge for routing in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems.

Innovation Solution

The use of a flexible helix-shaped electrically conducting wire with constant or changing slope, diameter, and straight or curved extension, which distributes bending stress over a longer length, reducing the risk of cracking and allowing smaller bend radii.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional MgB2 superconducting wires are used, then higher operating temperature (39 K) is achieved compared to NbTi, but the wires become brittle and crack when bent at radii below 15 cm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating temperatureVSAvoidbending resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical state and composition of the superconducting wire. Specifically, it uses a powdered superconductor composite (MgB2-based) embedded in a flexible polymer matrix, transforming the wire from a rigid brittle structure to a flexible composite material that can bend at small radii while maintaining superconducting properties at 39 K

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining powdered MgB2 superconductor with a flexible polymer matrix material. This composite structure allows the wire to exhibit both superconducting properties and mechanical flexibility, resolving the contradiction between operating temperature and bending resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If rigid superconducting wires are used to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but routing flexibility and ease of installation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidrouting flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the wire by using a flexible polymer matrix instead of rigid metallic stabilizer, enabling the wire to be routed flexibly while maintaining structural integrity through the composite structure and reinforcement elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies flexible shells by using a polymer matrix that encapsulates the superconducting powder, creating a flexible protective structure that allows easy routing and installation while maintaining the structural integrity of the superconducting composite

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 flexible helix design effectively reduces the risk of cracking and facilitates easier routing of superconducting wires in MRI systems, maintaining functionality even at small bending radii.

Implementation Method 1

MgB2 becomes superconducting below 39 K... In the superconducting state, the electrically conductive coils are referred to as superconducting coils, which effectively have no electrical resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperconductivity: Superconductivity

Data Source

PatentUS20260086176A1Use of superconductor wire for electrically connecting adjacent field coils in a magnetic resonance imaging cryostat

Publication Date: 2026.03.26 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrically conducting wire, the wire (4) being formed as a flexible helix with constant or changing slope, with constant or changing diameter and with straight or curved extension, wherein the wire comprises a superconductor. In this way, a wire is provided that comprises a superconductor and that allows small bending radii, especially lower than 15 cm.