HTS Tape Coil Inner Etching for MRI Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Small-size High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) tape coils for MRI are prone to brittle nature due to removal of electrically conductive materials, making them difficult to fabricate and vulnerable to bending strain, which affects their signal-to-noise ratio and imaging quality.
Innovation Solution
Attaching high-quality capacitors at the ends of HTS wire and using an etching device to remove only the inner electrically conductive materials, while retaining the outer layer as a protective layer to resist bending strain, and confining the coil in a circular shape to minimize exposure to etching solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrically conductive materials are removed from HTS tape to improve electrical performance, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the tape becomes brittle and experiences significant bending strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrically conductive material into two distinct layers: an inner layer that is removed to improve electrical performance and signal-to-noise ratio, and an outer layer that is retained to provide mechanical protection and resist bending strain. This segmentation allows each layer to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of the conductive material at different locations of the HTS tape. The inner surface conductive material is removed while the outer surface conductive material is preserved, creating different local properties optimized for their respective functions: electrical performance at the inner surface and mechanical strength at the outer surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If HTS tape is made smaller for imaging small-size samples, then application versatility is improved, but fabrication difficulty increases due to brittle nature and recoil forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by retaining the outer layer of electrically conductive material on the HTS tape before fabrication. This retained outer layer acts as a protective cushion that reinforces the tape structure, making it more resistant to bending strain and recoil forces during the fabrication process, thereby enabling easier manufacturing of small-size coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively creates a composite structure by maintaining the dual-layer conductive material configuration on the HTS tape. The combination of the removed inner layer and retained outer layer creates a composite effect where the remaining conductive material structure provides both electrical functionality and enhanced mechanical reinforcement, facilitating the fabrication of smaller, more versatile coils.
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
Enhances the protection and signal-to-noise ratio of small-size HTS tape coils, allowing for easier fabrication and improved imaging quality comparable to or exceeding conventional copper coils, with significant SNR improvements and reduced recoil force.
Implementation Method 1
the electrically conductive material on its outer side can act as a protective layer to resist bending strain for tape coil
Implementation Method 2
a method of manufacturing an HTS tape coil for an MRI device using an etching device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an improved method of manufacturing an HTS tape coil for an MRI device with enhanced protection, the method comprising attaching high-Q capacitors at each end of an HTS wire, removing substantially all electrically conductive sheathing material on an inner side of the HTS wire, while retaining substantially all electrically conductive sheathing material on an outer side of the HTS wire. The invention also provides an HTS wire made in accordance with the foregoing method.