Integrated MRI Magnet Device for Signal Detection Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI systems face challenges in enhancing signal detection sensitivity, particularly in delta relaxation enhanced magnetic resonance (DREMR) techniques, due to limitations in the arrangement and efficiency of field-shifting and gradient coils, which affect the magnetic field shifts and gradient strengths required for optimal image contrast.
Innovation Solution
An integrated magnet device is developed, incorporating field-shift shield coils and gradient coils with a substrate for mechanical support, along with a cooling mechanism, to optimize the arrangement and efficiency of magnetic field shifts and gradient strengths, enhancing signal detection sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional separate arrangements of field-shifting and gradient coils are used, then device complexity is reduced, but signal detection sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines field-shifting coils and gradient coils into a single integrated magnet device with unified mechanical support and cooling systems. This integration optimizes the spatial arrangement and electromagnetic interaction between the coil types, enhancing signal detection sensitivity while managing the complexity through systematic design.
2Measurement precision
If field-shifting and gradient coils are integrated with unified support, then signal detection sensitivity improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated magnet device is constructed using multiple substrate layers that provide mechanical support for different coil components. This layered segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and assembly, making the complex integrated structure more manageable during production while maintaining the optimized coil arrangement.
3Reliability
If cooling mechanism is added to integrated magnet device, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling mechanism is integrated into the magnet device structure to serve multiple functions: it cools both the field-shifting coils and gradient coils simultaneously, and the substrate layers provide both mechanical support and thermal management pathways. This multi-functionality improves reliability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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 integrated magnet device improves the signal detection sensitivity and image contrast in MRI systems by optimizing the magnetic field shifts and gradient strengths, enabling more efficient field-shifting and gradient coil performance.
Implementation Method 1
a main field magnet generating a main magnetic field B0
Implementation Method 2
the vector sum of the nuclear magnetic moments of a large number of atoms possessing a nuclear spin angular momentum, such as hydrogen, which is abundant in water and fat, will produce a net magnetic moment in alignment with the externally applied field
Implementation Method 3
an integrated magnet device. The integrated magnet device can have field-shift shield coils and gradient coils
Implementation Method 4
the main magnetic field is varied as a function of time during specific portions of an MR pulse sequence
Implementation Method 5
a cooling mechanism is provided to cool at least some of the magnets
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. The system includes a main field magnet generating a main magnetic field B0. Moreover, the system further includes an integrated magnet device. The integrated magnet device has field-shift shield coils and gradient coils. The MRI system further includes a removable insert comprising field-shift shield coils. At least one substrate layer is included in the integrated magnet device to provide mechanical support for the field-shift coils and the gradient coils. Moreover, a cooling mechanism is provided to cool at least some of the magnets.