Integrated Power Supply for Superconducting MRI Magnet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance scanners face challenges in maintenance friendliness and helium reduction, with current power supply systems requiring external service tools and leading to lengthy ramp-up and ramp-down processes, increased helium usage, and potential quench events due to reduced thermal buffers.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a power supply system within the basic field magnet, controlled by a magnetic resonance system's control computer, enabling precise current management and ferrite-free design to minimize magnetic interference, allowing for automated ramping and remote operation, including an uninterruptible power supply for emergency situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the power supply is integrated into the basic field magnet, then the control precision and response time are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is integrated directly into the basic field magnet structure, combining previously separate components (magnet and power supply) into a unified system. This integration enables precise control of current flow through the superconducting coil while maintaining a compact design suitable for clinical environments.
2Reliability
If the ramp-down time is extended to allow controlled service, then the safety and precision are improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to longer downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply enables dynamic control of the ramp-down process, allowing the system to adjust the rate of current reduction based on operational requirements. This dynamic control ensures safe operation during maintenance while minimizing unnecessary downtime through optimized ramp profiles.
3Reliability
If the cooling device operates continuously to maintain superconductivity, then the reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated power supply enables periodic operation patterns where the magnet can be fully powered down during non-clinical periods (nights, weekends). This allows the cooling system to operate intermittently rather than continuously, reducing energy consumption while maintaining superconductivity when needed.
4Measurement precision
If the ferrite-based current measuring device is used, then the measurement capability is improved, but the magnetic field interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrite-based current measuring device is extracted or isolated from the main magnetic field path. This separation allows accurate current measurement while preventing the ferrite material from interfering with the homogeneous magnetic field required for MRI imaging.
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 enhances maintenance efficiency, reduces helium dependency, minimizes downtime, and allows for controlled magnetic field management, enabling safer and more efficient operation of magnetic resonance scanners, especially in low-helium or dry magnet technologies.
Implementation Method 1
at least one superconducting coil that generates a basic magnetic field of the magnetic resonance scanner
Implementation Method 2
the purpose of which is to generate the magnetic resonance scanner's basic magnetic field, which typically is extremely high, in the range of several tesla
Implementation Method 3
the superconducting coil, which is cooled by a suitable cooling device
Implementation Method 4
to prevent an overheating of the superconducting coil, and consequently to avoid an event known as a 'quench'
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus has an MR scanner that includes a basic field magnet, which defines a patient receiving zone and that has at least one superconducting coil that generates a basic magnetic field in the MR scanner. The MR scanner has a power supply controlled by at least one control computer of the MR apparatus for the purpose of providing electrical power to the superconducting coil. The power supply is arranged on, and may be fixedly mounted to, the basic field magnet or integrated into the basic field magnet.