Integrated Superconducting Coil for MRI EMI Shielding and Shimming
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Solution Overview
Problem
In MRI systems, the use of independent superconducting coils for EMI shielding and shimming requires additional space and results in high insertion forces, long calibration periods, and costly shimming processes, especially in 3T systems, due to the need for multiple coil groups and passive shims.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic field adjustment system that integrates a switch and current branch lines with the EMI shielding coil, allowing it to function as both an EMI shielding and shim correction coil, enabling independent adjustment of currents in multiple loops to generate both shielding and shimming fields, thereby reducing the need for separate coils and passive shims.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If independent superconducting coils are used for EMI shielding and shimming, then EMI shielding effectiveness and shimming capability are improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the EMI shielding coil to perform both EMI shielding and shimming functions. The coil is designed with multiple independent winding groups (first, second, third, and fourth winding groups) that can be independently controlled through separate current sources. By adjusting the current in each winding group, the coil can generate both the shielding field against EMI and the shimming field for magnetic uniformity correction, eliminating the need for separate dedicated shimming coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the EMI shielding function and shimming function into a single coil assembly. The EMI shielding coil incorporates multiple winding groups that are electrically independent but physically integrated. This merging allows the system to reduce the total number of coil groups while maintaining both EMI shielding effectiveness and shimming capability, thereby reducing device complexity and space occupation.
2Reliability
If independent superconducting coils are used for EMI shielding and shimming, then EMI shielding effectiveness and shimming capability are improved, but the number of components and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the EMI shielding coil to perform both EMI shielding and shimming functions. The coil is designed with multiple independent winding groups (first, second, third, and fourth winding groups) that can be independently controlled through separate current sources. By adjusting the current in each winding group, the coil can generate both the shielding field against EMI and the shimming field for magnetic uniformity correction, eliminating the need for separate dedicated shimming coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the EMI shielding function and shimming function into a single coil assembly. The EMI shielding coil incorporates multiple winding groups that are electrically independent but physically integrated. This merging allows the system to reduce the total number of coil groups while maintaining both EMI shielding effectiveness and shimming capability, thereby reducing device complexity and space occupation.
3Manufacturing precision
If passive shims are used to meet field uniformity requirements, then shimming capability is improved, but insertion force and calibration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical passive shim system with an active electromagnetic system. Instead of using physical passive shims that require mechanical insertion and manual adjustment, the system uses the EMI shielding coil's multiple winding groups to generate active magnetic fields for shimming. The current in each winding group can be independently adjusted through electronic control, allowing for rapid field uniformity optimization without mechanical insertion or lengthy calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the shimming process. The EMI shielding coil's winding groups can have their currents independently controlled and adjusted in real-time, allowing the shimming field to be dynamically optimized. This replaces the static nature of passive shims with a dynamic system that can adapt to different operating conditions and achieve field uniformity quickly through electronic control rather than mechanical adjustment.
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 integrated solution retains EMI shielding effectiveness while providing shimming capabilities, reducing the number of passive shims needed and simplifying the shimming process, thereby lowering costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a superconducting magnet in MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) adopts groups of superconducting coils to carry out different functions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a magnetic field adjustment system for use in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and a respective method. The magnetic field adjustment system comprises a first magnetic field generating assembly and an additional assembly. Wherein the first magnetic field generating assembly is used for generating a first magnetic field required by the MRI; and the additional assembly, including a switch and a current branch line, is used for cooperating with the first magnetic field generating assembly to generate a second magnetic field required by the MRI.