Lightweight MRI Magnetic Layouts for Portable, Eddy-Free Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing MRI systems are heavy and expensive, limiting their portability and accessibility due to the use of ferromagnetic metallic frames that induce eddy currents, necessitating costly countermeasures.

Innovation Solution

The MRI system employs a non-magnetic, low-conductivity frame made from materials like carbon fiber, combined with permanent magnets arranged in symmetrical, concentric distributions within the frame to generate a magnetic field, reducing weight and preventing eddy currents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If ferromagnetic metallic frames are used in MRI systems, then magnetic field generation is improved, but system weight increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field generationVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the ferromagnetic metallic frame (yoke) from the MRI system, replacing it with a non-magnetic support structure. This eliminates the source of eddy currents while maintaining the essential magnetic field generation capability through permanent magnets alone, thereby significantly reducing system weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional ferromagnetic mechanical frame structure with a non-magnetic support structure combined with permanent magnets. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy ferromagnetic materials while achieving the required magnetic field strength through optimized permanent magnet arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If ferromagnetic metallic frames are used in MRI systems, then magnetic field strength is improved, but eddy current induction occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field strengthVSAvoideddy currents

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the ferromagnetic metallic frame that generates eddy currents, replacing it with a non-magnetic support structure. This eliminates the harmful eddy current effect while preserving the magnetic field generation function through permanent magnets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful eddy current effect into a benefit by using the non-magnetic support structure to eliminate eddy currents entirely, thereby improving image quality and reducing artifacts without sacrificing magnetic field strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Strength

If ferromagnetic metallic frames are used in MRI systems, then magnetic field generation is improved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field generationVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the expensive ferromagnetic metallic frame, replacing it with a cost-effective non-magnetic support structure. This eliminates the need for costly ferromagnetic materials and complex eddy current countermeasures, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining magnetic field generation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses cost-effective permanent magnets and non-magnetic support materials instead of expensive ferromagnetic metallic frames, making the system more affordable and accessible while achieving the required performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Strength

If ferromagnetic metallic frames are used in MRI systems, then magnetic field generation is improved, but portability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field generationVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the heavy ferromagnetic metallic frame, replacing it with a lightweight non-magnetic support structure. This dramatically reduces system weight and size, enabling portability and mobile deployment while maintaining magnetic field generation capability through permanent magnets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 configuration results in a lightweight, cost-effective MRI system that enhances portability and image quality by eliminating the need for eddy current countermeasures, thus reducing system complexity and cost.

Implementation Method 1

permanent magnets, which vary in size and are positioned within the support member such that the permanent magnets are arranged along a single plane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

support member, which includes a non-magnetic, low-conductivity material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS20250334657A1Lightweight Magnetic Resonance Imaging Systems With Improved Portability And Reduced Eddy Current Induction

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 ZEPP EUROPE HLDG BV

AI summary

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system that includes a support member and permanent magnets. The permanent magnets are positioned within the support member such that the permanent magnets are arranged along a single plane, which may be either linear or non-linear (e.g., curved), and vary in size (e.g., height and/or diameter).