Modular MRI Coil Assembly for Uniform Fields in Smaller Scanners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI machines are large, claustrophobic-inducing, noisy, and costly, with limited geometric configurations and homogeneous magnetic field production, and require complex coil arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A modular MRI machine composed of modules with adaptable shapes and sizes, featuring grooves to guide current flow and superconducting layers for magnetic field formation, allowing for easier assembly, maintenance, and varied configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If large solenoid coils are used to produce strong magnetic fields, then magnetic field strength is improved, but device size and claustrophobia are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional large solenoid coil into multiple independent modular units. Each module contains its own superconducting coil that can be independently controlled and positioned. This segmentation allows the magnetic field generation function to be distributed across multiple smaller components rather than requiring one large coil, thereby reducing the overall machine footprint while maintaining the necessary magnetic field strength for MRI operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional magnet coils are added around exits to strengthen magnetic fields, then magnetic field uniformity is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design creates universal building blocks that can serve multiple functions. Each module is designed to be interchangeable and can be positioned in various locations within the examination space, including around exits. The same basic module type can provide both primary magnetic field generation and field uniformity enhancement depending on its position, eliminating the need for specialized additional coils and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Power
If traditional coil construction methods are used, then magnetic field production is improved, but ease of manufacture and assembly are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex coil assembly process into modular units that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. Each module contains pre-configured superconducting coils and supporting structures that can be produced using standardized manufacturing techniques. This modular approach allows for easier quality control, simplified assembly, and improved manufacturability compared to constructing large monolithic coils, while still achieving the necessary magnetic field production capabilities.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If noise absorbers and limiting materials are included in housing design, then noise reduction is improved, but device complexity and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the noise-generating function from the housing design by using modular coil units that can be independently managed. The modular architecture allows noise control to be addressed at the source (individual modules) rather than requiring comprehensive noise absorption throughout the entire housing. This extraction of the noise problem from the overall housing design simplifies the housing requirements and reduces the need for extensive noise-absorbing materials and complex limiting structures.
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 modular design provides a quieter, anxiety-reducing, cost-effective, and versatile MRI machine capable of accommodating different shapes and sizes, with improved magnetic field uniformity and ease of servicing.
Implementation Method 1
each module (100) is adapted to conduct current in order to form a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
A modular magnetic resonance imaging machine comprising an assembly of a plurality of modules coupled to each other, wherein the modules have shapes and/or sizes adapted to the shape of the assembly, each module is adapted to conduct current in order to form a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a modular magnetic resonance imaging machine comprising an assembly of a plurality of modules (100) coupled to each other, wherein the modules have shapes and/or sizes adapted to the shape of the assembly, each module (100) is adapted to conduct current in order to form a magnetic field, and has a first structural section (106) assembled with a second structural section (102), the first structural section having a groove (202) separating the module into at least two different electrically conducting regions.