MR Gradient Coil Thermal Load Management via Chronological Sequence Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance devices face thermal loading issues during MR control sequences, limiting examination duration and efficiency due to hardware component limitations, particularly in high-demand public healthcare settings, where existing cooling methods and sequence optimization techniques do not adequately address the thermal management of gradient coils.
Innovation Solution
The method optimizes the chronological sequence of MR control sequences by detecting the cooling power and usage history of gradient coils, adjusting the sequence to minimize thermal load and reduce pauses, thereby optimizing the use of gradient coils and extending examination duration through individualized thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the MR control sequence uses gradient pulses with high amplitude to reduce examination time, then productivity is improved, but thermal load on gradient coils increases causing device overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic optimization by adjusting the chronological sequence of sequence modules based on real-time thermal state detection. The system dynamically modifies pulse amplitudes and timing intervals according to the current thermal conditions of gradient coils, allowing high-amplitude pulses when cooling capacity is available and reducing amplitudes when thermal limits are approached, thereby maintaining productivity while managing temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (pulse amplitudes, timing intervals, sequence module ordering) based on detected thermal state and cooling power characteristics. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between examination speed and thermal management, allowing higher productivity when conditions permit and preventing overheating when thermal limits are near.
2Temperature
If cooling pauses are inserted to manage thermal load, then temperature is controlled, but examination duration increases reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic cooling intervals strategically placed within the MR control sequence based on thermal state detection. Rather than continuous cooling pauses, the system applies periodic cooling actions only when and where thermal accumulation occurs, optimizing the balance between temperature control and examination efficiency by minimizing unnecessary pause time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of cooling power characteristics and thermal state before executing the sequence modules. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-plan the optimal chronological sequence that anticipates thermal accumulation patterns, placing cooling pauses only where necessary and minimizing their duration to maintain productivity.
3Device complexity
If standard MR control sequences are used without optimization, then device complexity is low, but thermal management efficiency is insufficient leading to frequent interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously detecting the thermal state of gradient coils and cooling power characteristics, then using this information to dynamically adjust the chronological sequence of sequence modules. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable thermal management by adapting the examination protocol to actual thermal conditions, preventing interruptions while maintaining reasonable system 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
This approach allows for more efficient thermal load management, reducing the duration of MR control sequences, minimizing pauses, and ensuring compliance with hardware specifications, thereby enhancing examination efficiency and reducing the risk of thermal overload.
Implementation Method 1
at least one cooling layer... detecting a property comprising a cooling power of the at least one cooling layer for the first gradient coil and/or the second gradient coil
Data Source
AI summary
Method for optimizing a chronological sequence in an MR control sequence according to which a magnetic resonator having a gradient coil unit including first and second gradient coils and a cooling layer is controllable. The MR control sequence has a first and second sequence modules configured to control the first and second gradient coils, respectively. The method comprises detecting a property including a cooling power of the cooling layer for the first gradient coil or the second gradient coil, or a feature which is representative of a chronologically preceding use of the gradient coil unit; determining a first requirement of the first sequence module on the first gradient coil; determining a second requirement of the second sequence module on the second gradient coil; and optimizing the chronological sequence in the first and second sequence module by taking into account the property and the first and second requirements.