MRI Backup Power Control to Prevent Premature Power Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
During power outages, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems with superconducting magnets face quenching risks, and existing emergency power solutions, such as UPS and generators, can lead to premature switching back to commercial power, shortening the backup power duration due to erroneous signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance imaging system with a first auxiliary power supply (UPS) and one or more second auxiliary power supplies (like generators) connected in series, along with control circuitry that determines the power feeding state and controls power consumption, ensuring the minimum necessary units are powered during outages and preventing premature switching back to commercial power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power supply from the power generator is performed via the UPS after power outage, then the UPS transmits an erroneous contact signal indicating commercial power supply recovery, but this causes the MRI apparatus to switch back to commercial power feed prematurely, shortening the backup power duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new intermediary component - a contact signal transmission switch - that mediates between the UPS contact signal and the MRI apparatus control system. This switch selectively blocks or transmits the contact signal based on the actual power supply source, preventing erroneous signals from causing premature switching back to commercial power and thus extending backup power duration while maintaining reliable status detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power supply control system into distinct functional modules: the UPS unit, the power generator unit, and a control unit with a contact signal transmission switch. This segmentation allows independent control of each power source's signal transmission, enabling the system to accurately distinguish between genuine commercial power recovery and generator-powered UPS operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable detection and extended backup duration
2Ease of operation
If the UPS feeds power to the minimum necessary unit during power outage, then the system can maintain essential functions, but the erroneous contact signal causes premature switching to commercial power, reducing the effectiveness of the backup power arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the power supply source and adjusts the contact signal transmission switch accordingly. When the generator is detected as the active power source, the switch blocks the UPS contact signal, preventing false feedback to the MRI apparatus that would trigger premature switching. This feedback loop maintains automatic power management while extending backup duration by preventing erroneous operational transitions
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging system includes a first power supply, one or more second power supplies and control circuitry. The first power supply supplies power to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus at a time of power outage of a commercial power supply electrically connected to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. The second power supplies supply the power to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. The control circuitry determines a state of feeding from the first power supply and the second power supplies to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, and performs control of power consumption in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus based on a determination result of the state of feeding.