MRI Coil Support Composite Splint Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support structures for superconducting magnets in MRI systems are heavy and costly due to the use of metal materials, which do not effectively distribute electromagnetic forces, increasing the risk of structural failure.
Innovation Solution
A coil support arrangement using a non-metal composite main former body with a metal splint and non-metal load spreaders, where the load is distributed differently during ramping and normal operations, reducing the risk of structural failure by sharing axial forces between the composite body and the splint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal splint is used to support all electromagnetic forces in the axial direction, then the structural strength is improved, but the weight and cost of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple components: a composite main former body, a metal splint, and load spreaders. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function - the composite body provides baseline support, the splint handles peak electromagnetic forces, and load spreaders distribute the load, thereby reducing the overall weight while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining metal (splint) and non-metal (composite main former body and load spreaders) materials. This composite approach allows the system to leverage the high strength-to-weight ratio of composites for general support while using metal only where necessary for peak load bearing, thus reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If a metal splint is used to support all electromagnetic forces, then the structural reliability is improved, but the cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support function across multiple components (composite main former body, splint, load spreaders), the system achieves reliable electromagnetic force support while using expensive metal materials only where absolutely necessary, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal splint is positioned locally at critical areas where electromagnetic forces are most intense, while composite materials are used in areas requiring less strength. This local quality approach ensures reliability at critical points while minimizing the use of expensive materials, thus reducing overall system cost.
3Weight of moving object
If a composite main former body is used instead of metal, then the weight and cost are reduced, but the ability to distribute electromagnetic forces is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Load spreaders act as intermediaries between the metal splint and the composite main former body. They transfer and distribute the electromagnetic forces from the splint to the composite structure, enabling the lightweight composite body to effectively share the load while maintaining overall structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite main former body is designed with specific structural characteristics that enable it to distribute electromagnetic forces effectively when combined with the metal splint and load spreaders, achieving both weight reduction and adequate force distribution capability.
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 solution reduces the risk of structural failure in larger channels and pockets, providing effective load distribution and reducing the overall weight and cost of the MRI system.
Implementation Method 1
When the coils are energized or de-energized an electromagnetic (EM) force is applied to the composite support structure. In particular, the EM force compresses the composite support structure in the axial direction to the iso-center of the magnet.
Data Source
AI summary
A coil support arrangement for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging System and method of support are provided. One coil support arrangement includes a main former body having a plurality of channels between end flanges and a splint coupled to the main former body between the end flanges. The coil support arrangement also includes a load spreader coupled to the main former body adjacent one or more of the ends of the splint, and having a gap between the one or more ends of the splint and the load spreader.