MRI Electromagnet Support Structure for Coil Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnet assemblies for MRI devices face challenges in securely restraining superconducting coils against electromagnetic loads, transportation loads, and maintaining optimal spatial alignment, leading to potential distortion and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnet assembly with a support structure that includes a pair of brackets and bonded support elements to axially and circumferentially restrain the coils, using pins or other mechanical fasteners for secure mounting, and a single support plate to manage stress and deflections, allowing for accurate positioning and rotationally symmetrical configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a tensile support is wrapped around the electromagnets, then the electromagnets are supported during transportation, but the arrangement does not provide sufficient rotational restraint to effectively manage transportation loads
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple discrete components: a rigid support ring segmented into sectors, with individual support elements positioned at specific locations around the electromagnet assembly. This segmentation allows each element to provide targeted restraint while collectively managing all transportation loads including rotational forces.
Solution Approach 2:
A rigid support ring serves as an intermediary structure between the electromagnets and the external environment. This ring provides a stable framework that distributes and manages transportation loads, including rotational restraint, without requiring direct attachment of multiple separate support elements to each electromagnet.
2Manufacturing precision
If a tensile support is wrapped around the electromagnets, then the electromagnets are supported, but the arrangement is difficult to configure to adequately achieve small tolerances required for spatially locating the electromagnets
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements and brackets are pre-configured with specific geometries and positions during manufacturing. The support ring is designed with predetermined attachment points and structural features that automatically establish the correct spatial relationships when assembled, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly adjustments to achieve small tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid support structure inherently maintains the spatial positioning of electromagnets through its own geometric constraints and mechanical features. The brackets and support elements are designed to self-align and self-position the electromagnets at the correct locations and orientations, achieving small tolerances without requiring complex external configuration tools or procedures.
3Reliability
If a mechanically-supported journal is used to wind the coil, then the coil is supported, but the arrangement does not sufficiently restrain relative movement of the journal and the electromagnets
Solution Approach 1:
The support brackets are integrally formed with or rigidly attached to the support ring, creating a unified rigid support structure. This merged structure simultaneously provides journal support and electromagnet restraint, eliminating relative movement between these components through their rigid mechanical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The support ring and brackets are designed with curved geometries that conform to the cylindrical arrangement of the electromagnets. This curvature allows the rigid support structure to engage and restrain the electromagnets at multiple points around their circumference, preventing relative movement while maintaining proper positioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electromagnet (100) for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) apparatus. The electromagnet (100) comprises a coil (110) for generating a magnetic field. The coil (110) has a first axially outer surface (112), and a support element (120) for mounting the coil (110) in the MRI. The support element (120) is bonded to the first axially outer surface (112) of the coil (110).