MRI Gradient Coil Current Calculation via Equivalent Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face limitations in electrical power usage for gradient magnetic field generation, leading to suboptimal imaging performance due to insufficient power supply, especially when the power surplus is not utilized effectively.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus with a processing circuit that calculates the current flowing through gradient coils using an equivalent circuit model, determining whether an imaging sequence is executable based on the calculated current values, and adjusting the sequence execution to optimize power usage within the electrical power limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the current supplied to gradient coils is increased to improve imaging performance, then the image quality and imaging capability are improved, but the electrical power consumption exceeds the gradient magnetic field generating system's power limit
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of current values through equivalent circuits before executing the imaging sequence. By predicting the current consumption in advance using the equivalent circuit model, the system can determine whether the imaging sequence is executable without exceeding power limits, and adjust sequences optimally within available power capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses calculated current values from equivalent circuits as feedback to determine executability of imaging sequences. The calculation results feed back into the sequence selection and optimization process, allowing the system to adjust imaging parameters based on predicted power consumption and stay within gradient magnetic field generating system limits.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the current supplied to gradient coils is reduced to stay within power limits, then the electrical power consumption is controlled, but the imaging performance and utilization of power capacity are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts imaging sequences based on calculated current values and power availability. Rather than using fixed conservative current limits, the system optimizes sequences in real-time according to the equivalent circuit calculations, allowing maximum utilization of available power capacity while maintaining safety within power limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes imaging parameters such as the number of slices and sequence timing based on calculated current values. By adjusting these parameters according to the equivalent circuit predictions, the system maximizes imaging performance within the available power capacity of the gradient magnetic field generating system.
3Reliability
If conservative current limits are applied to ensure safe operation within power limits, then the reliability of the gradient magnetic field generating system is improved, but the power capacity is not fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary safety verification by calculating current values through equivalent circuits before executing imaging sequences. This advance calculation ensures that power limits are not exceeded while allowing the system to operate at the maximum safe capacity, fully utilizing available power without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces conservative mechanical current limiting with an intelligent calculation-based approach using equivalent circuits. Instead of arbitrarily limiting current to ensure safety, the system uses electrical circuit theory calculations to precisely determine safe operating currents, maximizing power utilization while maintaining system reliability.
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 the maximization of gradient magnetic field performance by accurately estimating and managing power consumption, enabling more efficient and optimized imaging sequences even with surplus power capacity.
Implementation Method 1
A gradient magnetic field generating system used for magnetic resonance imaging
Implementation Method 2
calculates, based on an imaging sequence to be executed in magnetic resonance imaging, a value of a current flowing through a closed circuit by using an equivalent circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a processing circuit and a sequence control circuit. The processing circuit calculates, based on an imaging sequence to be executed in magnetic resonance imaging, a value of a current flowing through a closed circuit by using an equivalent circuit and determines, prior to an execution of the imaging sequence, based on the value of the current, whether it is acceptable to execute the imaging sequence. The sequence control circuit executes the imaging sequence. The equivalent circuit is an equivalent circuit for a circuit that includes a gradient coil and that has a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit is connected to a power supply and has self-inductance. The second circuit includes at least one closed circuit having mutual inductance with the first circuit.