MRI Gradient Coil Noise Reduction via Acoustic Layering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional noise reduction techniques for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatuses, such as vacuum-sealing the gradient coil, are complex and difficult to maintain, and do not effectively address noise generated by the gradient coil's vibrations.
Innovation Solution
The MRI apparatus incorporates a cylindrical part with alternating layers of sound absorbing and sound blocking materials, and a ring part with sound blocking layers, along with sealing members to reduce noise propagation, eliminating the need for a vacuum environment and enhancing maintenance accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a vacuum environment is used to reduce noise from the gradient coil, then noise reduction is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful noise is extracted and isolated from the patient space by placing the gradient coil inside a hermetically sealed container that can be evacuated to vacuum. This separates the noise source from the environment affecting the patient, allowing vacuum to be applied only where needed rather than requiring the entire MRI system to be vacuum-sealed.
Solution Approach 2:
A hermetically sealed container acts as an intermediary between the gradient coil (noise source) and the patient space. This intermediate structure allows the gradient coil to operate in vacuum for noise reduction while maintaining normal atmospheric conditions in the patient area, and provides a barrier that isolates the vacuum environment from the rest of the system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a vacuum environment is used to reduce noise from the gradient coil, then noise reduction is achieved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct modules: the gradient coil assembly housed within the hermetically sealed container, and the rest of the MRI system operating in normal atmosphere. This segmentation allows the gradient coil to be maintained independently through the container's access ports without requiring evacuation of the entire system, significantly improving maintenance accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The hermetically sealed container is designed with pre-configured access ports and sealing mechanisms that allow maintenance personnel to access the gradient coil for repairs or replacements without needing to break the vacuum seal of the entire system. This preliminary design feature enables routine maintenance to be performed easily while the vacuum environment remains intact for noise reduction.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the gradient coil is placed in a hermetically sealed container, then noise reduction is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hermetically sealed container serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides vacuum sealing for noise reduction, acts as a structural housing for the gradient coil, and includes integrated access ports for maintenance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving effective noise reduction.
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 configuration effectively reduces noise generated by the gradient coil without the complexity of a vacuum environment, improving noise reduction capabilities and ease of maintenance compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a layer made of a sound absorbing material that absorbs sound
Implementation Method 2
a layer made of a sound blocking material that blocks sound
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes: a magnetostatic field magnet formed in the shape of a substantially circular cylinder; a gradient coil formed in the shape of a substantially circular cylinder on the inside of the magnetostatic field magnet; a cylindrical part that is formed in the shape of a substantially circular cylinder on the inside of the gradient coil and includes at least one selected from a sound absorbing material layer and a sound blocking material layer; and a ring part that is substantially ring-shaped, covers the space formed between the magnetostatic field magnet and the cylindrical part on at least one end face of a magnet structure being formed in the shape of a substantially circular cylinder and including the magnetostatic field magnet, the gradient coil, and the cylindrical part, and includes at least one selected from an sound absorbing material layer and a sound blocking material layer.