MRI Gradient Coil Temperature Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face inefficiencies due to sudden sequence discontinuation when gradient coil temperatures exceed a limit, leading to wasted resources and underutilization of the MRI apparatus's potential.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a temperature sensor and processing circuit that estimate the temperature increase of gradient coils based on imaging sequence energy consumption, allowing for adjustments to prevent overheating and optimize imaging sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermometers are installed in the gradient coils and the imaging sequence is discontinued when the temperature exceeds the limit, then the gradient coil temperature can be monitored and controlled, but the imaging sequence is wastefully discontinued even when the temperature has not critically exceeded the limit
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temperature estimation calculation before executing the imaging sequence to predict whether the gradient coil temperature will exceed the limit during the sequence. This allows advance preparation and adjustment of imaging parameters to prevent temperature exceedance, rather than simply discontinuing the sequence after temperature monitoring detects an exceedance has occurred.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts imaging parameters based on real-time temperature estimation and predictions. Instead of using a fixed discontinuation threshold, the system modifies the imaging sequence characteristics (such as reducing gradient strength or duration) to adapt to predicted temperature increases, enabling continuous operation while maintaining safety.
2Productivity
If an imaging sequence with no concern for gradient coil temperature is executed, then the imaging can continue without discontinuation, but the potential of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is not fully utilized due to temperature limitations
Solution Approach 1:
Before executing the imaging sequence, the system calculates the estimated temperature increase of the gradient coil based on the planned sequence parameters. This preliminary calculation allows the system to identify sequences that would cause excessive heating and adjust them in advance, enabling continuous imaging operation while preventing temperature-related failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes imaging parameters (such as gradient amplitude, duration, or repetition rate) based on predicted temperature increases. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system enables imaging sequences to run continuously while keeping the gradient coil temperature within safe operating limits, thus fully utilizing the apparatus potential.
3Reliability
If the imaging sequence is all of a sudden discontinued when the temperature exceeds the limit, then the gradient coil is protected from overheating, but the imaging time is wasted and resources are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temperature estimation before the imaging sequence starts, predicting the temperature trajectory throughout the sequence. This allows the system to proactively adjust imaging parameters or insert cooling intervals before the temperature actually exceeds the limit, preventing sudden discontinuation and optimizing imaging time while still protecting the gradient coil.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time temperature monitoring and estimation to provide feedback during imaging sequence execution. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts subsequent imaging parameters or pauses the sequence temporarily to allow cooling, rather than suddenly discontinuing the entire sequence. This feedback mechanism protects the gradient coil while minimizing imaging time loss.
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
Enables continuous imaging operations by predicting temperature increases, preventing overheating and maximizing the performance and imaging time of MRI systems.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor acquires a temperature
Implementation Method 2
calculates, based on the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor and the estimated value of the consumption energy, an estimated value of a temperature of the gradient coil
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a temperature sensor and a processing circuit. The temperature sensor acquires a temperature. The processing circuit calculates, based on information on an imaging sequence in which magnetic resonance imaging is to be performed, an estimated value of consumption energy of a gradient coil in a case when the imaging sequence is executed and calculates, based on the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor and the estimated value of the consumption energy, an estimated value of a temperature of the gradient coil, the temperature of the gradient coil undergoing changes as the imaging sequence is executed.